Dry, peeling skin, known medically as icthyosis, may result from cold weather and removal of natural oils with frequent bathing. Dry skin can be inherited, a symptom of disease or a result of microorganisms present on the skin. Treatment depends on the cause, though moisturizing cream or ointment may help with hydration. Medline Plus warns even minor foot problems can become serious and to seek medical attention if athlete's foot symptoms last more than a month using over-the-counter treatment.
Additional Symptoms
Peeling skin turns white and lifts away from the surrounding skin. According to Medline Plus, sometimes itching occurs, and the peeling skin may happen in combination with any of these additional symptoms: swelling, redness, blistering, sores, pus and fever. These additional symptoms require medical attention.
Diagnosis
A specialist, called a podiatrist, diagnoses and treats foot conditions. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, though athlete's foot commonly results in peeling skin between the toes, scales on the sides and soles may also be athlete's foot. In addition to an examination and health questions, the physician may take skin samples by scraping the peeling area for laboratory analysis. Other possible skin conditions the physician may consider include eczema, psoriasis, inherited diseases causing peeling skin known as ichthyosis vulgaris with general dry skin and epidermolytic hyperkeratosis with extra skin growth, and medication reactions.
Athlete's Foot
The fungus causing athlete's foot is contagious by person-to-person contact or by touching infected footwear or surfaces in moist environments, like public showers and pools. According to Georgina Becerril-Chihu, M.D., and research associates at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City, a 1999 study published in "Pediatric Dermatology" compared patients with peeling skin of the foot and normal appearing skin of the foot. The study showed that 20 percent of scaly lesions had disease causing fungus and the healthy feet had a 7 percent incidence of microorganisms that may result in athlete's foot. Research at University Hospital in Madrid published in September 2000 issue of "Journal of Clinical Microbiology" indicates a presence of athlete's foot infection in adults at 4 percent for men and 1.7 percent for women.
Treatment
A physician can treat the underlying cause of dry skin and may suggest moisturizing creams for dry skin or prescribe a Vitamin A cream called tretinoin or antibiotics. Over-the-counter medications containing clotrimazole, miconazole or tolfanate control the fungus responsible for athlete's foot. Medline Plus recommends using these antifungals for up to two weeks after the infection is gone to prevent re-infection.
Prevention
Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins necessary for healthy skin. To prevent athlete's foot infection keep feet clean and dry. Medline Plus suggests wearing shoes and socks made of natural materials that don't hold sweat and moisture. Remove damp socks, and rotate shoes to avoid wearing the same pair all day, every day. Don't go barefoot in public areas.
