Skin peels so that dead cells can be eliminated and new cells can emerge. Several different conditions can cause the skin on the area of the toes to peel. They include athlete's foot and dry skin. Skin on the toes that continues to peel may require a visit to the doctor.
Athlete's Foot
This condition is a fungal infection affecting the areas of the body that are often moist, such as the parts between the toes and other areas of the foot, according to MayoClinic.com. This condition causes itching, burning, stinging, excessive dryness, itchy blisters, peeling and cracking skin and toenail issues, such as thickness and discoloration.
Antifungal topical medications are most often used to treat athlete's foot. Over-the-counter products work for many people, but if they do not, prescription antifungal medications can be prescribed. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications can be beneficial.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is common and can range from mild to severe. This condition causes skin tightness, rough-looking skin, cracks or fine lines, deep fissures, dehydrated or shrunken-looking skin, redness, itching, scaling, peeling or flaking, according to MayoClinic.com.
Most patients are able to treat and control their dry skin from home with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding hot showers and baths and using moisturizers. If the condition cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes or if there is any underlying condition, prescription creams can be beneficial.
Scarlet Fever
This bacterial illness is characterized by a full-body rash consisting of small, pinkish-red spots. Those who have had certain conditions, such as impetigo or strep throat, can be affected, says the New Zealand Dermatological Society. In addition to the characteristic rash, patients can experience a sudden fever along with swollen neck glands, nausea, loss of appetite, red and swollen tongue, body aches, sore throat, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and general discomfort. The skin can feel like sandpaper initially, and by day six, it can look similar to a sunburn. Once the sunburn look begins, the skin on the groin, toes, fingers and armpits can begin.
Antibiotics like penicillin are often used to treat scarlet fever. Most patients will take this medication for about 10 days. Fever, sore throat and headache can be relieved by paracetamol or acetaminophen.
