Bottom of my feet are peeling (doesn't hurt or anything) & I wear flip-flops pretty much everyday? What to do?
The bottom of my feel, like on the balls of my feet and toes is peeling. It doesn't hurt, doesn't burn, nothing. I can't feel it, it just looks pretty gross. I've worn flip flops everyday since summer began because I work at a pool. I only wear socks and athletic shoes 3 times a week, for about an hour, while I work out.
I figure it's normal, but what should I do? I freaking -HATE- the way lotion feels. And is it because my feet are dry or because there's too much moisture? I feel like too much moisture is ridiculous, seeing as I wear flip-flops everyday. but whatever.
Dr. C2009-07-22T01:13:11Z
Favorite Answer
Hi there,
I am a podiatrist (foot doctor) and peeling soles of feet are very common. It happens to everyone, and I believe it is happening to you because of the place you work - the pools. Just imagine when you are in the bath, or in the pool for a very long time, your skin starts to go wrinkly and prune like. Then after a while, it starts to peel off - this is what is happening to you. I recommend exfoliating weekly, using a pumice stone, or a pedegg (these are actually okay, but a pumice stone does the exact same thing) and just waiting it out. Its not hazardous, and nothing to worry about. Within time it should pass, but if this is a re-occurring thing, or does not go away in a few weeks, then please see a podiatrist or your local health care professional.
Regards,
Dr. C Podiatrist
*The following is an on-line diagnosis by a Podiatrist, even though I am qualified I can be wrong because I can not actually see your problem, I recommend seeing your health care professional.*
I seem to have the same problem pretty recently over the last 2 weeks or so. I noticed it all started when my boots at work got wet and I worked all day with wet socks. It was only on the right foot for a while. Like someone said above, some spots would look like a popped blister. I could peel it off and it's damp underneath. It's toward the ball of my foot and the bottom of my toes. Doesn't hurt, itch, burn, or anything. Now I just noticed two small spots on my left foot after spending some time in the lake 4 days ago. Is it too much moisture? I tried some Foot Works lotion and put that last night and covered them with socks, but I still noticed a new spot tonight.
I have had the same problem going on 2 years. It happens just to one foot. I've tried a PedEgg, pumice stone, lotions of all kinds, an battery operated foot exfoliator, foot powder....nothing works. Whatever this is that goes from the tops of my toes, in between my toes and all down the bottom of my foot to the heel, does not burn, itch or hurt. My toes and bottom of my foot are cracked, dry and peeling. There are patches of "this stuff" that almost looks like I had a blister that popped, but it's just part of the messy, drying, peeling skin. I do wear flip flops in the shower, only because my husband has fungus toes and I'm very careful not to get that on top of what I have. I wear flip flops, sandals and tennis shoes. I don't swim so it can't be contributed to that. I can grab a piece of skin from just underneath my toe and peel it halfway down my foot.
Same thing happened to me - I had my hard skin removed by a chiropodist before I went on holiday so my feet were slightly tender when wearing hard, flat scandals. So I thought it was just my feet hardening up again. However, after reading the comments above, I was in the sea or in the pool for at least 4 hours every day for 10 days - so they probably had a right old pruning! I didn't notice til 3 days after I got back and couldn't believe it, my soles were like snake skin. Anyway it came off quite easily and my feet have been fine ever since. By the way I would highly recommend a chiropody treatment if you are prone to hard skin - it's the best pamper ever!