During seasonal changes, skin peeling can occur from the palms to the soles of the feet, similar to shedding snake skin. This symptom can start in childhood and continue into adulthood. Initially, the skin may peel off gradually, but the condition can worsen, leading to the entire palm and sole peeling off and potentially leading to bleeding or pain. Therefore, it’s essential to understand why the skin on palms and soles peels off. What could be the 10 reasons for sudden skin peeling?
Dry Weather During Seasonal Changes
During seasonal changes, the weather becomes dry, peeling skin on the palms and soles. This symptom generally does not occur in healthy individuals, so it may arise if one has weakened immunity, frequent stress, or dry skin. If the dry weather during seasonal changes causes skin peeling on palms and soles, applying lotion, nourishing cream, hand cream, or foot cream to provide moisture is advisable.
Dermatitis From Household Chores
Engaging in household chores can expose hands to water dozens of times a day, potentially leading to dermatitis. This risk increases if one does laundry or dishes without gloves, as surfactants or caustic soda can contact the skin, causing peeling. Therefore, wearing rubber gloves when repeating tasks involving water exposure is recommended.
Underlying Diseases
Peeling skin on the palms can be a symptom of underlying diseases, such as dyshidrosis, due to continuous stress, chronic fatigue, or nutritional imbalances.
Exfoliative Keratolysis
This condition can cause the palms or soles to turn red and peel, especially in dry and sensitive environments. It can worsen with frequent contact with soap, detergents, and other chemicals or in cases of hyperhidrosis. Normal skin barrier function is compromised, leading to dryness and potential pain from minor irritations.
Genetic or Allergic Causes
Skin psoriasis, genetic factors, or bodily predispositions can cause the palms and soles to peel. Allergic reactions to specific substances can also trigger symptoms, so it is beneficial to use products that enhance moisture, such as moisturizing and nourishing hand and foot creams.
Peeling Skin Syndrome
This condition results in the formation of blister-like pockets on the palms, peeling off like thin plates. It usually affects the sides of the fingers or soles. As it is asymptomatic, treatment isn’t always necessary, but symptoms can be improved with moisturizers, topical steroids, salicylic acid, or ammonium lactate.
Athlete’s Foot
The most common cause of peeling soles is a fungal infection like athlete’s foot. If the feet are infected, it’s only a matter of time before the toenails are affected. It’s advisable to use antifungal spray on shoes, and if symptoms persist, seek a precise diagnosis and prescription from a doctor.
Vigorous Exercise
Intense exercise does not cause the sole skin to peel, but sweating and damp conditions can facilitate fungal infections. Avoid exercising barefoot, sharing mats, or doing hot yoga in humid conditions. Alternating between two pairs of sneakers can help keep feet dry.
Dehydration
Lack of moisture can cause the skin, including the soles, to become dry, itchy, and flaky. It’s recommended to use unscented moisturizing cream liberally. Creams containing glycolic acid or urea are beneficial for hardened and rough areas. Applying petroleum jelly to the feet and wearing cotton socks to bed can also help.
Poor Gut Health
Digestive issues or discomfort can also require attention, as poor gut health can lead to skin peeling. If the gut absorbs substances it shouldn’t, causing inflammation elsewhere, improving gastrointestinal function can also soothe skin symptoms.
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