Elizabeth Pratt is a medical journalist based in Australia. She has a Master's degree in Health Communication and a Bachelor's degree in journalism. 

Adam H. Kaplan, DPM, is a podiatrist who has been in private practice for over 5 years in New Jersey and specializes in a wide scope of foot care.

Skin peeling between the toes has several potential causes. Fungal infection, healing skin, damp environments, and underlying conditions may cause the skin between the toes to peel.

This article discusses the causes of skin peeling between the toes, treatment options, prevention strategies, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Fungal infection (athlete's foot) is almost always the cause of skin peeling between the toes. You may have other conditions or develop a complication, such as cellulitis.

Also called tinea pedis , athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by a type of fungus that feeds on old skin cells.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot can be found in warm and damp areas like locker rooms, pools, and showers. Anyone can get tinea pedis, whether or not they are an athlete.

If you have had trauma between your toes (such as stepping on something sharp while barefoot) or you developed a friction blister, the skin will heal through several stages. The old skin will peel away after new skin has closed the wound.

People with diabetes may develop open sores, called diabetic ulcers, on their feet. This can happen between the toes. They may have decreased sensation due to peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and not notice that an ulcer has developed. Diabetes can also lead to poor blood flow in the feet, which impairs healing.

Diabetes also increases the risk of fungal infection between the toes. This can further complicate the healing of ulcers.

Contact dermatitis can occur on any area of the skin that comes into contact with something irritating to the skin.

There are various materials used to make shoes, including:

Several chemicals are used in the production of leather and rubber for shoes. Skin coming into contact with any of these materials can cause contact dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the hands, feet, toes, and fingers. It is more common in people with other forms of eczema (an inflammatory skin condition that causes an itchy rash), and it often runs in families.

This form of eczema only impacts the hands and feet (including between the toes). Symptoms may include:

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. All skin has bacteria living on its surface, but a skin infection can occur when there is a crack or break in the skin.

Skin peeling between the toes is a risk factor for developing cellulitis. Also, the affected skin may peel later in the course of cellulitis.

Cellulitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

As the skin heals, it may also peel and fall off.

Also called immersion foot, trench foot is a condition caused by feet being exposed to damp, cold conditions for an extended period. Trench foot was common among soldiers in World War I. They had to stand in trenches filled with water and mud for long periods.

Contact a healthcare provider if you have peeling skin between the toes that bothers you. Seek immediate medical care for signs of cellulitis, such as hot, red, taut skin, or a rash or sores spreading or streaking up the leg or arms.

Treating skin peeling between the toes will depend on the underlying cause.

While it is not always possible to prevent all of the causes of skin peeling between the toes, some steps can prevent it:

Peeling between the toes is typically caused by a fungal infection (athlete's foot) but can be caused by bacterial infections, underlying health conditions, and damp feet. It is important to see a healthcare provider to identify the cause of skin peeling. If left untreated, it may spread and become uncomfortable.

Treatment options vary but may include topical creams or ointments, medications, and phototherapy. Practicing good hygiene, wearing sandals in public showers, and keeping the feet warm, clean, and dry can help prevent skin peeling between the toes.

Dealing with skin peeling between the toes can be uncomfortable. If you are worried about the symptoms you are experiencing, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider. They will be able to identify what is causing your symptoms and come up with a plan to treat them.

Skin peeling between the toes is usually due to a fungal infection. In some cases, if left untreated, it can spread and become painful. If you are experiencing symptoms like skin peeling, consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider.

Studies suggest more than 70% of people in the United States will experience athlete's foot at some stage in their life. But it's not just athletes who get athlete's foot, anyone can be affected by the condition.

If the skin is no longer in contact with the substance that is causing irritation, contact dermatitis may clear up on its own. In some cases, treatments like creams or ointments may be required.

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Endotext. Skin manifestations of diabetes mellitus.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.

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