Differential Diagnosis for Feet Peeling

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): This is a common fungal infection that causes peeling, itching, and cracking of the skin on the feet. It's often seen in individuals who wear tight shoes, sweat a lot, or share footwear.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Dry skin (xerosis): Dryness can cause peeling, especially during cold weather or in individuals with poor skin hydration.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): This condition can cause skin peeling, itching, and redness, often due to allergies or skin irritants.
  • Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition that can cause peeling, thickening, and scaling of the skin, including on the feet.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Diabetic foot: In people with diabetes, foot peeling can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as neuropathy or poor circulation, which can lead to severe complications if not addressed.
  • Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause peeling, redness, and swelling, and can lead to serious complications like sepsis if not treated promptly.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Kawasaki disease: A rare condition that can cause peeling of the skin on the hands and feet, along with other symptoms like fever and rash.
  • Pemphigus: A group of rare skin disorders that can cause blistering and peeling of the skin, including on the feet.
  • Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause a range of skin symptoms, including peeling, in its later stages.