Macerated skin between toes. . A 64-year-old male presents to the clinic complaining of dry, flaky skin between his toes with noticeable redness. It’s usually a mix of moisture, friction, and a fungal infection — and it can get painful fast. They occur when fungi (tiny organisms) grow and multiply on the skin, especially in warm, moist areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, feet, and between skin folds. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments. Athlete's foot is a common skin infection that typically occurs between the toes, especially between the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Skin maceration commonly develops in areas prone to moisture, such as between toes or under skin fo Interdigital maceration is a condition that occurs when the skin between the toes is exposed to moisture and dampness for too long leading to the characteristic softening, white appearance and breakdown of the skin. A 33-year-old otherwise healthy male presents complaining of foul-smelling, itchy and macerated skin between his third and fourth toes. Its is as a result of too much moisture within the layers of the skin. After bathing or showering, meticulously dry the feet, paying extra attention to the spaces between the toes, perhaps using a hairdryer on a cool setting to ensure complete dryness. The interdigital space is colonised by polymicrobial flora, producing a precarious balanced cutaneous ecosystem. It’s more than just an inconvenience; it’s the hallmark of maceration between toes, a frustrating condition whe Fungal growth between fingers and toes can cause skin maceration. Choosing the right footwear and hosiery is also a significant preventive step against recurrence. Interdigital maceration of the skin occurs when the normal balance of the water content is disrupted because of either excessive production of moisture (ie sweating) or if the evaporation of that moisture is impaired (ie between the toes). A 48-year-old patient presents with a superficial erosion between his toes. Learn more about what causes it, symptoms of skin maceration, and more. Visual Indicators: This odor is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as peeling skin, white macerated tissue between the toes, redness, or itching. Interdigital maceration of the feet are a condition that takes place when the skin between the toes results in being excessively damp as well as soft because of prolonged experience of dampness. It can be a direct pathway for bacterial entry leading to cellulitis or an ulcer. This disorder is often seen in individuals who wear closed footwear or hosiery for long periods of time, especially throughout hot and humid weather conditions. How did I get this? Increased pressure between your toes possibly caused by any or all of the following: tight shoes, bony lumps, enlarged joints, thick toenails. 2 Damage to the stratum corneum of the skin from contact dermatitis, psoriasis, maceration, interdigital erythrasma or dermatophytosis can lead to a bacterial superinfection. Imagine peeling off your socks after a long day, only to find the skin between your toes wrinkled, soggy, and that tell-tale unnerving white. Placing absorbent materials like gauze between the toes can also help limit friction and moisture accumulation, reducing fungal growth. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing these ulcers. In this blog, we will walk you through our process on treating maceration or athlete's foot. This superficial infection of the skin has a bluish-green purulence, a “grape juice” aromatic odor and a moth eaten appearance of the epidermis with macerated borders. She described the itch as severe at times. A foot or toe ulcer is an open wound or sore that can be difficult to heal. A proper diagnosis becomes vital because wrong treatment can make these conditions worse. Toe fungus, also known as tinea pedis or athlete’s foot, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes. This problem is commonly affecting those who use closed footwear or hosiery for extended periods of time, especially throughout humid and hot weather. 1 Patients present with erythematous macerations between digits Bacterial toe web infection or foot bacterial intertrigo is a condition characterised by malodorous maceration of both the foot and interdigital spaces due to bacterial infection often accompanied by itching and pain. Interdigital maceration is a very common skin disorder observed as the softening and whitening of skin between the toes, usually leading to discomfort and also elevated the likelihood of infections. It may occur as a result of not drying efficiently between your toes, excessive sweating (or hyperhidrosis), or… The bottom of your feet can turn white due to moisture buildup, skin peeling, fungal infections, or poor circulation affecting skin color and texture. Palmoplantar punctate keratoderma. Wetness between the toes (interdigital maceration) is when the skin has too much moisture and that moisture cannot escape. In severe cases, the epidermis can become infected, resulting in more serious issues. Skin Protectant: Skin protectants allow the adhesive wound dressings to be applied even when the skin is damaged and allow for a wound healing environment. As the disorder moves along, it might lead to the formation of painful cracks or lesions, raising the risk of secondary bacterial infections. Patients commonly present with a light rash along the skin of the plantar foot or with macerated digital interspaces (having wet skin in between the toes that commonly turns white/yellow). What is causing my skin between my toes to be white? Not drying between the toes after showering or being at a swimming pool or spa. Splitting skin between the toes can be both painful and alarming, especially when it’s not caused by athlete’s foot. The persistent dampness softens the skin, causing maceration, which often appears as white or wrinkled patches and compromises the skin’s barrier function. Ever wonder why your skin looks white and shriveled when you take off a bandage you’ve been wearing for a while? It’s due to maceration. Studies that compared the effect of a skin protectant with a placebo for prevention of wound maceration found them to be effective. Not only is macerated skin unsightly, but it’s also more prone to injury and infection. In podiatry, we recommend both types of topical solutions (astringent and evaporative) for people who experience ongoing macerated skin between the toes. The differential for maceration of the toe web includes gram-negative infection, gram-positive infection, candida albicans infection, severe tinea pedis, and eczematous dermatitis. The bottom of your foot turns white due to prolonged moisture exposure, skin peeling, or certain medical conditions affecting skin hydration and circulation. It may occur because of damp feet, not drying between toes after bathing, or excess sweating. Previous treatments included a variety of over-the-counter remedies with some improvement but without complete resolution. Action Plan: Treatment centers on moisture control and microbial elimination. What can I Foot maceration results from moisture, sweating, and lack of perspiration that create the conditions for bacterial infection between the toes Do you have interdigital space maceration? This is white, often peeling skin that occurs between the toes. It occurs due to a combination of factors: increased moisture and maceration of the skin, microtrauma, disruption of the skin barrier, and microbial colonization. Learn about the causes, signs, and management tips for faster healing. DATA SOURCE This review encompassed many years of clinical observation and photographs; medical textbooks; and a literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. This guide includes information about causes, symptoms, treatments, and more. STUDY SELECTION Primary research keywords included intertrigo, toe web intertrigo, toe web infection, tinea pedis, microbiome, skin microbiome, toe web microbiome, ecology, psoriasis Tinea pedis may present as: Interdigital type - most common type, characterized by white, cracked, or macerated areas between the toes Moccasin type –presents with scaly and thickened skin with hyperkeratosis and erythema which involves the entire sole and side of the foot Pitted keratolysis, also known as ringed keratolysis, is a superficial bacterial skin infection characterised by crater-like pits and malodour. It is a result of too much moisture within the layers of the skin. His self treatment includes using Skin maceration is overhydration of the skin, and it can cause complications. He wears socks with his shoes but has not been wearing his compression stockings for the past several weeks. The peeling skin between the toes, technically known as interdigital maceration, is the body’s reaction to damage in the outermost layer of skin. Maceration is one of the primary consequences of moisture accumulation between the toes. Openings like this can let in bacteria and can cause limb and life threatening cellulitis, abscess and sepsis. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antifungal cream, topical corticosteroids, or antibiotics. Erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica, a fungal infection affecting the skin between the toes, can be effectively treated through various methods. Sometimes very hard and dry Sometimes the thick skin is soft, white and macerated (soft corn) There may also be a fungal infection The worst cases may blister and form a wound. This disorder is commonly associated Understanding skin maceration is crucial for effective wound care. Masceration between the toes is often caused by sweating feet, shoes or socks that are too small or the incorrect position of the toes. Yet surprisingly, neither are in popular use in skin maceration treatment in the athletic arena. Can you make You can best prevent interdigital maceration by wearing well-breathing, properly sized socks and appropriate shoes. It occurs when the skin becomes soft, pale, and wrinkled due to excessive moisture exposure. It turns the skin white and eventually the skin breaks down. In South Florida, its hot and humid which the fungus thrive in. We explore what wound maceration is, how it can be treated and if it can be prevented. Oct 22, 2025 · Skin peeling between the toes has several potential causes, including athlete's foot, healing skin, damp environments, and eczema. This has been present for at least a week. 2 The most common organism responsible for bacterial toe web infections is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To present the toe web space as an anatomically, physiologically, and pathologically unique part of the human body; characterize toe web infections and discuss why they occur; and highlight toe web psoriasis as an uncommon condition that providers A 39-year-old female presented to my office with the chief complaint of a rash between her big toe and second toe for a six-month duration. It can occur on any area of the body, but is more commonly found in areas prone to trapping moisture such as underneath breasts or between toes. Common Skin Infections Let’s Talk About Fungal Infections Fungal infections are among the most common skin problems seen in both adults and children. It presents in the toe webs. Pseudomonal pyoderma. Interdigital tinea: Presents as macerated, white, peeling, or fissured skin between the toes, sometimes with underlying redness. He denies pruritus and has not scratched in between his toes. This skin breakdown happens when the balance of moisture and microbial life is disturbed in the narrow spaces between the toes. Mixed toe web infections begin with dermatophyte growth, but progressive inflammation and skin damage allow for bacteria growth. A 78-year-old Black man presents for evaluation of a pruritic rash in the webspace between the first and second toe. Learn more about skin maceration and how to treat it. There is no history of trauma. Dec 18, 2024 · Split skin between toes can have several non-fungal causes that look similar to athlete’s foot. Unlike athlete’s foot, split skin between toes can stem from other skin conditions, excessive dryness, or even friction from tight shoes. Read about conditions such as dyshidrotic eczema, athlete's foot, treatments, and more. 43 Likes, TikTok video from drjackiesutera (@drjackiesutera): “Peeling, macerated skin, and fungus between the toes is a common thing I treat. He has not applied any treatments in the last week. What Is Interdigital Space Maceration? Interdigital space maceration is the white, often peeling skin that occurs between toes. o does not respond to treatment. Maceration usually occurs between the toes, where moisture stagnates the longest, but can also spread to the rest of the foot. This is especially dangerous for Itching between the toes is a common complaint in adults and children. Preventive measures are crucial for patients prone to recurrent Itching and sores between the toes: maceration or fungal infection? MeSH terms Causality Dermatitis, Occupational* / diagnosis Dermatitis, Occupational* / etiology Dermatitis, Occupational* / prevention & control Diagnosis, Differential Foot Dermatoses* / diagnosis Foot Dermatoses* / etiology Foot Dermatoses* / prevention & control Humans Humidity Male Middle Aged Nurse Practitioners Primary Macerated skin is a common condition that results from the skin being in contact with large amounts of moisture for a lengthy period. Summary Painful thick skin between the toes. With this condition, there is obvious thickening of the stratum corneum with scaling. He is not sure how long he has had the problem. He denies pain but reports intermittent bouts of scaling and clear drainage between his toes. This simple act prevents the maceration that precedes skin breakdown. Nov 28, 2023 · Interdigital maceration normally presents with redness, shedding, and softening of the epidermis amongst the toes. Interdigital maceration—commonly recognized as the soft, white, sometimes peeling skin that develops between the toes—is a deceptively simple condition that can significantly affect comfort, mobility, and overall foot health. Skin between the toes can peel due to fungus, bacteria, or an allergy. In cases of severe maceration or vesiculation, Burow solution (1% aluminum acetate) may be used as a soak to reduce moisture and maceration. Macerated skin occurs due to prolonged exposure to moisture. Skin maceration is a common condition in which the skin becomes pale and soft due to prolonged exposure to moisture. Broken skin is vulnerable to yeast and bacterial infections. We also have a video that may reflect previous treatment plans. There are numerous of similar problems for example an athlete’s foot infection which can additionally result in the signs and symptoms. Jun 2, 2022 · Interdigital maceration is a condition that occurs when the skin between the toes is exposed to prolonged moisture or friction, leading to the softening, white appearance and breakdown of the skin. Ultimately, she would have scaling of skin where the blisters were located. Macerated skin appears almost as if it has been cooked, which is a key difference when distinguishing it from hyperhidrosis. Interdigital maceration on the foot is a condition that happens when the skin in between the toes will become exceedingly damp as well as soft because of continuous contact with wetness. The patient noticed tiny blisters that would pop and express a clear fluid. Topical antifungal creams or ointments are commonly prescribed to combat the infection and reduce inflammation. The skin between the toes might start to peel off or split, and blisters may well develop. Interdigital maceration is when there is too much moisture between the toes and this causes the skin to become white, and sometimes causes the skin to start peeling. b8u8ei, 1l6q, huumb, 6tkf, rpaya, ntho6, yylg3, ko5lr, jqigdw, msidf,