What's wrong with the skin on my feet?

The skin on my feet is sometimes really dry, ashy, and cracked. Other times the skin bubbles up and turns white, usually from showers, swimming, etc. In both instances I can peel the skin off my feet - gross!

Then there are other times, once in a while, when my feet look pretty normal. I went to a dermatologist who tested them for fungus but said it wasn't - but it sure looks like it!

Generally if I put something like vaseline on my feet they look good in the morning, but if I don't then they go back to "normal"

Please help!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for your skin’s symptoms is exfoliative keratolysis. The first sign is one or more superficial air-filled blisters on the fingers or palms. The blisters burst to leave tender, circular areas. The symptoms are aggravated by exposure to irritants including water, soap, detergents and solvents. Treatment includes protection from irritants, emollients hand creams and phototherapy in severe cases.

If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist and get eczema ruled out. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for your skin’s symptoms is exfoliative keratolysis. The first sign is one or more superficial air-filled blisters on the fingers or palms. The blisters burst to leave tender, circular areas. The symptoms are aggravated by exposure to irritants including water, soap, detergents and solvents. Treatment includes protection from irritants, emollients hand creams and phototherapy in severe cases.

If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist and get eczema ruled out. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[yuckyfeet]

I want to thank you so much for your answer. I looked up this condition, and it looks and sounds exactly like what is wrong with my feet. I have been in touch with a dermatologist regard photo light chemotherapy - I will let you know how it goes!

[yuckyfeet]

Just an update - I did the exfoliative treatment with photo chemotherapy and it didn't work :(

Do you know what cream called 17% L(?)-ine would be? Hope you can help me!