Cracked, dry feet are a painful nuisance that sometimes leads to infection. If you are diabetic and have any problems with your feet, see your doctor right away, as you may be prone to serious complications. If you are not diabetic, you may be able to treat your dry, cracked feet at home.
Treat Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that can cause dryness, peeling and cracking. Other symptoms include itching, burning and thickened and crumbling toenails. Treat mild cases of athlete's foot at home by keeping your feet clean and dry and applying an over-the-counter athlete's foot medication as directed. Change your socks often and wear socks and shoes made of breathable, natural materials. The Mayo Clinic suggests seeing your doctor if your symptoms do not clear up after two weeks of home treatment.
Treat Heel Fissures
Heel fissures are painful cracks in the heel. They often start as a callus, especially during the summer months, when you may be wearing open-heeled shoes. As the condition progresses, the heels become drier and cracked. If not treated, the cracks can break open, bleed and become infected. Treat mild heel fissures by applying an oil-based moisturizing cream twice daily, recommends ePodiatry. Use a pumice stone to gently remove built-up dry skin. Switch to closed-heel shoes, and wear a heel cup inside of the shoes to help support the heel and prevent further cracking. If you notice redness, severe pain or other signs of infection, see a podiatrist for treatment.
Treat Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema on the feet can cause cracking on the toes. Other symptoms include irritated skin, flaky patches of skin, itchy bumps on the soles of the feet and between the toes and thickened skin. According to Everyday Health, about 1 in 10 women and 1 in 25 men are affected with this type of eczema, which can also affect the hands. Treat mild cases at home by applying hydrocortisone ointment, keeping feet well-moisturized and taking antihistamines to relieve the itching and inflammation. If the condition becomes very painful or shows signs of infection, see your doctor.
Member Comments