Dry cracked feet may cause physical discomfort and affect the appearance of your feet. Cracked heels may cause tears and pain in your feet and affect your ability to walk and exercise. Understanding the different causes of and solutions to dry and cracked feet empowers you to provide your feet with proper care.
Features
Dry and cracked feet present as flaky, peeling skin and the dryness may cause fissures in your feet. The cracks and rough skin renders your feet susceptible to infection and irritation.
Causes
Understanding what causes your dry cracked feet is imperative to treatment. Dry cracked may be symptomatic of a larger health concern. For example, wearing sandals or shoes that expose your feet to the ground may be the culprit, while in other cases a medical condition may be causing the problem. Athlete's foot is a fungal infections with such symptoms as dry, cracked and flaking skin on your feet.
Diabetes may cause nerve damage in your feet and legs, decreasing the amount of moisture in your feet and leading to dry and cracked feet. Eczema, dry skin and allergic reactions may all contribute to dry and cracked feet.
Solutions
An anti-fungal powder or cream may help improve your dry feet if you have athlete's foot. MedlinePlus recommends wearing clean, cotton socks and washing your feet with warm water and soap and drying them completely at least twice a day. Wetness may exacerbate symptoms associated with athlete's foot.
Regardless of the cause, self-treatment may help relieve your dry and cracked skin. In addition to washing your feet, applying lotion afterward will moisturize your skin. The American Diabetic Association recommends lathering petroleum jelly on your feet and sealing them with socks. ADA cautions against soaking your feet which may cause more dryness. Extreme dryness may require a medical cream or stronger treatment.
Prevention
While dry and cracked feet may not be completely preventable if they are related to a larger health condition, there are certain steps that may help prevent dry feet or reduce future symptoms. Wearing well ventilated shoes, changing your socks regularly and drying your feet after getting them wet may help alleviate symptoms.
Drinking water helps hydrate your skin and may reduce dryness. Wearing shoes prevents friction between your feet and the ground which may cause dryness and cracking.
Considerations
Contact your doctor if you have diabetes or a history of athlete's foot or any other skin condition. Schedule an evaluation with a dermatologist if your dry and cracked skin persists over time and does not respond to self treatment. A dermatologist may be able to identify triggers, stresses and irritants if eczema or an allergic reaction is causing your feet to crack and dry.
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