Dry, cracked feet are not only painful and unsightly, but are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. You can use over-the-counter medications for relief of minor foot cracks and to prevent new ones from developing. For best results, apply treatments consistently for at least two weeks. You should see your doctor if your cracked feet don't improve in spite of self-care, or if cracks are very painful, deep, or show signs of being infected. Consult your doctor before using remedies for foot cracks.
Cracked Skin Features
Skin cracks -- medically known as fissures -- usually appear on your feet and hands and result from abnormally dry skin, also called xerosis. Skin cracks on feet tend to appear on the heels at the intersection between the bottom and sides of the foot and on callused areas, where thick skin has formed as a reaction to pressure or friction. Skin fissures tend to worsen in winter, when harsh weather conditions and the dry air of indoor heating both conspire to dry out skin.
Risk Factors
Although excessively dry skin is a primary cause of skin fissures, other factors can contribute to them. Standing for long periods of time on hard floors, using certain medications, such as diuretics, genetics and being overweight can all play a role. Marc Mitnick, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Summit, New Jersey, says that medical conditions associated with foot cracks include diabetes, hypothyroidism, Down syndrome, kidney dsease, lymphoma, psoriasis and eczema.
Self-Care
The fact that moisturizing creams often can't penetrate the hardened calluses surrounding foot cracks makes them a challenge. Health Central advises exfoliation: gently rubbing calluses with a wet pumice stone every other day for two weeks. After softening the calluses, you should then apply a moisturizing cream containing glycolic, salicylic or lactic acids, as well as an over-the-counter athlete's foot remedy; athlete's foot often plays a role in foot cracks. Mitnick advises using an antibiotic ointment for a few weeks if your fissures are deep, employing a cotton swab to make sure the ointment contacts the entire fissure. Health Central recommends applying the medications right before bedtime, then putting on white cotton socks and wearing them overnight.
Diabetes Considerations
If you have diabetes, you should be especially vigilant regarding skin cracks. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the reduced nerve function of diabetic neuropathy means that you may lack awareness of the fissures, while germs entering through the cracks can flourish due to increased blood sugar levels. The website advises checking your feet nightly for cuts, sores, and cracks.
Things to Avoid
Although some health care professionals recommend using acrylic glue to seal skin cracks, Health Central advises against it. Mitnick concurs, saying that this could result in sealing in an infection. Mitnick also cautions against "bathroom surgery," or attempting to cut or scrape away large, thick calluses by yourself. Enlist the help of a foot care specialist. You should also banish open-backed shoes from your wardrobe, opting for well-made, well-fitting footwear with closed backs. Open-backed shoes invite fissures by allowing the skin of the heel to expand too much.
Member Comments