Whether you have light cracks on your heels or red cracks between your toes, cracked feet can be irritating. Usually, cracked feet and toes don't present any serious health problems. However, cracks can cause pain. Deeper cracks may become infected and can even bleed. General foot care can help you avoid most foot cracks. Treating your cracked feet early helps to avoid further complications.
Causes and Cracked Toes
Cracked feet and toes can happen for several reasons. Less serious conditions include the fungal growth athlete's foot, an allergic reaction, or simply having dry skin. More difficult-to-treat conditions include eczema and dermatitis. In some rarer cases, the cracked skin may be related to diabetes. The area between the toes is often susceptible to cracks from fungal infections and damp skin rubbing together.
Cracked Heels
Dry, dead skin causes light cracks to appear on the heel, according to ePodiatry.com. You can get rid of this with a pumice stone or even some sandpaper. Gently rub your heel with the stone or sandpaper until you see a white powder come off your feet. Don't rub too hard. Wash your feet and soak for a few minutes in warm water. Repeat a few times a week, according to advice from the Ohio State University Student Health Service. A thicker layer of hard, dead skin may cause deeper cracks that can become infected and cause a lot of pain.
Cracked Feet and Diabetes
Diabetes can lower blood circulation in the feet. This leads to an inability to feel pain or discomfort in the feet, according to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Reduced circulation means that feet are more likely to experience cracked heels and toes. Cracks can trigger infections and further damage if left untreated. Seek specialist advice from your doctor if you have diabetes before trying any home foot treatments.
General Treatments
For general cracked feet and toes, aim to keep your feet dry and well-aired. Use foot powder after showering to combat athlete's foot. Wear clean socks every day, or wear open sandals, according to the University of Michigan Health Center. Avoid using petroleum jelly or moisturizers, according to the University of Columbia's Go Ask Alice health service. However, you could try tea tree oil, which acts as a natural anti-fungal.
Specialist Treatment
Podiatrists or doctors may use specialist treatments for deeper or inflamed cracked feet and toes. Heel straps or heel cups can help relieve painful cracked heels. Podiatrists may prescribe specialist ointments or emollients, according to ePodiatry.com. In some serious cases, you may need antibiotics to deal with foot infections.
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