If you suffer from dry, cracked feet, you are not alone. Cracked heels are a common foot condition that may affect one in five adults in the U.S.
There are several reasons that may cause your feet to be dry and cracked.
- You might have naturally dry skin.
- Age also plays a role in having dry skin
- Continuous water exposure can also lead to dry skin
- Using harsh soaps can be drying to the skin
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
- Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s Foot By Wes Washington (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems
- Dry air can also cause dry, cracked skin on the feet.
- Standing for long periods of time, putting much pressure on your feet.
- Wearing open shoes or sandals exposes the skin on the bottom of your feet to dust and dirt. When skin is exposed, this can make your skin dry and more likely to crack.
Most often, you also experience pain when the bottom of your foot is dry and cracked. The heel is a vulnerable area because here, the skin is thin and delicate.
For very dry skin on the feet, a good moisturizing cream is a must. Although a foot lotion can provide hydration, this also has high water content and thinner consistency compared to creams. Thus, for extremely dry skin on the feet, using foot cream is the better choice. When you use moisturizers, this not only hydrates skin but also helps lock in moisture. Regular use of foot creams can help prevent your skin from cracking again in the the future.
Fungal infection such as athlete’s foot is also a common reason for dry, thick and cracked feet. In addition, itching and burning may be present. If fungus is present, then you would need an antifungal medication plus a moisturizer. The combination of the two can be very effective in these cases.
If the bottom of your feet are cracked and dry, it is important to treat early, before they become a big problem, and even at risk for infection. So if you find yourself in this situation, it is best to see your podiatrist right away.
Family Foot & Leg Center has offices located throughout Southwest Florida, offering the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Cracked and dry heels? schedule an appointment at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule online with our award-winning podiatrists.
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