What Are the Causes of Fissures on Feet?
Foot fissures (or cracks) are a common problem. When fissures are deep, standing is painful and your skin can bleed. In severe cases, infection also is possible.
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Identification
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Naturally dry skin predisposes feet to crack. The callus (thickened dry skin) around your heel is more likely than other parts to crack. This is because people usually increase pressure on the heels when walking.
Moist Skin
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Overly moist skin can enable fungus and bacteria to grow, which weakens your skin, causing fissures. The skin on your feet becomes moist from excess sweat or not drying your feet after bathing.
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Other Causes
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Age, being overweight, prolonged standing and skin conditions like eczema can cause fissures. Diabetes, athlete's foot and flat feet are additional causes.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of fissures on your feet include itchy, peeled or cracked skin at the outer edges of your heels or yellow or dark skin on your heels. Pain while walking is another symptom of fissures.
Prevention/Solution
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You can prevent fissures by wearing proper shoes. If your skin is too moist, your doctor may give you oral medication or anti-fungal foot lotion. If your skin is too dry, your doctor can prescribe antibiotic ointment for your feet.
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