What Are the Causes of Cracked Feet?
-
Identifying The Causes
-
The medical term for dry skin is xerosis. Xerosis can also be used to describe dry, cracked feet. The foot does not naturally retain oils and moisture the way the rest of the body does. As a result, it is very easy for the skin to dry out, especially if sandals are worn or feet are bare for long lengths of time. Allergies, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, dehydration and inattention to keeping feet clean and healthy can all cause similar cracked and dry symptoms in the feet. Any condition that prevents or lessens sweating in the body can potentially be a cause for cracked feet as well.
What Makes Cracked Feet Worse?
-
Some people are more prone to dry feet, which can lead to cracking. Others have conditions that lead to cracked heels and dry feet. Winter weather can make sore, cracked feet worse. So can dry climates or environments, ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or rub, standing for long periods of time (especially if overweight), and continual long-term inattention to the problem. If allowed to continue without treatment, the feet can become even more uncomfortable to stand or walk on. The cracks can get deeper, bleed or get infected, and the problem can become more serious. Using drying agents like alcohol, or products that have drying agents in them can make the problem worse.
-
Helping Cracked Feet Heal
-
A correct diagnosis is important to healing cracked feet. Cures for athlete's foot, a fungus that can cause dryness, cracking and itching, can make other conditions with similar symptoms worse. Knowing the cause is important. A health care provider, nurse practitioner or a dermatologist can help pinpoint the real causes and advise a safe treatment. Addressing the feet is as important as taking care of the face and all the skin of the body. Creating a cracked-feet remedy may vary from person to person depending on the diagnosis. Using heel cups can keep the cracked heels from spreading out and putting pressure on the cracked skin, pulling the cracks open further.
Aging And Cracked Feet
-
Aging of the body can cause cracked feet to appear later in life. As the body ages, its ability to stay moist becomes more difficult. Dry skin, eczema and psoriasis are symptoms of an aging, drying body. The right pair of shoes, a humidifier and a good moisturizing routine can help.
-
