What are Cracked Feet?

Dry, cracked skin on your feet is a common problem that typically develops over time. It occurs in stages, starting with a lack of moisture in the skin. Then the skin on the soles of your feet develops calluses. These are dry, thickened areas of dead skin caused by repeated friction and/or pressure. If left untreated, the skin continues to dry out leading to cracks or fissures on the heels, soles, or sides of your feet.

Fortunately, dry feet and cracked heels can often be prevented with regular pedicures. You can treat calluses at home with foot soaks, a pumice stone, and moisturizer. If self-care strategies aren't enough, see a podiatrist for more advanced treatments.

What Causes Dry, Cracked Feet?

Dry feet occur when there is a lack of moisture in the skin. Dry skin, also known as xerosis, can be due to environmental factors or an underlying health condition. Dry skin can also cause other symptoms such as itchiness, rash, and pain.

Dry skin can also set the stage for fissures (cracks in the skin), particularly on the heel. This happens when repeated friction or pressure causes the skin on the bottoms of your feet to thicken into calluses. In addition, the protective fat pads in the soles of your feet become thinner as you age. As you lose this cushioning, the skin on the already dry and hardened calluses becomes stressed.

Risk Factors for Dry, Cracked Feet

While anyone can develop dry feet and cracked heels, common risk factors include aging, being on your feet for long periods of time, going barefoot, obesity, smoking cigarettes, taking long, hot shower, wearing ill-fitting shoes, hard or unsupportive footwear, or shoes without socks and structural abnormalities of the foot can contribute to the development of calluses. These include: 

1. Bone spurs: Bony projections along the edges of bones
2. Bunions: Bony bumps at the base of the big toe
3. Hammertoes: An abnormal bend or buckling at the middle joint of a toe

As you walk and put more pressure on the area, the fat pads in the heel and ball expand, causing the skin to split. Over time, these small cracks become deeper, more painful, and may begin to bleed.

Environmental Factors

Things your body comes into contact with may sap the moisture from your skin and contribute to your feet's dryness. Environmental factors may include:

1. Heat and humidity: The inside of your shoe can get very hot. It is sometimes well over 120 Fahrenheit. This heat and humidity can cause your skin to lose moisture and thicken.
2. Skin cleansers: Certain soaps can strip protective oils from the skin. They can also leave irritating residues that contribute to dry skin.
3. Cold weather: Dry skin often worsens in the winter months. That's because cooler outdoor air is less humid. In addition, indoor heating further dries out the indoor air.

Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions can result in dry, thickened skin on the feet. These conditions include:

1. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
2. Psoriasis
3. Skin rashes caused by an allergy or irritants (contact dermatitis)
4. Leg vein problems (called venous stasis)

In children, atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common cause of dry, scaly skin on the feet.

How can I prevent cracked feet?

Your footwear is really important. You can wear closed-toe shoes and avoid going barefoot and wear insoles and/or heel pads that cushion your heels and feet.

Other ways you can prevent cracked heels:

1. Routinely moisturize your feet and heels with ointment and creams (not lotions).
2. Avoid standing for long periods of time on hard floors.
3. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Inspect your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or another condition that causes dry skin.

How can I treat cracked feet at home?

Dry, cracked feet can often be treated at home. If the prevention strategies aren't helping, you may need more advanced treatment to get rid of thick, dead skin.

1. Moisturize with thick creams or ointments (not lotions)

For hardened heels, moisturizing several times a day is crucial. This includes a thick layer at night and putting on cotton stockings afterward to help with absorption and penetration. Products with lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin and ceramides are good products to look for. If you are prone to contact allergies, avoid lanolin.

2. Soak and exfoliate

Set aside time weekly to soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a pre-packaged foot soak like Pure Epsom Salt. Soaking your feet will hydrate your skin and make it easier for a pumice stone to do its job. After your foot soaks, you can gently exfoliate and slough off (or get rid of) dead skin with a pumice stone.

3. Purchase the right footwear

Shoes and footwear are a great place to start when trying to prevent cracked feet and other foot problems. Find shoes that are comfortable and provide additional heel support. Avoid open-heel shoes, high heels, tight shoes, thongs and sandals.

4. Do Not Take Steamy Showers

We are not saying to take cold showers here (unless you want to). But if you are spending a good amount of time in a steaming hot shower, it can be drawing moisture away from your feet instead of adding it in. Reduce your water temperature to something comfortable without being overly hot, and limit the time you spend in the shower. Five minutes is good. Twenty can be overdoing it.

5. Wear Comfortable, Properly Fitting Shoes

Yes, shoe choices can matter when it comes to preventing dryness. Check out some of the benefits of having custom orthotic braces. If shoes are causing too much stress or “hot spots” in areas of the feet, it can easily lead to dryness, thickening, and cracking. Make sure your shoes provide proper support and are not too tight in the toe box, midfoot, or heel. We are always happy to help you determine what footwear choices would be best for your particular needs.

6. Apply a liquid bandage

Liquid bandage can be used over the fissures to seal the wound and prevent infections or further cracking. You can find this product over the counter at a drug store or online. Apply it on clean, dry skin. Some people use super glue to close skin cracks, but you should talk to your health care provider before trying this approach. Some commercial superglue can be toxic, depending on the brand.

7. Eat More Omega-3

We all know omega-3 is brain food, but did you know it’s also great for improving skin elasticity? This means your skin is more likely to be supple and smooth and less prone to drying out and cracking. Some excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish (such as sardines, tuna, salmon and mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds, eggs, flaxseed and dark green leafy vegetables.

8. Avoid Foot Care Products Containing Alcohol

Alcohol is known to dry out your skin, so try to avoid foot care products with alcohol in them. It may mean you have to read the labels more carefully but it will help you maintain summer ready heels all year round.

9. Seek medical attention

If you don’t find relief with home treatment, talk to your provider, a dermatologist or a podiatrist. And do not treat cracked feet on your own if they are caused by a medical condition. For severe cases, you should see a medical professional to ensure you receive the best treatment for your situation.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should see a doctor for cracked feet if:

1. You have signs of infection, such as pus, redness, swelling, warmth, or pain 
2. You have an underlying health condition like diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation 
3. The cracks are deep and painful, especially when standing 
4. The cracks don't improve after a week of treatment 

You may visit Dallas Direct Podiatry in Bethesda, Maryland or contact us today for consultation and make an online appointment. Our best podiatrist can help treat your cracked feet and will develop a treatment plan to avoid further foot problems.

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