What Causes Them and How to Find Relief
Dry, cracked feet are a common issue that many people face. While this condition might seem harmless at first, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infections if left untreated. Understanding the causes and learning how to heal cracked feet can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall foot health. From addressing the causes of dry, cracked skin on feet to finding the best remedies, this article has you covered.
One of the most common causes of cracked feet is dry skin, especially during colder months when humidity levels drop. Excessive exposure to hot water, harsh soaps, and walking barefoot can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dry scaly feet.
Wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes can trap moisture and create friction, leading to dry cracked feet or dry skin on the toes. Shoes that don’t fit properly can also cause pressure points, contributing to cracked skin.
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that can cause cracked skin between the toes, itching, and peeling. If you’re noticing cracked or flaky skin that might seem dry, it might be a sign of athlete’s foot.
It can be difficult to know whether your symptoms are caused by eczema, Psoriasis or Athlete’s foot, and if you are experiencing the same, please read our guides on how to differentiate eczema from Athlete’s foot or how to tell psoriasis and Athlete’s foot apart and we always recommend to seek a health care professional if your symptoms go beyond Athletes foot and thus, can relate to other conditions.skin conditions can cause scaling, itching, and cracked skin with cuts on the feet. (source & source).
As we age, our skin produces less natural oil, making it prone to dryness and cracks. Older adults are more likely to experience dry flaky feet and skin that is less elastic.
White, dry skin on the feet often occurs due to prolonged moisture exposure or fungal infections like athlete’s foot. It’s common to notice this on the soles of your feet or cracked skin between toes. In some cases, it may be caused by dead skin buildup or wearing damp socks for extended periods.
Home remedies are commonly discussed as potential solutions for dry, cracked feet due to their perceived moisturizing and exfoliating benefits. While many people turn to natural options for relief, it’s important to recognize that these remedies are not always scientifically proven and may not address the underlying cause of dry, cracked skin. In some cases, they could even worsen symptoms or cause unexpected reactions.
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, they are not a substitute for medical treatments, especially if the dryness and cracking stem from underlying conditions like diabetes, eczema, or fungal infections. Additionally, natural products can still trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is the best approach to ensure proper care.
If you’re wondering how to heal cracked feet or get relief from dry, peeling skin, here are some helpful tips:
Preventing getting dry cracked feet starts with good foot care habits:
Use antifungal powders or sprays if you’re prone to fungal infections.
To address skin fungus or athlete’s foot:
If you’re looking for effective antifungal treatments, explore our LamisilAT cream.
While issues with dry, cracked feet don’t always indicate diabetes, it can be a symptom. Diabetes can cause poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy, leading to cracks and cuts or numbness in the feet, but these symptoms rarely stand alone if related to diabetes. We recommend seeking healthcare professionals if experiencing other simultaneous symptoms beyond dry skin on feet.
Your feet can reflect your overall health (source). Chronic dry skin on feet or cracked feet can sometimes point to underlying issues like:
While occasional dry skin is normal, persistent issues should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Dry, cracked feet can be uncomfortable, but with proper care, you can restore soft, healthy skin. Whether you’re dealing with causes like fungal infections or simply need a good at home treatment, consistent foot care can make all the difference. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional can provide further guidance.
Extremely dry feet are often caused by environmental factors like cold weather, prolonged exposure to water, harsh soaps, and aging. Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or eczema can also contribute to dry feet.
The best remedy includes exfoliating dead skin and moisturizing regularly with a thick cream. Foot soaks can also help soften dry skin.
Dry feet don’t always mean diabetes, but persistent dryness, especially with cracked skin or numbness, can be a symptom of poor circulation caused by diabetes.
Deficiencies in vitamins like vitamin E and C can contribute to dry feet. (Source)
Dry cracked feet can result from dry skin, fungal infections like athlete’s foot, wearing tight shoes, prolonged standing, or medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders.
To fix cracked skin, moisturize daily, exfoliate with a pumice stone, and use thick creams or natural oils. For fungal causes, use antifungal treatments.
Dry, cracked feet can indicate underlying health issues, but can also relate to other less critical causes. It is important to be informed about different causes, how to maintain a good foot healthcare routine, what footwear and clothes are best for one’s skin, and how symptoms and conditions you experience simultaneously impact your body. For severe symptoms, we recommend seeking a healthcare professional.
www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/athletes-foot-tinea-pedis-a-to-z
www.apma.org/patients-and-the-public/conditions-affecting-the-foot-and-ankle/psoriasis/
medlineplus.gov/hypothyroidism.html#:~:text=Hypothyroidism%2C%20or%20underactive%20thyroid%2C%20happens,way%20the%20body%20uses%20energy.
www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/why-are-my-heels-cracked
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9710417/
www.texasfootdoctor.org/blogs/item/342-cracked-heels-and-vitamin-deficiencies
