WHAT ARE CRACKS AND FISSUES?
Cracks and fissures are breaks in your skin, which may be the result of skin that is too dry or even too moist.
When skin is too dry, it can become rough and flaky. A large fissue often forms at the base of the heel.
When skin is too moist, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection. This can cause cracks between the toes. People who often walk barefoot or wear open shoes are at risk for dry skin. People who wear shoes without socks or shoes and socks that don’t breathe well are at risk for moist skin problems.
It can be hard to achieve the right balance of moisture in your feet.
Walking barefoot can strip your skin of its natural oil. So can wearing sandals or open shoes. Natural oils form a protective layer on your skin. Without these oils, fissures may not be able to heal on their own. Cracks and fissures leave your foot open to infection.
Moist skin can result from not drying feet after bathing, or from excess sweat. Wearing shoes without socks or shoes that don’t ventilate can trap sweat on your feet. Overly moist skin can encourage bacteria and fungus to grow. This weakens your skin, leading to cracks. Fungus can progress to athlete’s foot or thick fungal nails.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and current symptoms. He or she will also talk to you about the kinds of shoes you wear. Your doctor will then inspect your feet for breaks in the skin, growths, drainage, and redness. Your skin may also be tested for fungus.
If moist skin is causing fungus or bacteria, your doctor may apply a medication to your feet. You may be given an antifungal foot soak or lotion to take home. Oral medications may also be prescribed. If you have dry skin, your doctor may remove rough patches with a pumice or special lotion. Fissures may be taped to help them heal. An antibiotic ointment may be prescribed to soothe cracks and prevent infection.
Remember that foot pain is not normal. Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Remember that the advice provided in this page should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.
Disclaimer: Portions of this web page were copied from the American Podiatric Medical Association's (apma.org) web site. NEOFASA, Inc. makes no claims as to being the orginial author of some portions of this web page. Please feel free to visit the apma.org web site for further infomation on this subject.
