In some cases, the skin thickens and hardens, making it more prone to cracking.
Other times, the skin becomes too thin and fragile, leading to dryness and irritation.
When sweat evaporates, it pulls moisture from the skin, leading to dryness over time.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
Cold air also reduces blood circulation to the extremities, making it harder for the skin to stay hydrated.
Indoor heating further strips moisture from the air, leading to even drier skin.
Over time, this pressure can lead to the skin becoming hardened, thickened, and eventually cracking.
The buildup of tough, dry skin can lead to cracks, especially in areas under pressure.
If you suspect an underlying issue, consider seeing a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Poor Foot Hygiene
Neglecting basic foot care can lead to dry, cracked skin.
Without regular moisturizing, the skin becomes dehydrated and rough.
Over time, this dryness can cause small cracks that worsen with prolonged walking or standing.
Cleaning your feet daily and changing socks regularly can also help prevent athlete’s foot.
Skipping exfoliation can also cause problems.
When too muchdead skinbuilds up, it turns into thick, hard patches, especially on the heels.
Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
Exfoliating
Exfoliatingremoves dead skin, preventing buildup and allowing moisturizers to penetrate better.
The method you use depends on how thick the skin is and how hard or hardened the skin is.
This creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin soft.
Liquid bandages are a special pop in of adhesive that forms a flexible, waterproof seal over broken skin.
They also help preventinfectionby keeping bacteria and dirt out while the skin heals.
After finishing your routine, avoid going barefoot, as this can lead to further dryness and cracking.
Wearing socks whenever you have shoes on helps lock in moisture and protects your feet from friction.
What Is the Best Cream for Cracked Feet?
The best creams for cracked feet contain exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients to soften thick skin.
The right specialist depends on the cause of your symptoms.
A dermatologist can diagnose and manage skin conditions affecting the feet.
You should also see a provider if your feet are painful, inflamed, or excessively itchy.
Cracked skin can lead to infection.
Even one day of neglectlike skipping moisturizer or walking barefoot on rough surfacescan undo progress and set you back.
Summary
Dry, cracked feet are due to several factors and treatment depends on the cause.
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