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What does it mean to have cracked skin of the feet?
This is a condition when the skin is cracked.
This may include the skin of the feet, the toes, or both.
Images of cracked skin of the feet
Below: Image of cracked skin on the heel of a darker skinned child.
Below: Image of cracked skin on the heel of a lighter skinned child.
What causes cracked skin of the feet?
A common cause of cracked skin is repeated exposure to moisture.
Swimmers often have this problem.
Wet and sweaty socks are another common cause.
When the cracks are on the heels, it is called “tennis shoe dermatitis”.
Spending a lot of time barefoot walking or running on hard surfaces can cause it.
Wearing open-heeled shoes like thongs, flip-flops, or sandals can irritate the skin of the heels.
Dry weather during the winter can cause cracked skin of the feet.
Indoor heating can dry the feet out and cause cracking.
Use of harsh soaps or excessive scrubbing of the feet can cause cracks.
If your child takes multiple showers or baths per day with hot water, this can cause the skin to crack.
If your child has certain medical conditions like:
Atopic dermatitis/eczema.
Fungal infections of the feet.
Dry skin.
Diabetes.
You have been told that your child has a BMI over the 95th percentile.
Some medications can cause dryness.
So be sure to tell your child’s primary healthcare provider about any medications your child is taking.
How is cracked skin of the feet diagnosed?
Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you and your child (if age appropriate) a number of questions.
Your child’s healthcare provider will examine your child.
Usually by talking to you and examining your child, the diagnosis can be made.
If your child’s healthcare provider has any additional concerns, they may refer your child to a dermatologist or a podiatrist (a foot doctor).
What are the symptoms of cracked skin of the feet?
The cracks may be anywhere on the feet, including the toes.
The cracks are painful and the pain may increase when exposed to soap or water.
The cracks may cause pain when your child walks or puts pressure on their feet.
The cracked area may bleed at times.
The skin may also feel hard, dry, or thickened.
The area may feel itchy at times.
How do I prevent my child from having cracked skin of the feet?
Use lotions, creams, oils, or petrolatum on the feet to keep the skin hydrated.
Applying two to three times daily is ideal.
Avoid hot showers, instead take warm showers.
Take sweaty, wet socks off as soon as possible.
Pack extra socks when possible to have your child change when they can.
Try to keep the feet as dry as possible.
Wear shoes that allow the feet to “breathe”.
Shoe material to look for would be:
Cotton, mesh, knit fabrics, eucalyptus tree fiber, leather with the tiny holes in it.
Try to minimize the use of open-heeled shoes like flip-flops, sandals, and thongs.
Going barefoot allows the feet to breathe which is helpful.
Avoid rough surfaces to keep the skin of the feet from getting scratched and irritated.
Encourage your child to drink lots of water to keep their skin hydrated.
Avoid scrubbing the feet or using harsh soaps.
How is cracked skin of the feet treated?
Keep the skin of your child’s feet hydrated with lotions, creams, and thick emollients like petrolatum (for example, Aquaphor and Vaseline).
Applying two to three times per day is ideal.
Encourage your child to drink a lot of water.
Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies.
This helps them with needed vitamins and minerals for their skin.
Try to keep the feet dry.
Take sweaty, wet socks off as soon as possible.
Pack extra socks in your child’s backpack so they can change them when possible.
Avoid hot showers, try to use warm water instead.
Avoid using harsh soaps and scrubbing feet, as this can cause the skin to break down.
Avoid wearing open-heeled shoes, flip-flops, sandals, and thongs.
Going barefoot can be helpful for air exposure for the feet.
Avoid rough surfaces while barefoot.
For mild to deep cracks, you can use these over-the-counter products:
Liquid sealants (for example, Kerasal, Heel-Seal, HelsRx)
Skin healing bandages.
Follow the directions on the package.
It may take weeks to months for the cracks to heal.
The longer the cracks have been there, the longer it will take them to heal.
Your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe a medication if there are concerns for an infection. An example of a skin infection of the foot is pitted keratolysis. Click here to learn more about this condition.
Your child’s healthcare provider may refer your child to a dermatologist or podiatrist (foot doctor).
When to contact your healthcare team:
Your child’s skin cracks are not improving or getting worse.
Your child’s skin cracks look red, irritated, or infected.
Your child is complaining of pain.
You have concerns about your child’s skin.
You would like to have your child seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from DermNet, UpToDate, Healthychildren.org, The Foot Hub, Foot & Ankle INSTITUTE OF THE WEST
Images from https://www.drkillough.com/blog/dry-cracked-heels-in-children.html,