Definition

• Cracked skin on the toes or feet

Health Information

Symptoms

• Cracks are always painful
• Pain increases when exposed to soap or even water
• Minor bleeding can occur

Causes

• The soles of the feet are involved. Most often, cracks occur on the heels and big toes.
• Cracked skin of the feet is caused by repeated contact with moisture. Swimmers often have this problem.
• The main cause is wearing wet or sweaty socks.
• This is called tennis shoe or sneaker dermatitis.

Prevention

• Change socks whenever they are wet or sweaty.
• Take an extra pair of socks to school.
• When practical, do not wear shoes. Go barefoot or wear socks only.
• Do not use bubble bath or other soaps in the bath water. Soaps take the natural oils out of the skin.
• Use a moisturizing cream on the feet after baths or showers.
• Wear shoes that allow the skin to “breathe”.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Cracks on the feet can be very painful.
   • The main cause is frequently wearing wet (or sweaty) socks.
   • Cracked feet usually can be treated at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Shallow Cracks - Use Ointment:
   • Cracks heal faster if protected from air exposure and drying.
   • Keep the cracks constantly covered with petroleum jelly 3 times a day.
   • If the crack seems mildly infected, use an antibiotic ointment instead. No prescription is needed. Put it on the cracks 3 times a day.
   • Covering the ointment with a Band-Aid or a sock speeds recovery.
   • Option: If you have it, a liquid crack sealer works even better. Don’t use crack sealer and ointment together.
3. Deep Cracks - Use Liquid Crack Sealer:
   • Deep cracks of the feet or toes usually do not heal with ointments.
   • Use a liquid skin bandage to seal the crack. Many brands of liquid bandage (crack sealer) are available at your drugstore. No prescription is needed.
   • Liquid skin bandage is a plastic coating product that seals wounds.
   • It is the best way to relieve pain and promote healing.
   • Wash and dry the wound first. Then put on the liquid. It comes with a small brush or with a swab. It dries in less than a minute. Then apply a second coat. It’s waterproof and may last a week.
   • Start with 2 layers. Put on an extra layer as often as needed.
   • As the crack heals from the bottom, the plastic layer will be pushed up.
4. What to Expect:
   • Most cracks heal over in 1 week with treatment.
   • Deep cracks heal if you keep them covered all the time with crack sealer. Deep cracks will heal in about 2 weeks with crack sealer.
   • Untreated cracks can last for years.

Call Your Doctor If

• Starts to look infected (redness, red streak, pus)
• Cracks last more than 2 weeks on treatment
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

#AAP