Why You Have Dry, Cracked Feet and How to Help Heal Them

Understanding Dry Feet

If you have noticed your feet becoming increasingly dry, cracked, or itchy, you're not alone. Many people struggle with dry feet, especially in the colder winter months when the air lacks moisture. However, while some foot dryness can be normal, excessive or persistent dryness can indicate an underlying issue.

What Causes Dry Feet?

There are a few key reasons why you may be dealing with dry, cracked feet:

• Lack of moisture - Dry air, very hot or cold temperatures, and not moisturizing enough can lead to water evaporating from your skin.
• Aging - As you get older, your skin produces less oil which helps lock in moisture.
• Genetics - Some people are just prone to dry skin that runs in families.
• Harsh soaps - Soaps that strip away natural oils can contribute to dryness.
• Medical conditions - Issues like athlete's foot, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are linked to excessively dry feet.
• Friction and pressure - Ill-fitting shoes that rub and irritate the feet can worsen dryness.
• Lifestyle factors - Long hot showers or baths, not moisturizing post-shower, excessive standing, etc. can lead to drier feet.

Is My Foot Dryness Normal?

It's very common for feet to become somewhat dry, especially in cold weather when the humidity drops. Cracks, calluses, and flaky patches may come and go.

However, if the dryness is severe (deep cracks, bleeding, etc.), persists for a long time, or spreads through your feet, it may signify an underlying problem. Very dry feet that don't respond to at-home moisturizing merit a trip to your doctor.

Health Issues That Cause Dry Feet

In some cases, stubborn dry feet result from an underlying medical issue:

Athlete's Foot and Other Fungal/Yeast Infections

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot thrive on moist areas of the body like between the toes. As they progress, they can cause skin dryness, cracking, redness, scaling, inflammation, and itching.

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can lead to extremely dry, sensitive, red, and itchy patches anywhere - including the feet. It may come and go over time.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis speed up your skin cell turnover process, causing a scaly and flaky buildup that can crack painfully. The thickened skin retains less moisture leading to dryness.

Diabetes

High blood sugar from uncontrolled diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels including those in the feet. This nerve damage (neuropathy) causes reduced sweat and oil production leading to dry, cracked heels and toes.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid is underactive, the hormone changes can significantly dry out skin and cause problems like cracks on the heels and brittle toenails.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Certain chemotherapy medications are linked to excessively dry skin from head to toe, including peeling skin on feet. It disrupts healthy cell growth including outer skin layers.

Malnutrition

Being deficient in certain vitamins/minerals due to poor diet can contribute to dry skin issues. Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K and essential fatty acids help maintain skin health.

When To See A Doctor

You should make a doctor’s appointment if:

• Your feet are unusually dry, flaky, red, or irritated
• The skin is painful, cracked open, or bleeding
• You have symptoms like swelling, numbness/tingling, or changes in nail/skin color
• OTC moisturizing products don’t help
• The dry skin issue is affecting your daily life

Seeing a podiatrist can help diagnose what’s causing your dry, irritated feet whether it’s eczema, fungal infection, or something more serious like neuropathy.

Tips To Moisturize Dry Feet

If your dry, cracked feet seem to result from lack of moisture and not an underlying disease, here are some tips to improve dry skin:

Use Gentle Cleansers

Harsh soaps can strip away the natural oils protecting your feet making them drier. Opt for gentle cleansers instead.

Avoid Hot Baths/Showers

While a long soak may sound nice for dry feet, the hot water saps away moisturizing oils. Take shorter, lukewarm baths/showers instead.

Pat Feet Dry

Rubbing with a towel can worsen cracked skin. Gently pat feet dry after washing and put on a moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.

DIY Foot Soaks

Soak feet for 15-20 minutes in lukewarm water mixed with soothing ingredients like coconut oil, milk, oats, or essential oils to combat dryness.

Apply Thick Moisturizers

Hydrate excessively dry, cracked feet by massaging heavy moisturizers (urea cream, petroleum jelly, shea butter) into clean feet daily focusing on the heels and toes.

Exfoliate

Use a foot scrub or pumice stone once a week to slough off dead, callused skin so moisture can better penetrate.

Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks

Cotton socks help draw moisture away while materials like wool or nylon trap it in. Wear moisture-wicking socks at night after applying cream.

Use Humidifiers

Run humidifiers during dry winter months to add moisture back into the air and prevent cracked heels.

With diligent at-home moisturizing care and avoiding triggers, you can combat dry, flaky feet before they become a bigger issue requiring medical intervention. But if problems persist, don't hesitate to see a podiatrist.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.