The definition of dry is lack of moisture, and that is true for dry skin on your feet, too. It can be caused by a range of issues, from not drinking enough fluids, to spending too much time barefoot in a dry climate, to having an underlying medical condition. Heel fissures occur when your dry, callused skin is exposed to pressure from standing or walking. Because it has lost its elasticity, it doesn’t stretch to accommodate the stress—it cracks instead.
Cracked heels are often associated with aging, as your skin starts to lose its natural moisture. Nerve damage from diabetes can also lead to the problem, as your sweat glands do not get the message to release perspiration and moisten your feet. Even things like vitamin deficiencies and kidney or thyroid problems can cause your skin to become dry and callused.
Don’t ignore painful, cracked skin on your feet. There are many home care techniques that can help you heal. If they don’t relieve the problem, call the foot doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, and Granby, CO at (303) 423-2520 for expert help.
