Cracks between toes, dry skin. Causes and treatment at home

Many of our patients seek advice regarding cracked and chafed skin between their toes. Especially in summer, the problem seems to grow. Patients notice small whitish blisters or ragged skin on their own or their children's legs and think it is ringworm.

However, in most cases we can reassure: dermatophytosis is a relatively rare disease in our latitudes, provided hygiene standards are observed. Most often we deal with maceration.

External factors and reasons

Reasons that can affect dry skin on the feet and the formation of cracks in the skin include the following factors:

1. Unfavorable effects of nature

Mechanical, direct exposure to the external environment leads to dryness, decreased elasticity, peeling and cracking of the skin of the legs, more often in the warm season:

• dust;
• dirt;
• hot dry air;
• Tan;
• river and sea water mixed with microscopic particles and salts scratch the skin;
• in the summer on the beach, naked, bare feet come into contact with sand, stones, grass;
• Closed shoes in hot weather create favorable conditions for the accumulation of contaminants. Ventilation is disrupted. Sweat glands secrete excess moisture. These factors lead to injuries, cracks on the feet and between the toes.

2. Harm from artificial and synthetic materials

Wearing shoes, things made of rubber, synthetics or artificial fabrics overly moisturizes the feet, there is no air exchange, and the skin is damaged.

3. Shoes and clothes that don’t fit

Tight or too loose clothing or shoes cause friction, which leads to “corns” and calluses. The skin breaks, cracks, abrasions, and wounds appear.

4. Anatomical features

• Sometimes people are born with narrow, deep spaces between the toes. Then friction and sweating worsen, moisture is retained;
• Anomalies in the development of the feet (extra or cloven toes, deformity), flat feet, clubfoot cause the skin to react inadequately to external influences by the appearance of abrasions and scratches.

Special orthopedic shoes prevent discomfort and consequences.

5. Failure to comply with hygiene standards

When a person does not take care of himself, the skin becomes a source of infection by parasites and pathogenic microbes. Microorganisms violate the integrity, cause stratification and skin tears. Cracks appear between the toes, which are difficult to heal due to the patient’s uncleanliness.

6. Parasitic diseases

Bites from lice, scabies, dust mites, and pathogenic fungi irritate and damage the skin layer. The injected poison causes unbearable itching. As a result, scratches and microcracks are detected on the skin.

7. Excessive sweating or dryness

The skin layers are multifunctional. The outer layer contains sebaceous glands, which lubricate, make elastic, and perform a protective role. Hot water and mechanical “washing off” of the protective layer lead to dryness and wounds. Excessive moisture causes the ducts to swell and form blisters, which burst when rubbed, causing cracks to appear.

To prevent disruption of the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, hot baths and showers should be avoided. Frequent bathing with soap, washing gels, shampoos, and insufficient wiping after water procedures are harmful.

Causes of interdigital cracks in the feet

To understand how to treat cracked toes, you need to understand the causes of the pathology. The main reason for the appearance of a cracked surface of the dermis is insufficient moisture of the dermis in this area of ​​the body. At the same time, the epidermis dries out, the skin deteriorates its structure and is damaged by the slightest external or internal factor. It is important to understand that there are a number of reasons that contribute to the drying of the skin layer and influence the appearance of cracks in the legs in the areas of the toes.

Today, there are two types of causes that cause wounds between the toes - external and internal, which differently affect the symptoms of the pathology.

Internal reasons

Cracks between the toes from internal causes are varied. Treatment boils down to eliminating provoking factors. In practice, it is a disease or painful condition of a person that causes disruption of the body's functioning with skin manifestations.

1. Internal conditions and diseases:

• Circulatory disorders in cardiovascular pathology (hypertension, atherosclerosis), diseases of the lower extremities (obliterating endarteritis, varicose veins, vein thrombosis and others);

• endocrine pathology (diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis), metabolic disorders;
• dehydration;
• excess body weight;
• pregnancy;
• menstruation, menopause, menopause - conditions leading to hormonal imbalance in women;
• weakened immunity, congenital or acquired.

2. Provoking factors:

• bacterial, viral infections (including AIDS), the presence of parasites;
• stressful conditions (physical, emotional stress);
• oncology;
• allergy;
• malnutrition;
• lack of vitamins mainly A, C, E, group B;
• taking medications (antibiotics, nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, hormones);
• radiation, laser, other types of energy therapy;
• operations and anesthesia;
• industrial, occupational hazards;
• age-related changes (prematurity factor, old age).

3. External diseases:

• Dryness due to the development of hyperkeratosis of the feet . Cutaneous hyperkeratosis is an increase in the stratum corneum associated with abnormal growth. It gives the impression of a rough, keratinized crust. The skin feels hard and dry to the touch, and is prone to the formation of calluses. Over time, it begins to peel off, the calluses burst, forming painful and bleeding cracks.
• Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is caused by increased work of the glands. The patient's skin itches, an uncomfortable condition appears, and an unpleasant odor of sweat appears. Both conditions are symptoms that are caused by external damaging factors.

  
  Cracks between the toes cause these diseases

Heavy sweating is caused by the simultaneous activation of saliva secretion, sweat secretion during meals, and the consumption of foods that enhance the effect. These include nutritional allergens - chocolate, strawberries, tomatoes, strong drinks and alcohol.

Why does the skin peel between my toes?

Skin can peel off for various reasons, which may be individual for each organism.

However, the most common reasons should be highlighted:

• Poor-quality shoes - the use of low-quality shoes can lead to increased sweating, which often causes problems with the skin between the toes;
• Uncomfortable shoes - improperly selected shoes, as well as high heels, can lead to compression of the skin and disruption of its integrity;
• Lack of vitamins is most often observed in spring and winter. A lack of vitamins A and E can lead to peeling skin between the toes;
• Being in too hot or cold conditions - exposure to low or high temperatures can lead to problems;
• Staying in water for a long time - this especially applies to frequent trips to swimming pools. Chlorinated water can be hard on the delicate skin between your toes;
• Lack of timely hygiene - it is worth devoting time to this point every day;
• Disease with pathogenic fungi of the feet can disrupt the integrity of the skin between the toes;
• Disease of the digestive organs tends to manifest itself in the form of skin disorders on the legs; enduring prolonged stressful situations - prolonged stress can negatively affect the condition of the skin, including the toes.

In addition to the main causes of the problem, there may be individual ones related to nutrition and lifestyle.

It is very rare to find out the reasons on your own, so it is recommended to visit a medical facility if you have unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms

The onset of the disease is manifested by similar symptoms:

• redness of the skin between the fingers;
• dryness;
• peeling;
• itching;
• pain.

Then the picture of the pathological process changes depending on the cause. Mycoses and dermatophytosis are a consequence of household contact with a person and his things contaminated with pathogenic fungi. Traumatic external influences are also the “entry gate” for fungal spores.

There are several types of pathogenic flora. In the practice of a dermatologist, Trichophyton rubrum is more common with the development of rubrophytosis in 5 forms.

The interdigital spaces are affected in the following cases:

1. Intertriginous (diaper-shaped) shape covers the 3rd, 4th, 5th fingers and the space between them. It is characterized by focal skin redness, swelling, swelling with moisture and stratification with the appearance of scales, sometimes a rash of blisters. Abrasions and cracks often form. Patients feel burning, pain, itching.

2. Dyshidrotic is characterized by the eruption of multi-chambered thick-walled vesicles. When the bubbles burst, they form wet, pinkish-red scratches on the undamaged area. The process is complemented by swelling, itching, and redness of the skin folds.
3. Less common is athlete's foot caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (interdigital trichophyton). Symptoms differ little from rubrophytia. Trichophyton becomes an allergen with the appearance of secondary rashes.

With a fungal pathogen, the scratches are deep, itching, weeping intensifies, and a characteristic stench is characteristic. The nails become covered with plaque and turn yellow, in the late stage the epidermis becomes detached (removed from the fingers in layers), and painful ulcers form.

A bacterial infection with purulent discharge occurs, and as the symptoms of general damage to the body worsen - weakness, chills, fever. With hypovitaminosis in the early stages, the skin is pale, there is no itching, peeling and dryness are present.

When infection and vitamin deficiencies occur, redness and swelling with superficial blisters that rupture and bleed are noted. In severe cases, there are ulcers on the skin.

Cracks between the toes (only a doctor knows the causes and treatment) have unpleasant consequences. Therefore, if detected, you should immediately contact the clinic.

Peeling skin on children's legs

The occurrence of a violation of the integrity of the skin in the leg area in childhood can cause a large number of unpleasant symptoms.

This type of problem can appear at absolutely any age, starting from the first days of life. Most often, to identify the causes of unpleasant symptoms, a consultation with a pediatrician is required.

Why does the skin peel off between the toes of children?

In childhood, the skin has increased sensitivity and reacts to external stimuli more acutely than adults.

Most often, the skin between the toes in children is damaged for the following reasons:

• Infectious lesions of the skin of the feet - most often it is foot fungus;
• Allergic reactions – it is possible that the skin may react to the artificial materials from which the shoes are made;
• Diseases of the endocrine system - as a result, there is a sharp decrease in immunity to various external stimuli;
• Dry indoor air disrupts water metabolism in the body and leads to damage to the integrity of the skin between the fingers;
• Maintaining improper foot hygiene - incorrectly selected daily care products can provoke a violation of the integrity of the skin between the toes;

Very often, the problem can manifest itself as a result of using shoes that are too warm for the season.

Why does the skin peel off on children's feet?

The following reasons can cause problems associated with peeling skin on the feet in childhood:

• Dysbacteriosis , which negatively affects the condition of the skin;
• The presence of helminths can be manifested by symptoms of a violation of the integrity of the skin on the feet;
• Lack of the required amount of vitamins A, E;
• Fungal infections of various origins;
• Damage to the skin by staphylococcal bacteria is most often observed in the first days of life;
• Allergic reactions to household chemicals used to wash the child’s clothes;
• Using chlorinated water for foot hygiene.

Almost every parent has encountered problems with peeling skin on their feet. After eliminating the cause that caused this type of disorder, as a rule, the symptoms disappear.

Why does the skin on my child's toes peel off?

The reasons that cause a violation of the integrity of the integument on the toes of a child are as follows:

• Tight shoes interfere with blood circulation in the limbs;
• Poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyle;
• Too dry air that disrupts water metabolism;
• Use of hosiery out of season.

Much more often, simultaneous skin lesions on the fingers and feet are observed. The disease can occur without any symptoms and is not treated by the child’s parents for a long time.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a dermatologist based on clinical signs.

An accurate diagnosis is complemented by a number of specific tests:

• microscopy of the damaged area;
• scraping scales from the affected area;

• fungal cultures to determine the pathogen;
• microbiological examination - biopsy with cell histology.

Cracks between the toes (causes and treatment, diagnosis) - the work of specialized medical specialists: gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, allergist and others. If the dermatologist has not identified a connection with a fungal and parasitic infection, then the patient is referred to these doctors.

The diagnosis is further confirmed by a biochemical analysis of the amount of glucose, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, and bilirubin in the blood serum. Ultrasound of vessels of different locations, examination for allergens with testing and other studies are carried out.

Treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis and fissures

Removal of the hard stratum corneum on the skin of the feet can be done in different ways. For this the following can be used:

• chemical softeners;
• disposable instruments: scalpels and hollow blades;
• polishing the skin using files and attachments.

Podological procedures require jeweler's precision from the specialist performing them: it is necessary to remove the stratum corneum, but not to harm the delicate pink skin. That is why our clinic employs podologists with medical education.

Are you worried about cracked heels? Make an appointment and get rid of your problem today!

Treatment tactics

Cracks between the toes are multifactorial in origin. Eliminating a pathological process or softening symptoms, improving skin health, and taking preventive measures against relapses is the final result of treatment.

First, local treatment of the damaged areas is carried out. A variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms with anti-inflammatory, softening, and healing effects are used.

Further treatment is step-by-step:

• To exfoliate the keratinized epidermis with hyperkeratosis, exfoliating preparations are used;
• the acute stage with signs of weeping is treated with anti-inflammatory lotions with antibiotics;
• manifestations of itching are removed with antiallergic (antihistamine) tablets and external ointments;
• if local medications are not effective, therapy is aimed at internal action - taking pills according to regimens;
• severe conditions are treated in hospital.

What should care be like?

Proper skin care around the feet will help prevent a large number of unpleasant symptoms.

It is recommended to follow the following care rules:

• Choose comfortable shoes to prevent corns and calluses;
• Wash your feet daily using soapy water and a special stiff brush for feet;
• After washing your feet, apply a nourishing or antibacterial cream to your feet;
• Monitor the condition of your nails and avoid overly long or ingrown nails. What can trigger the inflammatory process;
• Once every few weeks, special foot baths will help reduce the likelihood of the formation of stratum corneum;
• If there are minor damages , treat with an antibacterial agent to prevent infectious diseases;
• For elevated feet, use special medications recommended for the prevention of foot and nail fungi.

After visiting public places with high levels of humidity, such as a bathhouse or sauna, you should treat your feet with antibacterial soap and dry them with a towel.

Pharmacy products

Cracks between the toes (the causes and treatment, the prevention of their occurrence and complications will be explained by the doctor) are successfully eliminated by many means. Experts are constantly updating possible ways to combat this unpleasant condition. In dermatology, therapy is carried out according to a standard scheme according to the severity and root cause of the disease.

The first step is external local treatment: softening, nutrition, healing of skin cracks. The result is achieved by using foot baths and therapeutic aerosols.

The skin is treated with gels, creams, ointments. Before applying lubricants, feet are disinfected by washing with soap and wiped dry. The ointment is rubbed in the evening onto the loose, dry areas for deep absorption. The cream is applied superficially during the day.

In case of complications, anti-inflammatory, hormonal, and systemic agents are added.

If the disease is caused by fungi, then specific medications are used. The pharmacological industry presents patients with 2 subgroups of antifungal drugs from foreign and Russian manufacturers:

1. Azoles (Imidazola and Triazole derivatives) - a large list of synthetic drugs of local and general importance with the same mechanism of action. The action of azoles is aimed at destroying the cell membrane of the fungus.

• A subgroup of multidirectional fungistatic effect (fungal growth stops). Systemic are active against many pathogens of superficial and internal mycoses. Voriconazole and are most effective .
• Superficial mycoses are treated with local remedies.

Azoles are well absorbed. Adverse reactions are manifested by pathological irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and sensory organs. Allergies and changes in the cellular composition of the blood are possible.

Ketonazole, due to its pronounced toxic effect on the liver, is now used topically, and for systemic therapy, doctors prescribe Triazoles - Itraconazole and Fluconazole.

2. Allylamines are synthetic drugs. The antifungal effect blocks the onset of ergosterol synthesis thanks to enzymes that kill fungi - the causative agents of dermatomycosis.

Naftifine is used topically, Terbinafine orally and topically. Analogues: Exoderil, Exo-Derm, Estesifin of similar action, the differences are insignificant. In therapeutic regimens, different dosage forms of Terbinafine, Clotrimazole, Isoconazole, Miconazole are used. Drugs are prescribed in combination with hormones, for example, Isoconazole + Diflucortolone.

Minor diabetic wounds heal well with SixtuMed.

Oil is used to complement baths for foot hygiene; dry skin is lubricated with balm to soften it.

SixtuMed contains oils and extracts of medicinal plants:

• cloves, sage, lavender prevent infections and fungal infections;
• ginkgo biloba, arnica normalize local blood circulation, nutrition in tissues, heal wounds and cracks more effectively;
• allantoin relieves irritation, restores, and in combination with primrose oil moisturizes the skin;
• Peanut oil in the balm normalizes the functioning of the protective fat layer of the skin and reduces dryness.

SixtuMed products are dietary supplements, so detection of open wounds and ulcers requires an urgent medical examination.

Cardiovascular diseases are treated by a general practitioner or cardiologist with the prescription of vascular medications. Hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency are compensated for by proper nutrition containing vitamins and minerals in food.

Treatment options

The choice of method depends on the reason that caused the cracks. Typically, therapy is complex, i.e. includes several methods of influence.

Drug treatment

You should not start taking medications on your own. Only a dermatologist will be able to determine the indications and contraindications in order to choose the right drug.

Vitamin complexes

Dry skin, accompanied by cracks and peeling, occurs due to a lack of fat-soluble vitamins A and E. Retinol and tocopherol are suitable as monotherapy. Multivitamin complexes in tablet form are often prescribed.

It is permissible to lubricate cracked skin with oil solutions of vitamins or make compresses.

Medications

When mycosis persists, there is a need for systemic treatment; for this purpose, antimycotic drugs are prescribed in tablets. The choice of medication is made after the necessary skin scraping tests: this will make it possible to specifically influence the pathogen.

Most often prescribed:

• Ketoconazole;
• Itraconazole;
• Fluconazole;
• Terbinafine;
• Griseofulvin.

Despite the effectiveness of drugs, their use may be limited due to serious side effects. Their negative effects on the liver must be taken into account.

Ointments and creams

Local treatment agents are used as part of a complex of measures to combat fungus. The following medications are recommended for lubricating affected areas:

• Lamisil;
• Oxiconazole;
• Miconazole;
• Terbinafine.

If there is concomitant damage to the nails, the use of medicinal antimycotic varnishes for the nail plate will also be required.

Antiseptics

Products that complement the effect of antifungal drugs with a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect will help get rid of the fungus.

When washing your feet, it is advisable to use water with the addition of a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate or furatsilin. Treatment with antifungal agents is successfully complemented by zinc ointment. The product should be used twice a day. Shostakovsky's balm has an antiseptic and wound-healing effect. It must be applied to the wound surface. A few days after treatment, patients note that the affected area hurts less.

Antiseptics must be used for 2-3 weeks after the symptoms of fungal infection disappear.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment are not able to cope with a fungal infection on their own, but in combination with medications it is permissible to use unconventional methods of therapy at home.

Folk remedies

Emollient, wound-healing herbal ointments, creams “Radevit”, “Panthenol” and others will help with the initial symptoms of the disease. They are effective as preventatives, for preparation before using medications, and relieve itching, redness, and minor inflammation.

Propolis

They use a tincture that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antimycotic effects. Wet a cotton ball, squeeze it out, place it between your fingers, sleep in cotton socks until the morning, repeat for 15-20 days. After removing the compress, moisturize the skin with a rich cream.

Celandine

The juice is effective at the onset of fungal infection.

Apply juice squeezed from the green parts of a flowering plant to the damaged areas for 2 weeks.

Coniferous ointment

This product disinfects, heals cracks, and prevents the formation of new damage. You need to make it yourself.

Components:

• 2 tbsp. l. pine needles;
• 1 glass of boiling water;
• 1 tbsp. l. butter;
• 1 tsp. camphor alcohol.

Preparation:

Mixture of pine needles and boiling water 30 min. keep in a water bath, cool, filter. Add oil, alcohol, stir. The ointment is used externally at night and stored in a glass container.

Tea mushroom

The effect is based on the action of vinegar, which is secreted by the fungus during its life cycle. A piece of mature mushroom with a diameter of 3-4 cm, washed in water, chop, rub into the interdigital space for 1 month. Repeat the course after 2 weeks.

Mixed baths

In 2 l. warm water add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar or a mixture of 1 tsp. lemon juice + 1 tsp. table vinegar. Keep your feet in the solution for 25-30 minutes.

After the bath, carefully remove loose skin and apply medicinal ointment. Baths of different compositions can be alternated. Before applying external medicinal preparations, take 30 minutes daily. A warm steam bath is done. Recipes are offered to choose from.

You only need to use boiled water:

• rub 1⁄4 piece of 72% laundry soap, add 1 tsp. baking soda, dissolve the mixture in 2 liters. water;
• 2 tsp. Dissolve boric acid in 2 liters. water;
• prepare a decoction of pharmaceutical herbal remedies - oak bark, chamomile, calendula, string according to the recipes indicated on the package, add 400 ml of the prepared cooled mixture to warm water.

Drug treatment

If peeling occurs on the legs, it is recommended to carry out appropriate treatment to prevent further development of the disease. The type of treatment and course are prescribed by the attending physician depending on the type of disease.

To eliminate excessive dry skin, it is necessary to saturate the body with beneficial vitamins and use the following types of medications:

• Salicylic acid – has an antimicrobial and softening effect. Apply a thin layer to the skin of the feet after washing. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Not recommended for use by people under 12 years of age. Average cost 70 rubles ;
• Calendula ointment - used for moisturizing and antibacterial effect. It is prescribed twice a day with a thin layer on previously cleansed skin of the feet. Allowed for use from the age of 5 years. Average cost 60 rubles ;
• Bepanten – helps eliminate unpleasant symptoms and accelerates the process of skin regeneration. Apply twice daily. Duration of treatment until the complete disappearance of unpleasant symptoms. In childhood, it is used from the age of 1 month, for a course of no more than 5 days. The average cost is 440 rubles .

Salicylic acid Calendula ointment Bepanten
To eliminate pathogenic fungi, the following types of drugs are prescribed:

• Fluconazole is used to eliminate fungal infections and other types of infections. Use one tablet twice a day for a course of treatment of up to 5 days. Not prescribed during pregnancy and for children under 14 years of age. Average cost 90 rubles ;
• Lamisil spray - used to eliminate peeling on the feet and between the toes caused by fungal infections. Prescribed twice a day after cleansing the skin. The course of treatment is prescribed until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. Can be used from the age of 7 years. Average cost 400 rubles ;
• Terbizil cream - has the property of penetrating deeply into the layers of the epidermis and destroying fungal cells. Apply once a day in a thin layer to cleansed skin, treatment duration is up to 14 days. Prescribed for children over 12 years of age. The average cost is 250 rubles .

Fluconazole Lamisil Terbizil
For diseases associated with vitamin deficiency, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Use of vitamins A and E - can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of gelatin capsules for daily use. Prescribed for ages over 7 years, one capsule for 14 days. Average cost 120 rubles ;
• Foot balm "Doctor Biokon" - used to nourish and restore the skin of the feet and fingers. Apply once a day after washing your feet. Duration of treatment until symptoms disappear. Allowed for use from the age of 12 years. Cost 80 rubles ;
• Radevit – contains vitamin complexes and has a wound-healing effect. Apply once a day, course of treatment is up to 15 days. Cost 350 rubles .

Aevit Doctor Biokon Radevit
Peeling of the feet caused by dry air and improper care requires the use of the following medications:

• Zorka is a drug that contains petroleum jelly and nutritional components, applied twice a day to cleansed skin of the legs for the duration of treatment until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. Can be used from the age of 12 years. Cost 60 rubles ;
• Foot cream “Five days” with sea buckthorn oil is prescribed to nourish and moisturize the skin. Apply twice a day for 5 days. Appointed from the age of 6 years. Cost 60 rubles .

Zorka Five days
It is recommended to use medications only after consulting a doctor to prevent the formation of allergic reactions and aggravation of the disease.

How to treat “diabetic” fissures

Diabetes is accompanied by dehydration. The skin reacts first. Characterized by dryness, susceptibility to damage, reduced regeneration (recovery). Weakened immunity, imbalance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals, contribute to ulceration of emerging cracks and wounds and their prolonged healing.

Given these features, patients should independently monitor the skin of their legs, examine their feet, and the area between the toes. A slight itching sensation, detection of small wounds, abrasions, redness, and swelling of the skin should alert the patient.

Immediate contact with a dermatologist is required. Feet require “gentle” care. Abrasive agents - scrubs, pumice, mechanical devices - aggravate injuries and are not used. After washing, dry with a soft cloth towel, avoiding strong friction.

Every day your feet need to take baths with sea salt or add essential oils (tea tree, fir), infusions of anti-inflammatory herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage).

You need to take a bath for 15 minutes, then 1-2 times thinly spread a softening cream (“Children’s”, “Yantar”, “Evening” of Russian production), any unrefined vegetable oil containing the necessary vitamins.

Advanced cases lead to roughening and rejection of the skin. Treatment consists of softening it and healing new damage. Trophic ulcers require medical intervention.

A diabetic patient must follow doctor's orders and eat properly. Moderate physical activity, body hygiene, and the elimination of bad habits and provoking factors are recommended.

Hypergranulation and maceration

Maceration is often accompanied by ingrown nails and hypergranulation. The area is always wet, and therefore an infection easily attaches to the wound, which quickly moves from the side to the back, that is, the base of the nail plate. A purulent paronychia forms with pronounced redness and pain.

If timely treatment is not carried out, paronychia can spread to the finger tissue and cause panaritium, inflammation of the lymph nodes.

If maceration can be treated in a podologist’s office, then associated complications require contacting a surgeon.

What to do if your skin breaks

The harmful factors described above cause the skin of the feet and the area between the toes to crack. Treatment and prevention correspond to the root cause of the pathological process.

If the cracks are not pathological, just follow a few tips:

• ventilate the living space, maintain air humidity every day;
• Take sunbathing in the morning or evening, avoiding abuse;
• carry out body hygiene without overheating and hypothermia;
• Leave the bath for 20 minutes before bathing. to remove chlorine;
• use creams and washing gels;
• apply scrubs once a week;

• dry your feet thoroughly using a soft towel;
• wear comfortable shoes, stockings, socks made from natural materials that fit your feet;
• dress according to the season;
• use protective equipment - creams, sunscreen gels, fabric capes against dust and dirt;
• carry out hygiene procedures after the beach, outdoor recreation;
• eliminate bad habits;
• include foods with sufficient vitamins and minerals in your diet;
• take liquid up to 1.5-2 liters. per day.

To avoid fungal infection, it is dangerous to use other people's things.

General purpose items cannot be used in a swimming pool, sauna, bathhouse:

• foot mats;
• washcloths;
• towels;
• manicure;
• pedicure sets.

If a problem appears, then with small changes everything will be restored using softening, moisturizing, nourishing cosmetics. If the condition worsens, urgent medical intervention is required.

Prevention

Following these rules will help you avoid cracks:

1. Everyday shoes should be comfortable and fit the size of your feet. It is important that it is made from natural material. In the summer, you will need to avoid contact with dust and dirt.
2. Regular hygiene procedures to remove rough skin (you can use pumice stones, scrubs).
3. Softening and nourishing the skin with the help of special products prevents the development of excessive dryness and the appearance of cracks.
4. A balanced menu with a sufficient content of fat-soluble vitamins and microelements helps maintain the elasticity of the epidermis.
5. It is necessary to avoid prolonged walking barefoot, as this contributes to the roughening of the skin of the feet and causes a violation of its integrity.

A preventive visit to the doctor will allow for early diagnosis of diseases and, if necessary, begin treatment.

The skin between the toes bursts in both adults and children for certain reasons. The appearance of a symptom cannot be ignored, as the problem may be a signal of serious changes in the body. A set of measures can completely restore the integrity and elasticity of the skin.

Possible complications

Damaged skin is a source of harmful environmental factors and infection with pathogenic flora.

Complications include:

• skin inflammation;
• purulent infection;
• fungal infections of the skin of the feet and legs;
• trophic ulcers;
• skin necrosis with transition to gangrene, amputation of limbs.

Cracks between the toes have a negative impact on health. Preventive measures eliminate the causes of their occurrence, and then further treatment will not be required.

Article design: Mila Friedan

Traditional methods of treatment

To reduce peeling of the skin in the area of ​​​​the feet and toes, it is recommended to use the following traditional medicine methods:

• Apple with milk - grate one green apple on a coarse grater and add two tablespoons of milk. It is recommended to apply the resulting mixture to the damaged areas and secure with a bandage. Duration of treatment is 5 days. Allowed for use from 3 years;
• Olive oil – heat a small amount of oil and apply to the damaged area using a cotton pad. Put on socks and leave the oil on your feet overnight. Use until the unpleasant symptoms of peeling completely disappear;
• Foot baths with soda are recommended for fungal infections. Add a tablespoon of soda to a liter of hot water. Leave the bath for 20 minutes, then apply antiseptic cream to your feet. Duration of treatment is up to 10 days;
• Bath with salt and tea tree oil - add a liter of warm water to a tablespoon of salt and two drops of tea tree oil. Leave the bath for 15 minutes, then lubricate the skin with baby cream. Used from the age of 6 months. Duration of treatment up to 8 days;
• Iodine baths are used for fungal infections and reduce the further development of the microorganism in the epidermis. Add 5 drops of iodine to a liter of hot water and lower your feet. Leave the bath for 5 minutes, then apply an antibacterial drug. Prohibited during pregnancy. The course of treatment is 10 days of daily procedure.

The use of traditional medicine methods helps eliminate mild degrees of skin damage; for more complex ones, the use of special drugs is required.