Many people face the problem of cracking skin between their toes. This is a truly unpleasant condition, since cracking of the skin is usually accompanied by itching, flaking and, of course, discomfort and even pain while walking.
With such symptoms, it is very important to consult a doctor in time. It is almost impossible to independently determine the cause of skin cracking. After a series of tests and examination, a specialist will be able to correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Cracks between the toes are an unpleasant defect that causes a lot of discomfort to the patient. Damage to the epidermis in the interdigital area occurs under the influence of various factors, ranging from fungus to increased dryness of the epidermis. It is imperative to find out the cause of the development of such a pathology and only then begin its treatment.
This problem can be eliminated using both medications and traditional recipes. It is recommended to visit a dermatologist who will tell you what a crack between the toes is, the causes and treatment of such a disease.
A crack between the toes is considered a complex pathology, since in a healthy person the epidermis on the feet does not burst or peel off. Why does the skin between the toes often crack and is it possible to avoid the development of pathology? The following factors are identified that can provoke the development of such a disease:
Mostly this pathology of the feet appears in the hot season, since many people prefer to wear not very comfortable and high-quality shoes with a closed toe. This leads to the disruption of air flow, the skin stops breathing normally, and it ends with the formation of cracks between the toes.
However, purchasing shoes that are too open or walking barefoot on the ground is often one of the causes of pathologies of the skin of the lower extremities. The fact is that high temperatures and low humidity cause the epidermis to dry out, and gradually its elasticity noticeably decreases.
Dust and dirt that get into the cracks that form have an adverse effect on the skin. The consequence of this is severe inflammation of the affected areas of the epidermis, which causes severe discomfort to the patient.
In addition to external reasons, there are also internal ones that can provoke the appearance of cracks in the legs:
To identify the cause that caused the formation of cracks between the toes, you need to visit a specialist. He will conduct a thorough examination of the patient and, if necessary, select effective treatment.
If the skin between your toes peels and begins to crack, you should consult a specialist as soon as possible. If a fungal infection is suspected, laboratory tests are prescribed, that is, a scraping is performed from the affected areas of the dermis, which is examined under a microscope. When the diagnosis of mycosis is confirmed, antifungal drugs are selected.
If the skin on the legs is severely damaged, medications in tablets are prescribed:
A good effect in the treatment of pathology, when the skin between the toes is cracked or burst, is provided by external use:
Before using the drug, you must carefully study the attached instructions and strictly follow the indicated dosage. Typically, the course of treatment is about two weeks and is carried out until the pathology is completely eliminated.
For small cracks, the formation of which was caused by the negative impact of external factors, some therapeutic agents can be used. The following ointments are often prescribed for the treatment of pathology:
Heel cream, which is based on herbal ingredients, helps to quickly and effectively deal with cracks between the toes. To treat excessive dry skin, it is recommended to use Shostakovsky balm and other preparations containing vinylin. After treating cracks with such medications, the skin should be thoroughly lubricated with Salcoseryl cream or ointments containing vitamins A, D and E.
If the epidermis on the legs peels and cracks due to various disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system, then it is necessary to correct the functioning of the thyroid gland. Medications are prescribed to restore the level of hormones in the body, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.
To eliminate and prevent foot pathologies, you can use folk remedies. For cracked skin between the toes, it is recommended to carry out soda baths, which are prepared from 2 liters of boiling water, 10 grams of grated laundry soap and 5 grams of baking soda.
It is necessary to immerse your feet in the resulting mass for 15-30 minutes, then gently wipe and lubricate the skin well with a rich cream. You can carry out this procedure daily until the inflamed skin is completely restored.
Another effective folk remedy for eliminating cracks between fingers are baths made from decoctions of string and oak bark. You can prepare medicinal decoctions with the addition of herbs such as chamomile, calendula, nettle, plantain and juniper berries.
Cracked skin can be cured by applying a honey compress, which should be done before bed. Fresh applesauce is considered an effective remedy that can be used to treat skin pathologies. To do this, the fruits should be grated on a fine grater, the resulting mass should be applied to the cracked areas of the epidermis and wrapped with cling film. After a few hours, the compress should be washed off and the skin rubbed with some cream.
Oil prepared with the addition of pine needles helps to cope ideally with skin diseases of the feet:
This folk remedy made from pine needles can treat painful cracks in the legs until the pathology can be eliminated.
If the skin on the toes cracks, this is considered a dangerous and unpleasant phenomenon that is easier to prevent. Taking into account this feature, preventive measures should be carried out such as constant moisturizing of the feet, carrying out hygienic measures to care for the feet and eating foods with the necessary content of vitamins.
Under the influence of external factors, fungus and certain diseases, the skin loses moisture and becomes too dry, causing the toes to crack. If no measures are taken, the cracks become deeper and cause severe pain when walking. Therefore, treatment must be timely and correct.
Cracks can appear for a variety of reasons.
Experts distinguish two groups of them:
If there is no visible reason why the skin between your toes is cracking, you should talk to a specialist. He will conduct the necessary research and select the optimal treatment regimen for the disease.
If the skin between the toes bursts, this process is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the affected area, pain, the formation of blisters and redness of the skin. First, the disease affects the toes: they begin to peel and turn red, after which the phenomenon spreads to the entire foot. To avoid this, treatment should begin immediately after the first alarming symptoms appear.
Before you begin treatment, you need to understand the reasons why the skin on your toes cracks. One of them is a fungus, which can be cured with antibacterial ointments and creams.
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If mycosis is excluded, the following must be done:
If the skin between your toes is cracked due to a fungal infection, be sure to visit a dermatologist and get a scraping. After diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe comprehensive treatment. It involves taking tablets or capsules containing antimycotics. Local medications are also prescribed - they are applied to problem areas. All kinds of creams, ointments and solutions heal cracks and eliminate the cause of their appearance.
Small cracks can be cured with the help of cheap pharmaceutical products - these are Nutraderm, Carmol, Super Glu ointments. Any preparations that contain herbal ingredients are suitable. If the cracks are deep enough, iodine and aspirin mixed in an alcohol solution can be used for treatment. The medicine is rubbed into the skin before going to bed. If local drugs do not give a positive result, therapy is supplemented with medications intended for oral use. Self-treatment of the fungus is unacceptable, otherwise serious consequences cannot be avoided. Antifungal agents should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Heel cream, created on the basis of herbal ingredients, will help you quickly and effectively deal with cracks. For extremely dry skin, it is recommended to use Shostakovsky balm and other preparations with vanillin. After them, the skin should be thoroughly lubricated with a cream that contains vitamins A, E and D.
If peeling and cracks appear due to disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system, it is necessary to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland. To do this, the doctor prescribes medications whose action is aimed at restoring the level of hormones in the body. Sometimes cracks form when you are overweight - in this case you need to get rid of the extra pounds, and everything will return to normal.
One of the options for treating skin that cracks between the toes is alternative medicine recipes. They can be an effective addition to primary therapy.
When the skin between your toes breaks, pain is inevitable. To get rid of it, you need to soften the rough skin and treat the wounds with medicinal agents. There are several options for healing baths:
If cracks appear due to diabetes, the use of hot baths is unacceptable.
In this case, only specialized products for diabetics are allowed. Baths should be taken every day until all wounds disappear. After the procedure, cream is applied to the skin.
This is a more effective remedy than baths, which is explained by the maximum concentration of beneficial ingredients. Compresses and lotions are used in the presence of deep cracks, which heal very slowly and cause significant discomfort.
If the skin under the little toe has burst on your leg, you can use not only pharmaceutical products, but also homemade ointments for treatment. The most popular product is pine oil. To prepare it, pour boiling water over pine needles and soak in a water bath for thirty minutes, then cool and strain. Mix the broth with soft butter and camphor.
Use a ready-made product to treat deep wounds that appear between the fingers, immediately after healing baths. A foot massage with any vegetable oil has a good effect - it increases blood circulation and accelerates wound healing.
It is easier to prevent any problem than to treat it later. To prevent cracks from appearing on your feet, take care of them regularly. It is very useful to massage the feet - it improves blood circulation, relieves pain, and prevents the formation of calluses and corns.
Excellent prevention of cracks is a balanced diet. The menu should include carrots, apricots, chicken eggs, nuts, and herbs. To prevent skin dehydration, drink up to two liters of fluid every day. Take baths twice a week and clean your heels of dead skin particles.
One of the reasons for the formation of corns, calluses and cracks is wearing shoes with heels. Also, do not get carried away with tights and socks made from synthetic materials. It is better to choose natural fabrics. Other rules include:
By following these simple rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of cracks. If the problem has already appeared, you should not treat it yourself. It is better to contact an experienced specialist who will definitely help you.
When the skin between the toes cracks, the first thing you need to do is rule out foot fungus, which at the initial stage can provoke the appearance of this symptom. Much will depend on the accompanying symptoms, which usually force the patient to seek medical help.
Depending on the causes of cracks, a method of treating this phenomenon is selected. Some problems can be dealt with on your own, while others can be resolved by a dermatologist. Possible reasons include:
Dry skin on the legs is not uncommon; dryness of the epidermis is usually observed in other parts of the body. In this case, small cracks form between the toes, painful with any movement of the toes, including when walking. In this case, the skin needs additional care. After hygiene procedures, you should dry your feet with a towel, then treat the area between the toes with softening cream or baby oil and put on cotton socks. It is advisable to do this every evening without taking off your socks at night.
If the skin between your toes is cracking not due to dryness, but, on the contrary, due to constant wetting, you need to reconsider your approach to choosing shoes. Most often, the reason for this is tight shoes made of artificial materials, which impede the passage of air. If you wear shoes made of rubberized materials or artificial leather for a long time, your feet will constantly swell. As a result, the area between the fingers, as the most vulnerable, will be the first to suffer. To avoid this, the following rules must be followed:
In this case, it is advisable to take vitamin and mineral complexes, in particular vitamin A, which help normalize skin balance. If we are talking about any diseases or fungal infections of the feet, you should consult a doctor.
Some diseases, along with other symptoms, are characterized by various skin reactions. If the skin between the toes cracks, pathologies such as:
In this case, an integrated approach will certainly be required, including measures to eliminate the cause of crack formation and the phenomenon itself. Only a doctor can cope with this task; self-medication in this case is excluded.
Finally, the most common reason why the skin between the toes cracks is a fungal infection. About 20% of the population suffers from this problem, since the fungus easily gets on the skin of the feet, including when visiting swimming pools, saunas, public beaches, or wearing someone else's shoes etc. Once on the surface of the epidermis, the fungus may not manifest itself for a long time until its population increases to a critical size. Then the following symptoms of fungal infection will appear:
If treatment is not started in time, the fungus will spread to adjacent areas of the skin, resulting in damage to the nail plates. Nail fungus is characterized by a rapid course and difficulty of treatment. In the most advanced cases, the process ends with rejection/removal of the nail plate itself.
Often, to treat fungus, topical medications are prescribed that destroy the fungus in the place where it accumulates, that is, between the toes. If the infection also affects the nails, systemic medications in the form of tablets or capsules can be used. Their action is the gradual accumulation of the active substance in the nail plate, and the further destruction of the fungus “from the inside.” This approach is contraindicated for people with liver disease, pregnant and lactating women, since the active substance, before it reaches its target, will have time to be deposited in other organ systems, primarily in the natural filter - the liver.
In fact, the appearance of cracks between the fingers can be caused by many factors:
Of course, the chosen therapy directly depends on the cause of the disease. For example, if the skin between the toes cracks as a result of vitamin deficiency, the doctor will prescribe multivitamin complexes.
As for fungal diseases, today there are many appropriate drugs. You can use special gels or ointments that accelerate regeneration processes, inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, and also relieve the main symptoms, including itching and burning.
Remember that you should never ignore the problem. After all, cracks, especially deep ones, are excellent gateways for infection. Without treatment, infection, inflammation and other unpleasant complications are possible. If we are talking about a fungal disease, then the infection can spread to the nail plates, causing them to separate and turn yellow. The help of a specialist is simply necessary here.
You can use vegetable oil. In the evening, before going to bed, rub the oil into the skin on your feet and put on thin socks. In three weeks everything will pass, but for prevention I do this procedure once a month.
Talc is a fairly good antiseptic and does not dry out even children's skin; it is usually used to reduce friction.
Vitamins A, E in capsules. They are inexpensive, up to 20-50 rubles for 10 capsules, in my opinion. You crush the capsule and lubricate the cracks, it helps. You can drink more, but suddenly there will be an allergic reaction, although it would be strange if it happens, so external use is not bad.
for 25 grams of glycerin, add 1 tablespoon of vodka, 1 teaspoon of 10% ammonia, lubricate your feet at night, wear cotton socks. Make foot baths with salted water, then lubricate your feet with olive or sunflower oil, put on socks, and leave until the morning.
One granny advised making masks from fresh strawberries. Fresh strawberries were laid out on a cloth, wrapped on the soles of the feet, on top of the cylophan and in the sock, overnight.
Heated vegetable oil can help your problem. It is recommended to take baths from it before bedtime. After the procedure, put on knitted socks and stay in them until the morning.
It could also be a lack of vitamin A. You need to put a piece of butter on about 100g of fresh carrots and eat it until the symptoms go away.
Traditional medicine can help you treat fungus.
When the skin between your toes cracks, many people don’t pay much attention to it. People usually believe that this phenomenon is a one-time occurrence and treat it with universal products or moisturizers. At the same time, no one wonders why the skin between the fingers cracks, although often the wounds do not heal for weeks, months, and in some cases even years. And this is not surprising, because getting rid of them is quite difficult. Before treating such an ailment, it is necessary to find out the reason why it arose. To do this, you should contact a dermatologist at the clinic.
There are several factors that explain why the skin between your toes cracks. The most basic of them is wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes. As the load on the leg increases, some deformations may occur in the foot, including the formation of cracks. This phenomenon is explained by poor circulation. Doctors do not recommend constantly wearing flip-flops in the summer, as they can cause cracks in your toes. And if you wear closed shoes, you should definitely wear cotton socks to prevent the creation of a humid environment favorable for the development of microbes and fungi.
Cracks under the toes can also appear due to a lack of vitamins A and E. Therefore, you should pay special attention to your diet. And for it to be healthy, it is important to eat dishes that contain eggs, milk, cereals and liver. It is very useful to take any vegetable oil (1 tbsp) in the morning on an empty stomach. A diet that contains a lot of vegetables and fruits will help heal wounds and cracks quickly.
Very often, the skin between the toes cracks in people suffering from diseases of the endocrine system, for example, diabetes. However, in such cases, treatment is usually medicinal and is prescribed only by the attending physician. The skin between the toes often bursts due to fungal skin infections. After all, in these places it is often softened by sweat secretions, and therefore is very susceptible to fungal infection. An accompanying symptom of this disease is severe itching.
If cracks appear between the toes, the causes and treatment of this pathology should only be determined by a qualified doctor. Drug treatment is indicated if the skin is cracking due to fungal infection, endocrine diseases or vitamin deficiency. In such cases, a dermatologist or endocrinologist recommends how to treat such skin lesions.
If the cracks are red, very itchy, and also smell unpleasant, then most likely they appeared as a result of a fungal infection. For this disease, the use of antimycotic ointments or gels is usually recommended, which are the most effective means in the treatment of mycoses in adults. The ointment is prescribed by a dermatologist in accordance with the type of mycosis and the stage of the disease. Such therapy should be carried out systematically and strictly according to the instructions for the drug. If you apply the prescribed gel or ointment to the flaky areas only from time to time, during acute relapses, you will not be able to get rid of the fungal infection. In addition to antifungal drugs, agents are usually prescribed to strengthen the immune system - this way you can prevent the recurrence of cracked toes.
Treatment of cracks between the fingers in diabetes mellitus is quite difficult, since wounds or other types of damage take a very long time to heal. If the endocrinologist has confirmed the presence of diabetic fissures, which are often accompanied by itching, the damaged areas must be lubricated with a special product for diabetics. It is important to control your blood sugar levels and purchase only comfortable shoes with good ventilation.
If your feet sweat excessively, you can use a cream, ointment or solution that contains formaldehyde, which has a powerful disinfecting effect. If cracks between the toes appear due to a lack of vitamins, treatment is carried out using the drug "Aevit". In addition, to saturate the body with vitamins A and E, it is recommended to eat large amounts of raw carrots, apricots, chicken eggs, dairy products and vegetable oil.
Those who prefer to treat cracks between their toes with folk remedies can use many recipes. A good way is baths containing soda and medicinal herbs. Such procedures help soften and moisturize rough areas of the skin, and also promote rapid healing of wounds.
To prepare a soda bath you will need boiling water (2 l), laundry soap shavings (1 tbsp) and baking soda (1 tsp). After the prepared solution has cooled to a temperature where it is already possible to lower your feet into it, you can begin to take a bath. The procedure should last at least half an hour. Then you need to dry your feet with a towel and lubricate the cracked areas of the skin with a good cream. Such baths should be done daily until the cracks between the fingers completely disappear.
For burst and rather deep wounds that cause pain, you can use a mixture of medical alcohol (1 bottle), iodine (1 bottle) and aspirin (10 tablets) for treatment. This solution should be used to treat cracked areas in the evenings 3 times a week. This remedy can be used in the future, after the disease has already been cured - for the purpose of prevention.
You can treat cracks under the little toe using pine ointment prepared at home. To do this, do you need to pour 2 cups of clean pine needles? cups of boiled water and steam for 30 minutes in a water bath. After this, the product needs to be filtered, the pine needles should be thrown away, and camphor alcohol (1 tsp) and butter (1 tbsp) should be added to the decoction. After thoroughly mixing all the ingredients, the mixture should be placed in a glass container for storage. Can be used daily before bed.
According to doctors, often bursting wounds and peeling on the feet occur in people who ignore simple rules of foot hygiene - many pay insufficient attention to these parts of the body. Meanwhile, thoroughly washing your feet at least twice a day will help avoid unpleasant symptoms. Massage, especially using olive or lavender oil, has a beneficial effect on foot health.
If you follow a proper diet and after giving up all bad habits, positive changes can be noticed not only in the improved condition of your legs, but also in your general well-being. To prevent your skin from drying out, you need to take care of its hydration. To do this, you need to drink at least 1.2-2 liters of water per day.
Shoes should be worn that are comfortable, fit properly and preferably made from natural materials. Women should not wear high-heeled shoes or boots too often. After all, they provoke the formation of microcracks in the fingers and are often the cause of foot deformation.
Currently, many people suffer from dry, dehydrated skin. This is especially distressing during the summer. When the skin between your toes cracks, it not only causes pain, but also looks quite ugly. Typically, the cause of such problems is a fungus.
The medical name of the disease is athlete's foot or mycosis. Various factors can serve as the impetus for the active development of the disease. For example, incorrectly selected shoes, endocrine diseases, impaired blood circulation, weakened immune system, etc.
This is a contagious disease. It is transmitted through contact with sick people, in saunas, swimming pools, baths, and on beaches. The fungus can multiply very quickly, causing redness and peeling of the skin. Over time, the skin between the toes cracks, which causes discomfort and pain with every step. Such problems should be taken very seriously. After all, if left untreated, peeling can turn into a serious illness.
If measures are not taken, the nail plates will gradually become affected. They turn yellow and begin to peel off. Quite often spots of different colors appear on them. Foci of hyperkeratosis or increased keratinization appear on the skin of the feet. In addition, a cosmetic defect with affected nails is a constant reservoir of fungal infection. It can easily spread throughout the body and even affect internal organs.
What should you do if the skin between your toes cracks?
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. After all, the symptoms often coincide with other diseases. Today there are many effective remedies in the form of sprays, antiseptics and ointments to get your feet in order. In addition, many traditional medicine recipes are known.
The most common method is an onion compress. To do this, prepare a hot solution with baking soda and steam your feet in it. Then you need to put onion pulp on the sore spots, wrap it in plastic and leave it overnight. In the morning, the feet are thoroughly washed and problem areas are lubricated with a nourishing cream. It is recommended to carry out the procedure approximately 2-3 times.
All kinds of masks have a fairly strong effect. For example, a mixture that is prepared from castor oil - a tablespoon, half a spoon of alcohol, 2 teaspoons of chamomile decoction. For thickness, you can add a little talcum powder. The resulting mass is applied to the sore spots for about 40 minutes. Then it is washed off and a nourishing cream is applied.
If your skin continues to crack after using home treatment, you should consult a dermatologist for medical treatment. Today there are a lot of modern antifungal drugs that, in the absence of contraindications to their use, help to quickly get rid of mycosis of the feet at the initial stage.
A safe and completely painless way to mechanically remove keratinized skin and nails is a medical pedicure. Using a special apparatus equipped with many elements, keratinization is removed, nails are polished and filed, and layers affected by fungus are removed.
An integrated approach to treating the disease will help you reliably get rid of fungi.