Dry Cracked Skin On Feet

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronicinflammatory skin disease in which there are clearly defined, red, scalyplaques (thickened skin). There are various subtypes of psoriasis.

While dry skin can seem rather innocuous, cracked soles of the feet can often itch, burn and even bleed, making you vulnerable to infection. Fortunately, medical experts have several recommendations for treating dry and cracked soles of the feet, particularly the areas most prone to cracking, the heels and the areas between the toes. Dry feet are caused by a lack of moisture in the skin. There are several common factors that can lead to dry feet, including: Excessively hot showers or baths A skin condition that dries the skin. One of the most popular remedies to remove cracked feet is to scrub simply with a pumice stone. Start by soaking your feet in warm soapy water to soften the hard dead skin on feet. You can then use the pumice stone to scrub the area to remove the dead skin. After you have scrubbed, you can then dry and moisturize your feet. Wash your feet daily with an antibacterial soap to help clean any bacteria out of the cracks in your skin, to prevent painful infections. Dry your feet with a soft, clean, dry towel by patting gently. Use a pumice stone to gently scrub away dead skin cells and minimize areas of hardened skin that could potentially crack.

Psoriasis is linked to other health conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (especially Crohn disease), uveitis and celiac disease.

How does psoriasis affect the palms and soles?

Psoriasis may be localised to the palms and soles or part of generalisedchronic plaque psoriasis. Two common patterns are observed:

  • Well-circumscribed, red, scaly, plaques similar to psoriasis elsewhere
  • Patchy or generalised thickening and scaling of the entire surface of palms and/or soles without redness (an acquired keratoderma)
Palmoplantar psoriasis

More images of palmoplantar psoriasis ..

Palmoplantar pustulosis and the rare acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (acral pustulosis), in which yellow-brown pustules occur, are no longer classified as psoriasis. However, the conditions are associated. About 10–25% of people with palmoplantar pustulosis also have chronic plaque psoriasis.

Clinical features of palmoplantar psoriasis

Palms and soles affected by psoriasis tend to be partially or completely red, dry and thickened, often with deep painful cracks (fissures). The skin changes tend to have a sharp border and are often symmetrical, ie similar distribution on both palms and/or both soles. At times, palmar psoriasis can be quite hard to differentiate from hand dermatitis and other forms of acquired keratoderma. Plantar psoriasis may sometimes be similar in appearance to tinea pedis. There may be signs of psoriasis elsewhere.

Palmoplantar psoriasis tends to be a chronic condition, ie, it is very persistent.

Compared to chronic plaque psoriasis on other sites, palmoplantar psoriasis is more commonly associated with:

Skin

What causes palmoplantar psoriasis?

The tendency to psoriasis is inherited, but what causes it to localise on the palms and soles is unknown. It may be triggered by an injury to the skin, an infection, or another skin condition such as hand dermatitis. It may first occur during a period of psychosocial stress. Certain medications, particularly lithium, may be associated with the onset of flares of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is more common, often more severe, and sometimes difficult to treat in patients that are obese, have metabolic syndrome, that drink excessive alcohol or smoke tobacco.

How is the diagnosis of palmoplantar psoriasis made?

Palmoplantar psoriasis is diagnosed by its clinical appearance, supported by finding chronic plaque psoriasis in other sites. Mycology of skin scrapings may be performed to exclude fungal infection. Skin biopsy is rarely needed.

What is the treatment for palmoplantar psoriasis?

Improvement in general health can lead to improvement in palmoplantar psoriasis.

  • Weight loss, if overweight
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management
  • Minimum alcohol
  • Smoking cessation
  • Investigation and management of associated health conditions

Download free cricket games for pc. Mild psoriasis of the palms and soles may be treated with topical treatments:

  • Emollients: thick, greasy barrier creams applied thinly and frequently to moisturise the dry, scaly skin and help prevent painful cracking.
  • Keratolytic agents such as urea or salicylic acid to thin down the thick scaling skin. Several companies market effective heel balms containing these and other agents.
  • Coal tar: to improve the scale and inflammation. Because of the mess, coal tar is often applied at night under cotton gloves or socks.
  • Topical steroids: ultrapotent ointment applied initially daily for two to four weeks, if necessary under occlusion, to reduce inflammation, itch and scaling. Maintenance use should be confined to 2 days each week (weekend pulses) to avoid thinning the skin and causing psoriasis to become more extensive.

Calcipotriol ointment is not very successful for palmoplantar psoriasis. It may also cause an irritant contact dermatitis on the face if a treated area inadvertently touches it. Dithranol is too messy and irritating for routine use on hands and feet.

More severe palmoplantar psoriasis usually requires phototherapy or systemic agents, most often:

Biologics (targeted therapies) are also sometimes prescribed for severe palmoplantar psoriasis. However, it should be noted that TNF-alpha inhibitors such as infliximab and adalimumab may trigger palmoplantar pustulosis.

See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]

Related information

On DermNet NZ

  • Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (acropustulosis)

Books about skin diseases

See the DermNet NZ bookstore.

Dry Broken Skin On Feet

When the sensitive skin on the bottom of the feet and heels becomes too dry, it can split open, leaving painful cracks called fissures on your heels. Ovation guitars look up by serial number search. Those cracks may not only make it painful to walk, but can also lead to serious infections.

Cracked Heels: How They Happen

Cracks in the heels are generally caused by insufficient moisture. These cracks can become sore and may even bleed. Seriously dry feet can occur for a number of reasons, including:

  • Cold winter weather
  • Dehydration, or not drinking enough water
  • Not moisturizing your feet
  • Taking very hot baths or showers
  • Soaking in a hot bath for too long or too frequently
  • Using harsh, drying soaps on your feet
  • Scrubbing feet dry
  • Having diabetes

'Heel fissures and cracks occur when the skin loses its moisture content and dries out and cracks,' says Alan K. Mauser, DPM, a podiatrist in Louisville, Ky.

When the feet become too dry, heel fissures can develop quite easily. 'It's kind of like if you put plaster on a balloon and let it harden and blow up the balloon, the balloon will expand the plaster and crack. The heel pad wants to expand outward, but the skin is not pliable enough to expand with it, so it cracks,' Dr. Mauser explains.

As the skin cracks, it may begin to bleed. These deep heel fissures can allow bacteria and viruses to enter the body, leading to infection and illness.

Dry Cracked Skin On Feet Youtube

Cracked Heels: Risk Factors

The two biggest risk factors for cracked heels are diabetes and obesity, notes Mauser. Diabetics are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from uncontrolled blood sugars can cause dry skin. People with diabetes are even more likely to sustain an infection from cracked heels than non-diabetics. If you are diabetic, it is important to examine your feet frequently for signs of cracks or infection.

Obesity increases your chances of having cracked heels because there is even more weight on the heel pad, which causes it to expand out further. Dry skin is unable to handle the added pressure and cracks.

Treatment For Dry Cracked Skin On Feet

During the winter months, however, anyone can have dry, cracked heels. Regularly taking long, very hot baths and showers can also exacerbate this condition. Additionally, people who don't regularly moisturize their feet with a good, oil-based lotion or moisturizer are more likely to experience heel fissures. Not drinking enough water and poor nutrition are also risk factors for cracked heels.

Diagnosing Cracked Heels

If your heels are cracked and painful, and the condition doesn't improve with an over-the-counter foot lotion, visit a podiatrist to treat the problem. If your heel fissures are 'severe enough, we'll make suggestions and help you through it,' Mauser says. A podiatrist can treat any associated infection and also offer solutions to help your skin heal properly.

To prevent painful, cracked heels, eliminate risk factors by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessively hot showers. With a good lotion and a little foot pampering, you'll be kicking up your well-moisturized heels in no time.