What is the cause of the cracked toe?

Some people have cracked toes all year round, especially in winter when the cracks become bigger and look like knife cuts, which is particularly scary and painful when touched. Sometimes they are accompanied by symptoms such as itching, blisters, foot odor and desquamation. If the toes crack frequently, you should consider that this is caused by fungal infection. It is best to apply some ointment, wear breathable shoes, and pay attention to foot hygiene.

Cracked feet refers to a condition in which the skin on the feet becomes dry and cracked. It often occurs in cold and dry seasons, and is common on the heels, outer edges of the feet, etc., with cracks of varying lengths and depths. In mild cases, there is only dryness, thickening of the cuticle, and cracking; in severe cases, the cracks are deep into the dermis, prone to bleeding, and painful.

Causes

Physiological aging

The metabolism of the elderly is slow, with more dead cells and fewer new cells, poor skin elasticity, and prone to foot cracks.

Metabolic disorders

Some women experience metabolic disorders after giving birth, which can lead to cracked feet.

Skin disorders

Hereditary keratinization disorders (such as ichthyosis) and abnormal keratin metabolism diseases (such as chronic eczema) cause cracked feet.

Fungal infections

Erosive athlete's foot often causes cracking of the eroded surface after peeling between the toes. This is wet athlete's foot and can be treated with topical antifungal drugs. This article discusses common cracked feet caused by dry skin. Keratotic athlete's foot belongs to dry athlete's foot, and the symptoms are cracks at the base and edges of the feet.

Nutritional factors

Lack of vitamin A and vitamin E can cause cracked feet.

Weather reasons

In cold weather, blood circulation is poor and skin elasticity is reduced, which can easily cause cracked feet.

Symptoms

Subjective symptoms: There may be almost no sensation, mild tingling, moderate tenderness or even burning pain, depending on the depth and extent of the fissure.

Objective symptoms: According to the depth of the cracks, they can generally be divided into three degrees:

First degree: The skin is dry and cracked, but only reaches the epidermis, so there are no symptoms such as bleeding and pain.

Second degree: The skin is dry, and the cracks extend from the epidermis to the dermis, causing mild stinging but no bleeding.

Third degree: The skin is dry, with cracks extending from the epidermis into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, often causing bleeding and tenderness or burning pain.

Prevention methods

Susceptible groups

1. Elderly people and postpartum women

2. People with unreasonable diet structure

3. People with weakened immunity

4. Those with a family history of abnormal keratinization metabolism

Multi-faceted prevention

1. It is advisable to eat more oil in dry and cold seasons.

2. Patients with a long course of illness or the elderly should increase their nutrition and eat more foods such as pork liver, pig skin, mutton, donkey-hide gelatin, and cod liver oil pills.

3. Because the winter climate is cold and dry, people sweat less and their skin is prone to cracking and wrinkling. Therefore, special attention should be paid to keeping your feet warm. Soak them in warm water frequently and apply some oily skin care products to avoid frostbite and aggravate the cracking of your hands and feet.

4. In daily life, you should also pay attention to dietary diversification, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, consume a moderate amount of protein-rich foods, and maintain skin moisture and elasticity, so as to prevent the occurrence of cracked feet.