Dryness and Cracks in your Feet?

It has been winter for a while and our feet have been safe and snug in our socks and shoes where nobody could see them. The seasons are changing and as we get ready to display our feet for the first time this season...

We wonder why are my feet so dry?? And are those cracks on my heels?

Cracks also known as fissures can lead to infections which can lead to amputations. This is how it works. A diabetic patient is more prone to have dryness in their feet. It is one of the early signs of the disease. When you have a cracks in your feet due to excessive dryness, bacteria are able to get into your body and cause a skin infection. At this time your chance of amputation has just increased.

How do we treat/prevent this from happening?

1) Most importantly you want to check your feet on a daily basis. Always look in between your toes and feel the bottom of your feet. If you cant see your feet, have someone else look at them for you.

2) Moisturize. Not all moisturizing creams and lotions are the same. The best ones to look for are creams that have a percentage of urea in them as well as Vitamin E.

3)Use the cream daily, all over the feet and heels, do not put in between the toes. Wear socks after you put the cream on to help the cream absorb into the skin.

4) Most importantly if you notice any open lesions, any drainage from the fissures or an increase in redness to the area you need to see your podiatrist. For more info on Diabetic Feet click here.