Insufficient levels of certain vitamins, especially from the B-vitamin group, can cause the skin to become dry and brittle, leading to cracks. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, and a deficiency can result in rough, cracked skin on the feet.
Lack of B vitamins, particularly B3 or niacin, and B7 orbiotin, can lead to dry, flaky skin, contributing to heel fissures. To combat cracked heels, it is beneficial to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are all abundant in vitamins and nutrients.
In some cases, cracked feet can be caused by an underlying health condition, like psoriasis, certain vitamin deficiencies, or eczema. 1 If self-care strategies don't seem to be working or the dryness is getting worse, you may need to see a healthcare provider for more advanced treatments.
Research has shown that heel health can be affected by zinc and iron deficiencies, and it is suggested to incorporate this into your diet after speaking with a podiatrist. Mild relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them.
They range from simple matters of age, shoes that don't fit the foot properly, nutrient deficiency, or dry skin due to heat and low humidity, to problems such as athlete's foot, psoriasis, thyroid disease, diabetes, or various skin conditions.
Start with moisturizing them at least twice a day. Look for thick moisturizers (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others). Some moisturizers contain urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These are skin-softening agents that may help remove dead skin.
Yes, cracked feet can be a sign of diabetes. If you look at cracked feet diabetes pictures, you can see that people often experience skin problems. High blood sugar levels can cause dry skin. If you leave your dry skin unmanaged, it can lead to cracks.
Dry skin – as oestrogen levels drop so does your ability to retain moisture and the skin on your feet especially dries out. Burning feet – due to changes in temperature control.
Inadequate vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, increased risk of falls, fractures and bone and muscle pain. In the foot and ankle, stress fractures of the metatarsal bones and ankle may be seen in those with vitamin D deficiency, as well as generalized foot pain.
Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath. Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.
When skin loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. This can happen for many reasons. Everyday things, such as using deodorant soaps and harsh cleaning products, can strip oils and fats from our skin. Taking long, hot showers can also dry your skin.
If your feet are dry even when you moisturize, you may not be using the right moisturizer at the right time. It's best to moisturize right after showering or bathing in order to seal in the moisture and prevent evaporation.
Gas bubbles in the joints (Cavitation)
These bubbles create the popping or cracking sound you may hear when you rotate your foot or change your posture. This is a typical phenomenon and generally doesn't pose any cause for worry.
Numbness. Do your hands, feet, or legs feel like they're on “pins and needles?” Shortage of B12 can damage the protective sheath that covers your nerves. Diseases like celiac, Crohn's, or other gut illnesses may make it harder for your body to absorb the vitamin.
A Quick Review. Dry feet develop when your feet lose moisture. You may also have other symptoms, including itchy skin, irritation, and cracks in the skin. Dry feet can be caused by dry winter air or medical conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, and eczema.
Essential vitamins like A, C, and E, along with minerals such as zinc, contribute significantly to skin health. Insufficient intake of these vital nutrients can compromise the skin's elasticity and integrity, leading to dryness and fissures, particularly on the heels.
Anemia also can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, coldness in your hands and feet, pale skin, chest pain, weakness, and fatigue (tiredness).
Thyroid hormones – These hormones can affect skin moisture levels and hair growth. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) can lead to dry, thinning skin and hair loss, while hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels) can cause oily skin and hair.
Thinning Skin: Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to drier, thinner skin, which may result in cracked heels and calluses. This thinning skin may also make the feet more vulnerable to infections.
Wearing open footwear: Women who frequently wear open-heeled footwear such as sandals are more prone to having their skin dry out. Dry skin: Not moisturizing your feet can lead to dry skin, especially during colder winter months. Harsh soaps: Women who use harsh soaps are more likely to develop cracked heels.
Prediabetes Symptoms
“Some people with prediabetes may already have nerve damage, which can cause tingling or numbness in the feet and hands,” she notes. If you are at risk for prediabetes, your doctor may test your blood for sugar levels, or a blood sugar test might be part of your regular check-up.
You may develop bacterial infections in eyelid glands (stye) or deep under the skin (boils and carbuncles). Infected skin may be swollen, hot, red and painful. You'll need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Dry, itchy skin: High blood sugar and certain skin conditions can cause dry, itchy skin.