What are Foot Fissures?

Physio&SoleClinic Cracked Heels, Podiatry November 26 2021

What are foot fissures?

Foot fissures refer to cracks / splits in the skin over your feet and result from build-up of dead skin cells. They commonly occur over the heels, balls of the feet and big toes. One can often see thickening of skin around the crack, indicating the presence of callus formation. It is especially common during and after pregnancy due to increased lower limb swelling and stretching of skin around the feet, as well as increase in weight causing more pressure on the feet. 

What will happen if I leave my fissures untreated?

Fissures on your feet can cause mild symptoms like discomfort or irritation when they get caught on clothing, socks, sheets or blankets. If left untreated, these fissures can become deeper, resulting in open wounds, bleeding, and pain when pressure is exerted. In some instances, these open wounds can even lead to an infection. 

How do people get fissures on their feet?

Anyone who has a condition that causes tissue thickening or affects the body’s ability to sweat is at risk of developing foot fissures. 

The following is a non-exhaustive list of conditions that can result in foot fissures: 

• Eczema
• Tinea Pedis – Fungal Skin Infection or Athlete’s Foot 
• Exposure to cold and/or dry environments (e.g. Extended periods of time spent in air-conditioned environments, traveling to dry winter climates)
• Hypothyroidism 
• Psoriasis 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Scleroderma 
• Diabetes (This causes nerve damage, giving rise to inability of the foot to sweat and provide moisture)

How should I treat my fissure? 

If you have mild symptoms, you can start with regular filing of your fissures with foot files, foot scrub brushes, or pumice stones during or after your shower.

Use a thick moisturiser that preferably contains about 10% – 25% urea twice a day. Alternatively, you can also apply a thick layer of ointment with petroleum jelly onto your feet and put on a pair of thin, clean cotton socks before sleeping. We recommend using socks that are non-slip to prevent falls. 

For those who experience pain or deeper fissures, it is advisable to seek professional help from a podiatrist. The podiatrist will assess your foot, thoroughly debride the callus and remove the fissures. The podiatrist can also advise on how to manage your feet subsequently to prevent the recurrence of fissures.

Ask a Podiatrist