[Medical Q&A] Are cracks on the soles of feet caused by athlete’s foot?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Professor Yang Ying, Military Medical Research Institute

Cracked soles of the feet are not necessarily caused by athlete's foot.

Chapped skin, or what people usually call "cracks", often occurs on the palms, soles of feet, and around the anus. It is caused by dry skin or chronic inflammation that reduces or eliminates the elasticity of the skin, coupled with external forces. Chapped skin is most common on the feet, sometimes in line with the texture of the skin, less than 1 cm in length, and more than 2 cm in length. Deep cracks can cause mild bleeding and pain. They are more common in cold seasons or in people who work outdoors, as well as those who come into contact with fat-soluble and water-absorbing substances. Why are feet most prone to chapped skin? This has a lot to do with the anatomical characteristics of the skin on the feet and the influence of external factors. The stratum corneum of the heel is relatively thick, and it is often subjected to force, so it is more prone to chapped skin; the skin on the soles of the feet has no hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and lacks sebum protection when it is dry in winter, making it more prone to chapped skin; mechanical stimulation, such as friction, compression, or trauma, can all promote the occurrence of simple foot chapped skin.

Among tinea pedis (commonly known as "athlete's foot"), there is a type called scaly keratotic type, also known as dry tinea pedis. It is a chronic infection characterized by rough, thickened, and hardened skin on the soles, soles, and sides of the feet, with scaly or large scales attached to the skin. The skin texture widens and deepens. In the cold and dry winter climate, cracks may occur, and bleeding and even secondary infection may occur. In severe cases, the pain is unbearable and it hinders walking.

In addition to athlete's foot, another common skin disease that causes chapped skin is chapped eczema, which is common on the hands and feet. It is related to allergies and is caused by contact with irritants such as detergents, soaps, dyes, paints and sunlight in daily life. Mental trauma, endocrine disorders and other factors can aggravate the condition. The disease is common on the palm of the toe, can spread to the instep and ankle, and can also occur on the sole of the foot. The main manifestations are thickening, roughness, and severe itching of the skin, followed by chapped skin and pain. Sometimes the lesions can affect the toenails.

Simple foot fissures, keratotic tinea pedis and foot fissure eczema have many similarities and are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Patients are advised to go to the hospital for relevant examinations and timely treatment.