What Causes Skin To Split Under Toes

What causes skin to split under toes is a most asked question when we notice an unfamiliar toe split.

skin to split under toes is a thing that affects both healthy and sick elders. This problem affects the toddler's toe skin too. Dry or moist feet is the most common factor behind this problem. Wrong size shoe or rough shoe is another common reason behind toe splits. Apart from these, various reasons cause itching, redness, and peeling of toe skins. Splits or cracks between or under the toe skins need proper care and treatment. If not, these cracks and splits may result in bigger foot skin diseases.

Let's read this article to know the causes skin to split under toes, also the remedies.

Reasons Behind Cracks and Fissures

Because of dry settings, the natural moisture of your feet evaporates. As a result, your feet experience dry cracks without cuts. Again, moist or damp feet are prone to bacteria and fungi, eventually leading to cracks.

Too much use of soap makes the toe skins sick as hell. Unlimited use of soap can make your toe skin rough. Rough skin causes itchiness and split.

Chilly winter or cold environment causes cracks in the heels specifically.

Leather and nylon shoes, non-cotton socks, tight shoes, plants, fragrances, cleaning chemicals, cosmetics create allergic reactions on feet/toes. Allergens like these create itchiness. Too much itching tears the skin apart.

Swimmers and people who share the public bath often suffer from Athlete's foot. It is an infection that creates rash, itchiness, dryness, white spots and peeling between or under or above the toes.

Inflammatory diseases or medicines that cause inflammation create a burning sensation on the toe skin. The outcome is, blisters and sores are visible under or between toes.

Diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood pressure weaken the immunity system of our body. They cause brittle, burns, sores, cracks, and splits in toes.

What Are the Causes of Skin Splitting Under Toes

Skin splitting under the toes is a condition more commonly referred to as "Morton's neuroma." This is a painful condition that can make walking very difficult. The specific cause of this condition is not fully understood, and the evidence points toward there being several factors which contribute to it. Conditions such as high foot arches, excess weight, diabetes, certain syndromes, and genetics have been implicated.

Possible Causes of Skin Splitting Under Toes:

High Foot Arch

Having a high arch means that the foot is more rigid. Because of this rigidity it can exert more force on the toes during movement. This causes the toe tendons to rub up against their sheath during movement.

Excess Weight

A person who is overweight will put undue strain on the feet, ankles and toes. This can cause pain and increase inflammation in these areas. The increased pressure due to the added weight can also contribute to a higher foot arch, which may exacerbate the problem.

Diabetes

Excess sugar in the blood stream can cause damage to the small blood vessels. This can lead to a decrease in blood supply, which may contribute to decreased circulation and nerve damage.

Genetically-Inherited Tendency Toward High Arches or Abnormal Toe Joints

When either or both of these characteristcs run in a family there is a greater risk that the next generation will also have them.

Heredity and Other Medical Conditions

Morton's Neuroma has been linked to other conditions such as: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, erythromelalgia, endometriosis, cholesteatoma and amyloidosis.

How Can You Prevent Skin Splitting Under Toes

The most simple thing that you can do is keep your feet clean and dry. Moisture can be a real pain when it comes to skin, so keeping your feet dry is the best way to avoid any further skin splitting.

If you do get moisture on your feet or toes, make sure you use moisturizing soap or foot cleaner. Don't use regular soap since this will have harsher chemicals which can dry out your skin. The best way to clean your feet is to use a pumice stone. This can be bought at any local drugstore for under $3 and it's the best way to keep your heels smooth, which will reduce how easily they tear.

When applying moisturizing soap or foot cleaner, make sure you reach all between your toes. This is where I tend to have the most problems with moisture, so it's really important that you're thorough in this area. After you wash, spend some time carefully washing between each toe.

When drying your feet, don't rub too hard or use a rough towel since this will only irritate the skin more and increase the chance of ripping. Gently pat all areas dry with a soft towel and then let them air-dry for a little while longer.

Now that you've taken the time to clean your feet, it's time to add some moisturizer to keep them from getting too dry and rough again. I recommend using petroleum jelly since this has many uses and it's really cheap to buy.

After your feet have completely dried, take a small amount of petroleum jelly and rub it all over them. If you're worried about the jelly staining your bed sheets, as long as you wash them right away any mess can be easily cleaned up. Petroleum jelly is great at keeping moisture locked into the skin and it will keep your skin from getting irritated and cracking.

What Are the Treatments for Skin Splitting Under Toes

Scrubbing feet can cause skin splitting under toes. When that happens, there are small tears in the skin that surround your toenails. Also known as cuticle ulcers or sandpaper foot, this condition is brought about by repetitive rubbing and scratching of one's soles.

People who are into sports that require them to run for long periods of time are more likely to get this condition due to the pressure applied on their feet. As is the case with athletes, soldiers who spend most of their time walking in combat boots also develop skin splitting under toes. Those who wear high-heeled shoes and tight fitting socks are at risk too.

Anyone can be affected by this problem; however, it mostly occurs among people experiencing serious stress or anxiety. Others may suffer from skin splitting when they sleep in an area where there's too much moisture like poolsides or with wet feet after one takes a bath.

This skin condition appears as white lines around the tips of your nails. If left untreated, it will cause the toenails to thicken, discolor and become deformed. As the nails grow longer, they start to curl downward and dig into the skin, thus producing pain that's often described as burning or stabbing.

In most cases, skin splitting occurs on both feet but it may also affect only one foot. The lines around your nail are usually a centimeter or two in length. As the toenails grow longer, they will start to curl down and dig into your skin, which might produce pain that feels like burning or stabbing.

Remedies for Skin To Split Under Toes

The easiest and simplest remedy is to dry the feet, especially the toes, properly. Enough sunlight and open air are the most necessary natural medicines to prevent splits.

A healthy and hygienic environment is a must for the wellbeing of the foot. Make sure that the places you live in or visit are neither too dry nor too damp. Besides, try not to share your belongings with others. And avoid being close to a person who has an athlete's foot or infections.

Keep the diet of your and your family balanced yet nutritious. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and try to have a routine health check-up. Keep your child away from pollution, insects, and harmful chemicals.

Never forget to check your feet daily. Wear comfortable socks and shoes to avoid blisters and swellings and to protect your feet in cold weather. Lessen the use of soaps and other foot cosmetics.

Before using any medicine on your toes, read the instructions carefully. The best thing you can do is, hear your skin specialist's advice. Even before using purely natural elements to treat the splits, talk to the skin specialist first.

Vaseline prevents mild cuts or splits, or sores from spreading. You can use it if you have a mild cut under the toe. You can use antiseptic powder and coconut oil too. Mix them in the right ratio, rub them gently on the affected area.

What Should You Do if You Experience Skin Splitting Under Your Toes

If you've already started splitting on the bottom of your toes, there are definitely things you can do. The first thing I recommend is soaking them in warm water for about 15 minutes every day before applying any ointment or moisturizer.

If you don't have time to soak your feet each day, take a few moments every morning and evening to apply some petroleum jelly. Make sure that when you do this it's rubbed in very well and excess oil is removed since this can irritate the skin even more if not completely absorbed by the skin.

Another great treatment for split toe skin is to use one of the many products on the market that contain horse chestnut. This ingredient has been used for centuries and many different studies have shown it's effectiveness at reducing inflammation and strengthening blood vessels.

FAQs for Skin Toes Split

Why does the skin under my toes split?

Inflammation, chemicals, direct contact with an allergen, extreme hygiene, athlete's foot are responsible for the split skin under or between toes. Long-term medication and dermatophytes cause inflammation, and it affects the toe skin. Frequent use of soaps swallows the natural moisture of foot skin and causes a split followed by dryness. Again, you may have a toe split if you use something that can cause allergic dermatitis.

How do you treat cracked skin under your toes?

Awareness helps the most to treat the cracked skin to split under toes. Avoid soaps, moisture, wet socks, tight shoes as much as possible. For a shallow crack, use Vaseline or antibiotic ointment if necessary. A liquid skin bandage is the best for deep cracks. Consult with a doctor if the cracks do not heal easily or get worse.

What is the fastest way to cure an athlete's foot between toes?

According to allopathic treatment, antifungal creams or lotions, or ointments can cure this problem fast. Though soap worsens the toe split, you have to wash the rash with antibiotic soap and water in this case. And do not apply any natural remedy without medical treatment. Tea tree oil, oregano oil, licorice, apple cider vinegar, fresh turmeric powder work perfectly for an athlete's foot.

What is a toe fissure?

Toe fissure, or toe skin fissure, refers to the cracks and splits of the toe skin. Common places of toe fissures are the heel, the ball, and the middle of the toes of your feet. The lack of required moisture primarily causes skin to split under toes. Diabetes is another most important factor for toe fissures.

Is dry, cracked feet a sign of diabetes?

Diabetic people experience severe foot damage too. Diabetes hampers the nerves of the body. As a result, a diabetic patient loses the balance of oil and moisture in his or her feet. Consequently, lack of necessary natural moisture makes the patient's feet dry and rough. Thus, cracks occur; also, the foot skin starts to peel.

Conclusion on What Causes Skin To Split Under Toes

Toe skin is another sensitive area of our body. You may tolerate or overlook any pain or swelling, or rash between or under the toe area. But remember, overlooking will worsen the broken skin between toes. You can easily prevent split-toe skins by maintaining your toe health.

Stop doing things that welcome cracks and fissures. Keep your feet moisturized yet not beyond limits. Also, give adequate sunlight and air to your feet.

Be careful while using natural remedies to treat the split skin between toes. Generally, we think that anything natural is a blessing for our body. But this may not be the right decision. To be specific, always consult a skin specialist to know the right remedies and their dosage.