A crack between the toes can be small, but also large and painful. Moist skin between the toes quickly causes cracks. But a visit to the swimming pool can also have a painful consequence: athlete’s foot. How do cracks develop and what is the correct treatment?
What are cracks between the toes?
A crack between the toes usually runs from the top to the bottom of the foot, i.e. vertically. Sometimes it runs diagonally and rarely horizontally. It could be one crack, but also several. With large cracks, bleeding may occur. Cracks usually develop most quickly between the little toe and the fourth toe. Cracks also develop more quickly between the fourth toe and the third (middle) toe. The closer to the big toe, the less often cracks occur.
rifts
Fissures are cracks or cracks in dry or sometimes moist skin. They usually occur on duck skin, such as on the heel or thumb. Cracks between the toes are most common under the edge of the toe. This often concerns the big toe, but other toes can also be sensitive to cracks. Cracks between the toes are often accompanied by a fungal infection.When cracks occur as a result of dry skin, it is important that a nourishing cream is applied several times a day. In most cases, however, cracks between the toes will be caused by a fungal infection: see athlete’s foot. It is important to treat this properly.
Athlete’s foot between the toes
Cracks between the toes are usually caused by athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot often occurs in swimming pools. Spores can easily grow in a moist and warm environment, something that both occur in swimming pools. Molds develop from spores. These fungi will be able to grow well between the toes when they come into contact with human skin. It is also warm and moist between the toes. People who perspire a lot and often wear wet socks are also more likely to develop athlete’s foot.Athlete’s foot can be recognized by the affected stratum corneum , which causes it to flake and crack. Itchy blisters may also develop, usually on the side or bottom of the foot.More than 20 percent of men are infected with athlete’s foot. More than 10 percent of the entire population suffers from athlete’s foot. This explains why there are always traces present in a swimming pool. However, not everyone gets athlete’s foot: some are more sensitive to it than others. People who have already contracted athlete’s foot remain more susceptible and are much more likely to contract athlete’s foot again.
Treatment of athlete’s foot
Without proper treatment, athlete’s foot will not go away. An antifungal cream is often sufficient to make the fungus disappear. This cream is available at the drugstore or pharmacy. Apply the cream to the affected skin two to three times a day. Make sure your feet are dry, especially the space between the toes should be dry. Towels and washcloths should never be shared with other people: the towels are full of mold or spores. Washing at 90 degrees kills the fungi.It is often also important to treat the adjacent toes: fungi spread easily. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching your toes or feet. This is to prevent further spread.
Healing of the cracks
Once the fungi are affected by the antifungal cream, they will disappear. The skin now has a chance to recover. Recovery can often be seen after three to five days: the skin starts to close. Cracks can be very painful but must still be treated properly. If the cracks are spared from the antifungal cream, the fungi will continue to grow quietly in this spot and cause even more damage.The PE tears often need more time before they are completely healed. After 14 days, in most cases, even the worst cracks will be painless and almost healed.
Cellulite
Cracks between the toes allow bacteria to easily creep in and cause cellulite. The deeper subcutaneous connective tissue becomes inflamed. Often the bacteria will leave the foot alone and cause damage to the leg. The skin looks red and inflamed, swells and feels warm. A fever usually occurs one day in advance, before the skin starts to turn red.If athlete’s foot is not treated, cellulite will continue to return. Cracks between the toes are often not identified as a cause of cellulite. Yet athlete’s foot is 30% the cause of cellulite.