What Causes Severe Cracks And Deep Cuts In The Feet Of A Teenager?

Posted on Tue, 23 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter's feet are getting heavily cracked, with deep cuts in some places. This happens only in this city (Hyderabad, india). If we go for a holiday to any other place, like someplace about 5 hrs away from here, the foot clears up within 3 or 4 days. No cracks at all. What could be the reason? She drinks plenty of water too. She is now 17 years old and has had this problem for the past 5 years. I have also attached a recent picture of her feet. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Images not received

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you gor writing to us

I am Dr. Kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Unfortunately I could not find any attached images. I request you to try and upload the images once again.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 minute later)

Really sorry, please find the attached picture now.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Plantar hyperkeratotic eczema with plantar keratoderma

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have reviewed the Images.

She has an hyperkeratotic eczema with keratoderma. I can see redness, scaling, fissuring and also that the skin of sole is thickened (yellowish looking) all over, sparing the medial arch.
This condition is genetic, due to her inherently dry skin; cold and dry weather conditions would generally exacerbate it whereas humid and warm weather would make it somewhat better.
If I was the treating doctor I would suggest that you use for her, a topical intensive moisturiser e.g Xerina cream (glycolic acid, urea and cetylated fatty esters), twice daily, regularly for a few weeks. In addition you must also use for her a topical steroid+salicylic acid combination ointment e.g Topisal 3% ointment (clobetasol propionate 0.05%+salicylic acid 3% ointment), twice daily, over and above the moisturiser.
In addition I would also suggest an Oral retinoid e.g acitretin. It is a vitamin A derivative and would help to reduce thickness of planter keratoderma involving soles.
These are prescription medications and I suggest that you use these under supervision of a dermatologist in your vicinity.
Avoid repeated washing with soap.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar