Dry Cracked Heels Specialist In New York City

The most common causes of dry cracked heels include the following conditions:

• Biomechanical Factors (Flat Feet or Heel Spurs)
• Dry/ Cold Weather
• Hormonal Disorders (Diabetes, Hypothyroidism)
• Immune Disorders (Sjögren's Syndrome)
• Obesity

• Poorly Fitting/ Open-Toed Shoes
• Prolonged standing
• Skin Disorders (Dermatitis, Eczema)
• Skin Infections (Athlete's foot or Plantar Warts)

At Gotham Footcare, your doctor will send a small sample of dry skin from your heel to a laboratory for microscopic analysis by a dermatopathologist who will determine the cause of dryness. Biopsy results usually take three to seven business days.

Typically the most common reason for cracked heels is a fungal infection of the skin commonly known as Athlete’s Foot, that develops on the heels and soles of the feet and in between the toes. Athlete's Foot usually produces itchy, dry, scaling skin and in more severe cases, inflammation, cracks, and the formation of blisters. Athletes commonly experience sweaty feet and use facilities where fungus grows and spreads, hence the term "athlete's foot."

Athlete’s Foot is caused by a group of mold-like fungal organisms called dermatophytes that feed on dead skin and nails. Athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections, including jock itch and ringworm. Fungi live and spread in dark, warm, and moist environments. Sweaty socks and damp shoes provide a welcoming environment for the growth of fungal organisms causing an Athlete’s Foot infection, which if left untreated could cause dry cracked heels.