Cracks in or Between The Toes Symptom, Causes & Questions
Dry skin between the toes is usually caused by a fungal infection known as athlete's foot. Other causes for cracks between toes can arise from contact dermatitis or skin infections. Read on for more information about causes and treatment options.
This symptom can also be referred to as: toe fissures
Updated on
Written by Claudia Gambrah-Sampaney, MD|Reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH and the Buoy Medical Review Team
Cracks In Or Between The Toes Symptoms
Cracks in or between the toes can be an uncomfortable and annoying symptom. This condition can have several causes, but fortunately, many of them are common and easily treatable either at home or with the help of your healthcare provider.
Common characteristics of cracks in or between the toes are
Cracks in between the toes are common between the little toe and the adjacent toe as seen here. The affected area can also be described as:
- Very flaky and itchy
- The skin is becoming white and thick
- The skin may look swollen
Common accompanying symptoms are
Since there are many different causes of cracks between the toes, symptoms can vary and range in severity. In addition to the primary symptom, you may also experience:
- Fever
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Dryness
- Pus-filled bumps
- Open sores
- Blisters
It is important to follow-up with your healthcare provider even though cracks in or between the toes are generally benign because they do not self-resolve. They must be treated or they can lead to complications such as infections of the nails or other parts of the foot.
Cracks In Or Between The Toes Causes
Many of the causes of cracks in or between the toes need warmth and moisture to grow and spread to create further issues. The feet are the perfect environment as most people wear shoes for the majority of the day, providing the ideal dark and warm space.
Inflammatory
Inflammatory causes of cracks in or between the toes include the following.
- Infection: Cracks between the toes are most often caused by fungi that infect the skin (dermatophytes) [1]. The fungi enter the skin through small cracks or wounds and infect the topmost layer. Although fungi are the most common cause, other infectious pathogens such as bacteria can also infect the feet in a similar fashion and result in similar symptoms.
- Systemic disease: Conditions that weaken the immune system, whether from serious illness or long-term medication use, can put the body at risk for contracting infections and other inflammatory diseases. An individual with a weakened immune system cannot mount an appropriate response to pathogens. If the feet or toes become infected, cracks or skin breakdown may persist.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic causes of cracks in or between the toes include the following.
- Primary: Primary dermatologic causes refer to cutaneous conditions that are the result of inherent problems with the skin and its components. Many of these conditions can affect the feet and cause cracks and dryness in the skin.
- Secondary: Secondary dermatologic conditions that result in cracks in or between the toes can occur due to secondary causes such as weather and poor moisturizer that results in dryness.
Environmental
Environmental causes of cracks in or between the toes include the following.
- Irritation: Many substances can irritate the skin and cause rashes, redness, and cracking of the skin. This is known as dermatitis. Products such as heavily scented soaps, lotions, and even some types of jewelry around the toes can be very irritating and cause damage to the toes due to allergic or sensitivity reactions.
- Poor hygiene: Proper hygiene is essential in maintaining foot health. Regularly washing the feet with mild soap and water and adequately drying the feet after showering or exposure to water is important in keeping fungi and bacteria away.
4 Possible Cracks In Or Between The Toes Conditions
The list below shows results from the use of our quiz by Buoy users who experienced cracks in or between the toes. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the feet and/or toes. Warm, moist environments and community showering are common causes of this type of infection.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: foot redness, foot/toe itch, foot skin changes, spontaneous foot pain, peeling between the toes
Symptoms that always occur with athlete's foot (tinea pedis): foot redness
Symptoms that never occur with athlete's foot (tinea pedis): toe injury
Urgency: Self-treatment
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis means a skin reaction that is caused by directly touching an irritating substance, and not by an infectious agent such as a bacteria or virus.
Common causes are soap, bleach, cleaning agents, chemicals, and even water. Almost any substance can cause it with prolonged exposure. Contact dermatitis is not contagious.
Anyone who works with an irritating substance can contract the condition. Mechanics, beauticians, housekeepers, restaurant workers, and health care providers are all susceptible.
Symptoms include skin that feels swollen, stiff, and dry, and becomes cracked and blistered with painful open sores.
A medical provider can give the best advice on how to heal the skin and avoid further irritation. Self-treatment can make the problem worse if the wrong creams or ointments are used.
Diagnosis is made through patient history, to find out what substances the patient comes into contact with, and through physical examination of the damaged skin.
Treatment involves avoiding the irritating substance if possible. Otherwise, the person can use petroleum jelly on the hands underneath cotton and then rubber gloves.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: rash with well-defined border, itchy rash, red or pink, rough patch of skin, painful rash, red rash
Symptoms that always occur with irritant contact dermatitis: rash with well-defined border
Symptoms that never occur with irritant contact dermatitis: fever, black-colored skin changes, brown-colored skin changes, blue-colored skin changes
Urgency: Self-treatment
Cracks In Or Between The Toes Symptom Checker
Take a quiz to find out what might be causing your cracks in or between the toes
Allergic contact dermatitis of the foot
Allergic contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes irritated and inflamed following physical contact with an allergen. Common products known to cause allergic dermatitis include plants, metals, soap, fragrance, and cosmetics.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: foot redness, foot/toe itch, scabbed area of the foot
Symptoms that always occur with allergic contact dermatitis of the foot: foot redness
Urgency: Self-treatment
Skin infection (cellulitis)
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can affect the skin of any part of the body. Cellulitis most commonly appears on the legs in adults and on the head in children. It can be the result of any condition that compromises the protective barrier of the ski...
Cracks In Or Between The Toes Treatments and Relief
The mainstay of treatment in regards to cracks between the toes is prevention. There are many things you can do at home or in your day-to-day routine that can stop this condition from occurring in the first place.
Prevention
Since many of the causes of cracks in or between the toes can persist or thrive in a moist environment, keeping your feet dry is key. Try these lifestyle changes in order to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of your symptoms:
- Keep your feet dry: Thoroughly dry your feet with a towel after activities such as showering or swimming.
- Footwear: Wear shoes that fit and are not too tight. This will allow your feet to breathe. Try not to wear the same pairs of shoes over consecutive days and take your shoes off as much as possible. You should also wear flip-flops in communal showers and changing rooms.
- Limit the spread of germs: Do not share towels, shoes, or socks.
At-home treatment
There are many creams, gels, and sprays that are available over-the-counter that do not require a prescription. Always speak with your physician first before trying any non-prescription treatments.
When to see a doctor
If you develop symptoms, see your healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis and advice on how to treat your condition. For example, if your symptoms are due to a fungal infection, your healthcare provider may give you over-the-counter options to utilize. However, if your symptoms are dermatologic or systemic in nature, your healthcare provider may have to prescribe topical or systemic steroids to treat your condition.
When it is an emergency
Cracks in or between the toes are rarely an emergency. However, if you have a weakened immune system or peripheral nerve problem from a condition such as diabetes, you need to pay particularly close attention to your feet. In such conditions, cracks in the feet may go unnoticed for long periods of time and become super infected.
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FAQs About Cracks In Or Between The Toes
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the feet/toes. The fungi (dermatophytes) enter the skin through small cracks or wounds and infect the topmost layer of the toes.
How do I contract athlete’s foot?
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) are passed through direct skin contact or through contact with already infected flakes of skin. This is why it is important to not share shoes or socks with other individuals and to protect the feet from contact with fungi in communal areas like locker rooms by wearing flip-flops.
What is contact dermatitis?
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin resulting in redness, itching, and/or flaking. Contact dermatitis refers to dermatitis that is caused by skin contact with a substance [2]. The substance can provoke an allergic reaction or an irritate and damage the skin.
What over-the-counter medications treat athlete’s foot?
Medications such as antifungal creams, gels, or sprays can treat tinea pedis and can easily be found in your local pharmacy [3]. Use the medications two times a day for two weeks or as directed on the packaging. If your symptoms do not improve, make an appointment with your physician.
Will my athlete’s foot go away on its own?
No. Without treatment, athlete’s foot will only worsen. Your symptoms of itchiness, flaking and general discomfort will only resolve with over-the-counter or prescription medications that target the fungus.
Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Cracks In Or Between The Toes
To diagnose this condition, your doctor would likely ask the following questions:
- Do you have a rash?
- Did you suffer a sudden, physical injury to your toe(s)?
- Did your symptoms start after you were exposed to glues, fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, soaps, detergents, or other common household chemicals?
- How would you explain the cause of your foot pain?
If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions
Cracks In Or Between The Toes Symptom Checker
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Cracks In Or Between The Toes Symptom Checker Statistics
People who have experienced cracks in or between the toes have also experienced:
- 18% Pain Between The 2Nd And 3Rd Toe
- 9% Dry Skin
- 6% Foot Peeling
People who have experienced cracks in or between the toes were most often matched with:
- 33% Athlete'S Foot (Tinea Pedis)
- 33% Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- 33% Allergic Contact Dermatitis Of The Foot
Source: Aggregated and anonymized results from Buoy Assistant (a.k.a. the quiz).
Cracks In Or Between The Toes Symptom Checker
Take a quiz to find out what might be causing your cracks in or between the toes
References
- Informed Health Online [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Athlete's foot: Overview. 2015 Jan 14 [Updated 2018 Jun 14]. NCBI Link
- Contact Dermatitis and Latex Allergy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated July 10, 2013. CDC Link
- Stone SP. Ask a dermatologist: How do I get rid of athlete’s foot? American Academy of Dermatology. AAD Link
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