Cracked Skin on the Soles of the Feet in Children: Care Instructions
Overview
Cracked skin on the soles of the feet can occur when your child wears wet socks or shoes. The cracks can be deep and painful. Your doctor may call this "juvenile plantar dermatosis." The cracks tend to happen during cold weather when your child wears heavy socks and boots. Skin cracks can also happen when feet sweat during hot, humid weather or anytime socks or footwear keep moisture next to the skin.
Cracked skin often gets better on its own. But it can come back again. Using moisturizing creams often and keeping the feet dry can help heal cracks.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- If your doctor prescribes medicine, use it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with the medicine.
- Apply a moisturizing cream to the soles of your child's feet several times a day. Use over-the-counter products that your doctor suggests. These may include Cetaphil, Lubriderm, or Eucerin. Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) also works.
- At night you can apply petroleum jelly to your child's feet.
- To prevent chapped skin from coming back, help your child avoid wearing moist shoes or socks. Have your child change into dry shoes and socks if their feet get damp. If needed, have your child change socks 1 or 2 times each day.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter X977 in the search box to learn more about "Cracked Skin on the Soles of the Feet in Children: Care Instructions".
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
