Question
Hi, I would like to ask you a question, and I wonder if you could shed a little light. I have a hereditary skin condition, but it is not only limited to my feet. As far as I know, it started with my grandpa - apparently something to do with frostbite, but I'm not too sure on that. We have skin that callouses easily - very - and then cracks. It is very prominent on our feet, not only the heel. My grandpa's foot was covered with at least 2 inches of skin, from just below the ankle to his toes, and very deeply cracked. However, about two years before he died, he fell ill, and was put onto a myriad of medication - something in that cocktail healed his condition! I have often tried to get my mom to remember, but I think she says we have 1 less layer of skin - again, I'm not too sure. My grandpa's hands were so bad at school, that when he played cricket, ball contact with the bat and the shock that went through it would split his skin!
I pumice and use a urea and super fattened based cream, as well as covering in plastic. It will diminish, but as soon as I stop, it just returns. We have lived with this our whole lives - it is horrible. I have photos if you would like me to send them...

Are you aware of anything like this, and what one could try to correct it or at least make it a little less serious?

Thank you for your time. Kindest regards!
Lynne, Cape Town South Africa  

Answer
Hi Lynne,

I would see a dermatologist.  There are prescription creams and various steroids that may help. You should be checked for psoriasis and fungal infections.  In many cases a biopsy of the skin can shed some light on the condition and that may help with treatment. Unfortunately, many of these conditions have no cure but rather come and go with varying severity.  You may need to have treatment on a regular basis.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://katzpodiatristtampa.blogspot.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TampaPodiatrist
http://www.notoenailfungus.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.