Also Known as Pigmented Purpura

Capillaritis is the name given to a harmless skin condition in which there are reddish-brown patches caused by leaky capillaries.

The capillaries are small blood vessels near to the skin surface. For unknown reasons they sometimes become inflamed, although a true vasculitis is not seen on skin biopsy. Blood cells may pass through small gaps that arise between the cells, which make up the capillary walls. The result is tiny red dots appear on the skin, described as cayenne pepper spots. They group together to form a flat red patch, which becomes brown and then slowly fades away over weeks to months.

Affect the Skin Between the Toes

The cleft between the fourth and fifth toes is the most frequently affected, with moist soft skin that peels off easily. Often the skin splits uncomfortably (a fissure). It may smell unpleasant. It is generally mild; very inflamed athlete's foot is generally due to secondary bacterial infection.

Causes

Athlete's foot can be due to one factor or a combination of factors.

• Bacterial infection (erythrasma, pseudomonas, Staphylococci and Streptococci).
• Mould infection.
• Soft corn (build-up of thick skin because the toes are pressing against each other).
• Injury e.g. over-vigorous removal of peeling skin.
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or keratolysis exfoliativa.
• Fungal infection (tinea pedis).

Many Treatments are Preventive

The best form of treatment for cracked heels is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved by simply rubbing the heels with a moisturising cream on a regular basis to keep the skin supple and hydrated. Special heel balms are available that contain descaling (keratolytic) or water-retaining (humectant) agents, such as:

• Urea
• Salicylic acid
• Alpha-hydroxy acids
• Saccharide isomerate

Is a Common Foot Problem

Cracked heels or heel fissures are a common foot problem experienced by many people. In most cases the problem is merely a nuisance and unattractive to look at, however when the cracks or fissures become deep, standing, walking or any pressure placed on the heel can be painful.

Anyone can get cracked heels but some people are more prone to the condition than others. For example: