really sore 'infection' under foot

Hi there. My girlfriend has what seems to be deep and severe cracks on the ball of her foot. We thought it was just athletes foot but it has now started spreading and she is in a lot of pain. We have tried many different creams but nothing seems to help. Its getting to a point now that she cannot walk on it. I have taken pictures so I would be so grateful if someone could help me and ill send photos. Please e mail me on ***@**** please we really need help.  Brennan

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms it can be due to fungal infection of the sole of the foot or due to tinea pedis or another possibility is of contact dermatitis. Keep your feet dry and apply zinc oxide based diaper rash ointment. Most cases of fungal infections respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole. You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients. If the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.