Cracked heels, also referred to as heel fissures, are a common foot condition, which can cause discomfort or even pain. Podiatrist Dallas, Tx result from dry skin and are accompanied by thickened skin, plus sometimes yellow or brown calluses around the heel edge.
Often, the only problem with cracked heels is their appearance. However, in some cases, the condition can be severe if the cracks become infected.
According to the National Foot Health Assessment 2012, 20 percent of adults in the United States have experienced cracked skin on their feet. Women were 50 percent more likely to report the condition than men.
There are several reasons why people may experience dry, cracked heels. Our feet are responsible for holding up our body and therefore they withstand a tremendous amount of pressure.
When weight and pressure are applied to the heels of our feet, the skin expands outwards. If our skin is dry, it becomes less elastic and rigid and therefore more prone to fissures and cracking.
Causes of Cracked Heels
The most common causes analysis by Podiatrist Dallas, Tx of Heel dry, cracked heels includes the following: medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, eczema, hypothyroidism, Sjogren’s syndrome, juvenile plantar dermatosis, infections such as athlete’s foot, biomechanical factors such as flat feet, heel spurs, or standing for long periods of time, particularly on hard flooring, and open-healed or poorly fitting shoes, as well as dry, cold weather.
These microscopic organisms live in dark, warm, and moist environments. Damp socks and the insides of shoes provide a welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection.
Causes include:
Lack of moisture
This is the most common cause of cracked heels. The skin around your heels has a relatively small number of sweat glands and a lack of elasticity, so it can often become dry, rough and chapped.
Deficiencies
Lack of vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc in your diet can adversely affect your heel health.
Pressure
Spending a long time standing at work or home can stress the skin on your heels.
Obesity
Being overweight can increase the pressure on the fat pad under the heel. This can cause it to expand sideways and, if the skin lacks flexibility, put pressure on the feet. This leads to cracked heels.
Hygiene
Failing to keep your feet clean can be a further cause of cracked heels, though the use of harsh soaps and vigorous scrubbing can contribute to the problem.
Genetics
You can be genetically predisposed to dry or thick skin and calluses around the heel, leading to cracked heels.
Care for Cracked Heels
Keep your feet clean and moisturized
Diligence in keeping your feet clean and moisturized will keep you on the good foot. Wash feet with non-foaming hydrating cleanser typically in a cream or milk form to keep foot skin from drying further and moisturize still-damp feet after every bath or shower.
Honey is full of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties great for cleansing and healing wounds, particularly Manuka honey, you can create your own honey foot mask by combining it with a drop of almond oil and slathering it on your heels.
Slough off dead skin
To prevent cracks, exfoliation is key. Both experts extol the virtues of moisturizers with exfoliants like urea not urine, but a similar compound that has been shown to help moisture seep into skin, and salicylic acid, to help prevent heel cracks with regular use.
Using a foot file on your feet after a shower or bath can be a great way to avoid thick calluses or cracks. However, if the file has sharp teeth, it is putting you at risk for cuts or scrapes. The goal is to remove the old, dead skin but leave the healthy layer intact to protect infection.
Seal up deep cracks
Cracked heels that have reached the point where they’ve started to bleed can be extremely painful. Both experts say liquid bandages are an extremely effective way of sealing up cracks to ease the pain of walking on torn skin while keeping the wounds clean.
Wear socks made of natural materials
The damp, dark environment of wet socks in shoes and boots can bring on a fungal foot infection that resembles dry skin, warns Solomon. To prevent this from happening, she advises choosing winter socks made from natural materials, such as cotton or wool rather than synthetic blends, to keep your feet sweat and bacteria-free.
Medical Treatments for Cracked Heels
In severe cases of cracked heels, or if medical care is required, a Podiatrist Dallas, Tx may:
· remove dead skin
· prescribe stronger softening or removal agents
· apply medical glue to seal cracks
· prescribe an antibiotic if there is an infection
· strap the heel with dressings or bandages
· recommend shoe inserts, heel pads, or heel cups
· help the patient change how they walk
