When skin on the feet becomes so dry that it cracks, you know you've got a serious dry skin problem. Cracked heels need some serious moisture fast to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. You've got to keep skin well moisturized, says Alan K. Mauser, DPM, a podiatrist in Louisville, Ky. You've got to reduce the callus [thickened] tissue either manually or chemically. Sometimes you can put medication on there that reduces the callus tissue, but it's a constant diligent job to keep your skin moisturized. Cracked Heels: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize Cracked heels occur for one main reason — the skin on your heels is just too dry to support the immense pressure on them. So when the foot expands, that dry, callused skin on your heels just splits. The best possible treatment for cracked heels is to get some moisture back in those feet, pronto. And it’s not just so your feet look pretty: Cracked heels can pose a serious foot problem. Fissures or cracks will get infected, and you need to treat them with topical antibiotics, says Dr. Mauser. To keep infection out, some deep cracks in the heels might need to be managed by a podiatrist. Sometimes, we can use a medical glue to seal the cracks closed. Cracked Heels: Greasy Is Good Here's how you can keep your heels crack-free: Invest in a good foot cream. Look for rich, heavy moisturizing creams or even oils to rub into your dry feet. If it feels greasy, it's good for those dry, cracked heels. You should do this as soon as you get out of the tub for the best absorption. Try petroleum jelly. It may take a while to soak in, but petroleum jelly is a good way to restore moisture to cracked heels. Try coating your feet in petroleum jelly at night before bed, slip on some comfy socks, and let it soak in overnight while you are asleep. Ease off the soaps. It's important to keep cracked heels clean and dry, but a harsh soap can.
Facts about the skin from Derm Net New Zealand Trust. Topic index: racked 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. Cracked heels Who gets cracked heels and why? Anyone can get cracked heels but some people are more prone to the condition than others. For example: Dry thickened skin (corns and calluses) around the rim of the heel is the very first step towards cracked heels. Increased pressure on the fat pad under the heel causes it to expand sideways, leading to splitting or cracking of the callous. Some factors that contribute towards the callus cracking or splitting include: Excessive weight or obesity Prolonged standing, especially on hard floors Open-back shoes and sandals, as they provide no support to hold the fat pad under the foot What are the signs of symptoms of cracked heels? The first sign of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel. This is called a callus and may be yellow or dark brown discoloured area of skin. Initially small cracks over the callus are visible. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, these cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing will be painful. The cracks may be so deep that they begin to bleed. In severe cases cracked heels can become infected, and lead to cellulitis. This must be treated with elevation of the area, debridement of dead tissue, and antibiotics. Cracked heels are of particular concern for diabetic patients, who may suffer neuropathic damage (loss of feeling, particularly of the feet as the fissures may lead to diabetic foot ulcers. Cellulitis.
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