Tag Archives: cracked heels

How to deal with cracked heels?

Cracked heels that are technically termed heel fissures never look good, is usually a real nuisance but as they could in some cases lead to more severe problems if they are not dealt with you have to take them seriously. They are more common in those who have dry skin, are overweight and use shoes that have an open heel. The ideal way to deal with them is just giving the feet additional attention by beginning with a moisturizing ointment on them at least twice a day to start with for your dry skin. Once a day after it has improved will probably be enough. Seek out moisturizers or balms which have a thicker consistency. Some of them include skin-softening agents, for example urea and salicylic acid that can help clear away dead skin cells.

If the cracked heels don't seem to be helped by that frequent use of the ointment, next visit a podiatric physician. They will certainly remove the thicker dead skin and then if you apply the lotion routinely after that, then that ought to help ensure that is stays in check. You could also give your feet some additional attention before going to bed by soaking your feet for about 10 minutes in plain or soapy water. Just after drying the feet after that carefully rub your heels with a foot filer or something like that to help remove the dead skin. Use a heavier, oil-based lotion and then cover with a pair of thin cotton socks or silicone gel heel cup at bedtime to help the moisturizer work. In addition try and target the risk factors for the cracked heels. Losing weight in the long run can help and try and steer clear of wearing footwear that are open in the heel area.

Most importantly, do not neglect the dry cracked heels because you can develop deeper fissures in the skin that increase your potential for infection. In the event the above self-care methods tend not to help, discuss with your doctor concerning additional treatment methods you could have.

How to deal with cracked heels?

Splits in the skin around the heel is usually both embarrassing and painful. This problem is caused by the thick or dry skin, on and round the periphery of the heels. The skin on your feet will likely be more dry and dehydrated compared to the skin in other places on the rest of the body most likely as there are no oil glands within the thicker epidermis on the bottom of the foot. For this reason, the skin around the heels can lose flexibility and resilience as a result of that lack of moisture. Due to the stresses of walking, that dry skin can start to split and it can lead to unsightly, painful cracked heels which can occasionally bleed. There are a number of reasons which raise the risk for the cracked heels such as higher pressure, greater weight, inappropriate footwear (particularly footwear that are open up at the back), inherited genes, unhygienic problems and inadequate self-care, and dietary inadequacies.

To prevent cracked heels, always attempt to use well fitted enclosed shoes that enable your feet to breathe and get away from footwear that are open at the back. You should remain well hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water daily because that will help. Exfoliate the skin on a regular basis and moisturise every day with a good ointment. When it is more severe, this should probably be carried out twice daily initially. There are a few suggestions that omega 3 and zinc supplements may help (but they do need to be used with the other solutions and not in isolation). It will also help to stay away from excessive exposure of the feet to water or damp conditions. It is necessary that you wash your feet with tepid to warm water instead of hot water. If these kinds of strategies don't help, then see a experienced podiatrist. They will take away the thicker hard skin and give additional advice on the way to self treat.