Dealing with Cracked Heels

How to Soothe and Treat Heel Fissures

Sep 10, 2009 Prerna Malik

Cracked heels, also known as, heel fissures are a painful and uncomfortable condition. Cracked heels usually result from lack of foot care and need immediate attention.

Feet are usually neglected when it comes to daily care and maintenance. Cracked heels are one result of such neglect. Dry skin on the feet further aggravates the condition and if the heel becomes callused and split, it not only looks unsightly but also is painful and uncomfortable. Here is an overview of cracked heels and how to heal them.

What Are Cracked Heels

The skin on the soles and, especially, the heels is basically thick and dry. However, when heels get exposed to a lot of rough conditions and dryness, a thick callus or skin covering forms on the heels which over time hardens and gets discolored. As it keeps hardening, a tendency for the heels to split or crack develops. This condition is known as cracked heels.

Causes of Cracked Heels

While the main cause of heel fissures is dry skin, a few other factors can result in heels getting cracked. These include skin diseases, such as, psoriasis, putting a lot of weight on the feet, wearing open-backed shoes for long, being overweight, thyroid disorders or diabetes. Not moisturizing the feet regularly and lack of a foot care regime can also cause this condition in many people.

Cracked Heel Repair

The first step in treating cracked heels is to use a foot scrubber to slough away dead skin. It is important to be gentle and not scrub it all off at once. Use a moisturizer for dry skin or a special cracked heel cream to soften the skin and then keep feet covered or in thick socks. WebMD suggests using a dimethicone based cream that will enter the upper layer of the skin and form a protective layer.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

Dry and cracked heels can be treated with simple home remedies, such as, soaking them in warm water to hydrate them and moisturizing them with petroleum jelly. Dr. Van Pelt, D.P.M, former president of American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies II, Bantam Books, 1995) recommends 20 minutes of soaking each night followed by sealing in the moisture with a layer of Vaseline and then, wearing thick socks to bed.

Paying attention to moisturizing the dry skin of the feet and getting regular pedicures and foot massages will keep heels hydrated and in perfect, crack-free condition. Cracked heels can cause considerable pain and hence, steps must be taken to heal them and prevent these heel fissures from recurring. For more on health related issues, do read Natural Ways to Prevent Flu and Dealing With Breast Engorgement.

References:

• ePodiatry.com
• WebMD
• Kirchheimer, Sid. The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies II. Bantam Books, 1995.

The copyright of the article Dealing with Cracked Heels in Beauty is owned by Prerna Malik. Permission to republish Dealing with Cracked Heels in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Proper Foot Care Prevents Cracked Heels

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