Having dry, cracked skin on your feet can interfere with your plans to wear beautiful, strappy sandals to your evening event. Cracked feet are not just unsightly though, deep fissures and cracks can make walking and standing painful, sometimes unbearable. Furthermore, germs can enter these breaks in the skin and cause infections. There are different things that can cause cracked heels. Dry skin is commonly the culprit of cracks in heels and occurs because the skin loses too much oil and water. This condition often shows up in dry, cold weather. The use of furnaces and air conditioners, bathing in hot water, using harsh soaps, aging, having skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, or physical conditions, like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, can all contribute to dry skin. Another reason for cracked heels might be putting excessive pressure on your feet. This can include prolonged standing, being overweight, and wearing shoes that have open backs and do not protect the pad of the fat under the feet. The feet expand toward the sides, which can result in splitting of hard, dry skin there. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet. It thrives in moist, warm areas and the feet are a perfect host for this. This condition can cause peeling, flaking, and cracked skin on the sides of the feet and between your toes. If there is an infection, symptoms can worsen to stinging, burning, blisters, red skin, and itching. Spending too much time in the sun and getting sunburnt can be yet another reason for dry, cracked heels. Washing and drying your feet well, using moisturizer daily, wearing shoes made of material that breathes and that fit properly, controlling excessive sweating, and tending to secondary conditions may all help. If you are not able to keep your dry, cracked heels under control, or if signs of infection are present, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options that have a greater chance of controlling this annoying condition.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
