We figure out where this problem comes from, whether home care is effective, and when it is better not to self-medicate and go to the doctor right away.
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Most often, cracked heels appear due to insufficient foot skin care and lifestyle factors. For example, if you have to stand a lot or wear unsuitable shoes.
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You can usually prevent cracks from appearing on your own. Drink enough water, regularly apply moisturizer to your heels, and if calluses appear, gently remove them with a scrub or pumice stone.
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See a doctor if the cracks do not heal for a long time and your feet hurt or swell.
What do cracked heels look like?
Cracked heels are breaks that can occur when the skin on your feet becomes dry and hard. They can be very small or quite deep. Sometimes they are accompanied by peeling, crusting, and yellowing of the skin.
The first sign of cracks is the formation of a callus (corn) along the edge of the heel. It looks like a dry, hard and thickened area of skin, colored yellow or dark brown. At first, small cracks are visible above the callus: if left unattended, they can deepen and become painful when walking and even standing.
The next step is an even greater increase in cracks, bleeding and itching. In severe cases, cracked heels can become infected. It is important to prevent this from happening and review your foot skin care in time. And if you cannot solve the problem yourself, consult a podiatrist.
Why do cracks appear on the heels?
There are two large groups of causes. The first is the consequences of certain diseases. Among them:
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obesity;
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psoriasis;
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eczema ;
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fungal infection;
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palmoplantar keratoderma , which is a group of skin conditions that cause thickening of the skin on the hands and soles of the feet;
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diabetes;
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hypothyroidism – a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not function properly and produces less hormones than the body needs;
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Sjogren’s syndrome is a rare condition that causes dry skin due to an overactive immune system that attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands.
The second group of reasons is related to lifestyle. Cracks can occur if:
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standing for long periods of time, especially on hard floors, such as shop assistants, hairdressers and surgeons;
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wear open-toe shoes or shoes without straps, as they do not provide adequate support;
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Do not use moisturizer, especially in dry and cold climates.
Is it possible to get rid of cracks on your own?
Most often, cracks in the heels are caused by banal dehydration of the body and insufficient or improper care of the skin of the feet. Therefore, it is worth starting the fight against dry feet with the elimination of these problems.
For example, you can increase your daily water intake and use a three-step routine.
1. Make a foot bath
This will help soften hard and thick skin. Important: do not do the bath if the cracks have already become deep, are accompanied by pain or bleeding.
Feet should be placed in plain or soapy water for about 10-20 minutes. Then gently rub your heels with a washcloth, scrub or pumice stone. Avoid using excessively intense movements or cutting the skin with a razor or scissors: this can only worsen the problem because it will deprive the heel of protection from pressure while walking and friction from shoes. After the bath, gently pat your feet dry with a towel.
2. Apply moisturizing heel cream
Dermatologists recommend using products that contain 10–25% urea, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid. It is best to apply them immediately after a shower or bath, when the skin is still slightly damp. It is best to use foot cream several times a day — in the morning, in the evening, and at any other time when dry feet become noticeable.
An alternative to creams can be cosmetic coconut oil. It can reduce moisture evaporation, reduce inflammation and protect against dryness in the future.
3. Wear cotton socks before bed
Immediately after applying the cream. Socks will help prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin of your feet. And they will also prevent the product from wearing off overnight.
This three-step heel care should be repeated regularly. Soak and exfoliate the skin once or several times a week, and apply cream and put on socks every day. It is not contraindicated to get a pedicure in a salon when there are small cracks on the heels. It can even be useful as an additional procedure for foot skin care.
When is it time to see a doctor?
Cracks are accompanied by pain, redness or swelling
These symptoms may indicate that a bacterial infection has penetrated the cracks. In this case, home care alone will not suffice – you should contact a podiatrist who will remove purulent tissue and select a therapy.
The cracks do not heal for a long time
If regular moisturizing does not help at all, it would also be a good idea to consult a specialist. After examination, the podiatrist will be able to prescribe an alternative treatment: from ointments or creams with a higher concentration of active substances and special tissue glue to applying a bandage and sanitation, that is, cutting off the skin.
It is especially important to consult a specialist if cracks that do not heal for a long time are associated with any disease, in particular psoriasis, eczema and diabetes.
How to Prevent Cracked Heels
The main prevention of dryness and cracks is regular moisturizing of the skin of the feet. But there are also several other actions that can reduce the risks.
Inspect your heels regularly
Carefully observe whether the skin on your feet is covered with small cracks and whether there are calluses, corns, or peeling. If they appear, think about what could have caused this, for example, an unsuccessful foot cream, new or uncomfortable shoes. For greater peace of mind, you can consult a specialist.
Wash your feet daily
Regular foot hygiene can reduce the risk of infection and additionally moisturize the feet. An important nuance: it is better to wash for a short time, about 5 minutes, and in warm water – hot water can additionally dry the skin. After a shower or bath, it is better to gently pat your feet dry with a soft towel, without rubbing, so as not to injure the skin again.
Choose comfortable shoes according to size
Shoes that are too tight or have high heels can contribute to the incorrect distribution of load on the heel. And to prevent cracks, it is better to wear models with a closed toe and back – these provide greater support for the foot.
Use gentle skin care for your heels
It is best to avoid scented skin care products and deodorant soaps. Cosmetics containing alcohol or fragrances can irritate the skin and remove the natural oil film, which will prevent moisture from being retained.
Protect your feet from the sun and temperature changes
Temperature changes are bad for the skin and can cause dryness due to a sharp decrease in humidity. Therefore, it is worth protecting your feet from exposure to sunlight, immediately taking off your shoes if they are wet, and in cold weather, putting on warm socks.
Drink enough water
Cracked heels and dry skin on other parts of the body can be symptoms of dehydration. There are no universal recommendations on the amount of water needed: it is recommended to drink as much as the body requires – focus on thirst. If there is physical activity or in high temperatures, the amount of water can be increased.