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Cracked Heels
Foot Care
What are cracked heels?
The skin around the heel area of the feet can become excessively
dry causing it to crack and fissure.
What causes cracked heels?
The skin around the heel is naturally thicker than other areas
of the foot and so requires more moisture to keep it supple. If the skin becomes
too dry and lacking in moisture, the upper layers start to lose their
flexibility causing the skin to split and crack.
Anyone can develop cracked heels though certain factors can make
some people more prone to the condition:
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Increasing age - skin naturally loses moisture as it ages
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Being overweight
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Wearing shoes with open backs that expose the heels
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Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
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Diabetes can cause dry skin
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Athlete's foot causes drying of the skin and can affect the
heels
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Shoes that are too loose or tight around the heel can shear
and rub the skin
What are the signs & symptoms of cracked heels?
It is common to experience one or more of these signs and
symptoms with cracked heels:
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Dry, peeling, flaking skin developing around one or both
heels
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Vertical cracks known as fissures. The pressure placed on
the heels when walking can cause fissures to split open and bleed. They can
become very painful and susceptible to infection
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Hard skin can develop around the heels and the edges of the
fissures preventing the skin from 'knitting' together and healing
Treatment of cracked heels
The skin around the heel is naturally thicker than other areas
of the foot and so requires more moisture to keep it supple. If the skin becomes
too dry and lacking in moisture, the upper layers start to lose their
flexibility causing the skin to split and crack.
Anyone can develop cracked heels though certain factors can make some people
more prone to the condition:
-
Remove dry skin safely and gently with a foot file or by
using a pumice stone in the bath or shower. Use twice a week
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Do not attempt to try and remove hard skin with scissors,
blades or other sharp instruments
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Apply moisturising cream daily to the heels. Many Chiropody
clinics stock creams and balms developed specifically for dry and cracked
heels
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For a more intense moisturise, apply moisturising cream at
bedtime and wear bed socks during the night
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If the skin is bleeding or infected, cover with a dry
dressing and keep dry until healed. See a Podiatrist or your GP
If open cracks fail to heal, contact a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist
can reduce the build up of hard skin around the edges of the fissure, dress the
area and advise on home foot care regimes.
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Treat Athlete's foot as it can contribute to dry and flaking
skin
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Avoid wearing loose or tight footwear that can rub the heels
What can a Podiatrist do?
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Reduce dry and flaking skin
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Reduce hard skin build up, particularly around the edges of
a fissure in order to encourage the skin to 'knit' together and heal
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Check for open wounds and infection and treat accordingly
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Advise on suitable moisturising products
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Advise on footwear
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Check for signs of Athlete's foot and advise on suitable
treatment
Prevention of cracked heels
The two most important steps to follow in order to prevent heels
from cracking are:
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File away dry and flaking skin gently twice a week
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Moisturise daily (or twice daily if feet are very dry)
Other simple steps to follow are:
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Wear good shoes that fit properly and don't rub the heel
area
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Treat Athlete's foot
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See a Podiatrist for regular foot checks and foot care.
Athletes Foot | Chilblains | Corns | Cracked Heels | Nail Surgery
Fungal Nail Infection | Sweaty Feet | Toenails | Verruca
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