Severely Cracked Heels

Symptoms of Cracked Heels. It could take several days or even weeks for cracks on the heels to develop completely. In fact, by recognizing the early signs of fissures on the heels you may be able to prevent or at least control them to some extent. Dec 11, 2018  Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot problem, especially during the warm weather months when people enjoy wearing sandals and flip flops. Cracked heels are only a nuisance for most people, but if the cracks are deep, they can be.

• What Causes Severe Cracked Heels
• What Helps Severely Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a common foot problem. One survey found that 20 percent of adults in the United States experience cracked skin on their feet. This can occur in both adults and children, and seems to affect women more often than men.

For most people, having cracked heels isn’t serious. It may cause discomfort when going barefoot. In some cases, cracks in the heels can become very deep and cause pain. Read on to learn about the best home remedies for treating and preventing cracked heels.

1. Heel balms or thick moisturizers

The first line of treatment for cracked heels is using a heel balm. These balms contain ingredients to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dead skin. Look out for the following ingredients:

• urea (Flexitol Heel Balm)
• salicylic acid (Kerasal)
• alpha-hydroxy acids (Amlactin)
• saccharide isomerate

You can find these heel balms over the counter at a drug store or online.

Tips for treating cracked heels

• apply heel balm in the morning to increase skin elasticity before you start your day
• moisturize your heel two to three times a day
• wear shoes that protect your heel

Some heel balms may cause minor stinging or irritation. This is normal. Consult your doctor if the balm continues to bother you or causes severe reactions. Severe cases of cracked heels may require a prescription-strength balm or steroid cream to help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

2. Soak and exfoliate your feet

The skin around cracked heels is often thicker and drier than the rest of your skin. This skin tends to split when you apply pressure. Soaking and moisturizing your feet can help with this. Here are some tips.

For a foot soak:

1. Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
2. Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
3. Gently pat your feet dry.
4. Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
5. Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture. Put on socks to avoid spreading any grease around.

Avoid scrubbing your feet when they’re dry. This increases your risk for damaged skin.

You can also try moisturizing heel sleeves. These have a similar effect to foot soaks. The sleeves are like socks that contain therapeutic oils and vitamins to help treat your dry skin. You can find them on Amazon here.

3. Liquid bandage

You can also apply liquid bandage to cracks to seal the wound and prevent infections or further cracking. This product comes as a spray, which means you can go about your day without worrying about the bandage coming off. Liquid bandage is a good option for treating deep heel cracks that may bleed.

Apply liquid bandage to clean, dry skin. As the crack heals, the coating is forced to the skin’s surface. You can buy this product without a prescription at a drug store or online.

Some people report success using super glue to close skin cracks. One 1999 case study observed ten people who used two to three drops of super glue along each crack. They held the crack together for 60 seconds to allow it to seal. About a week later, they reported the cracks to be closed and pain-free. But commercial super glue can be toxic, depending on the brand. Talk to your doctor before trying this approach.

4. Honey

Honey may work as a natural remedy for cracked heels. According to a 2012 review, honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Research shows that honey can help heal and cleanse wounds, and moisturize the skin. You can use honey as a foot scrub after a soak, or apply it as a foot mask overnight.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is often recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help your skin retain moisture. Using coconut oil after a foot soak could be a good option, too. Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may your cracked heels if they’re prone to bleeding or infections.

6. Other natural remedies

There are many other home remedies for cracked heels, although none are proven to specifically treat cracked heals. Most ingredients focus on moisturizing and softening the skin.

These include:

• vinegar, for a foot soak
• olive or vegetable oil, to moisturize
• shea butter, to moisturize
• mashed bananas, to moisturize
• paraffin wax, to seal in moisture
• oatmeal mixed with oil, for exfoliation

Use caution

Do not treat cracked heels on your own if they’re caused by a medical condition. Special treatment from a podiatrist (foot doctor) may be needed. Severe cases of cracked heels should also be evaluated by a podiatrist, regardless of your medical history. The doctor will suggest the best treatment for your situation.

Q:

I’ve read about Listerine foot soaks for cracked heels. Does this treatment work and how can I try it?

A:

Listerine mouthwash or any antiseptic mouthwash when combined with warm water has been used as a foot soak. Many people combine it with vinegar. Listerine ingredients include denatured (undrinkable) alcohol, menthol, thymol, eucalyptol and methyl salicylate, and many other chemicals. The mouthwash can kill germs and moisturize dry skin.

Be prepared to do this once a day (usually at night) for a couple of weeks. Follow the soak with a pumice scrub and moisturizer for best results. Just like with other home remedies, it takes time and care to improve cracked heels.

The first sign of cracked heels is having areas of dry, thickened skin, known as callouses, around the rim of your heel. As you walk, the fat pad under your heel expands. This causes your callouses to crack.

Other factors that can cause cracked heels include:

• standing for long hours
• walking around barefoot, or with open-back sandals
• taking long, hot showers
• using harsh soaps that can strip your skin of natural oils
• shoes that don’t fit properly or support your heels
• dry skin due to climate, such as cold temperatures or low humidity

If you don’t moisturize your feet regularly, they may dry out even faster.

Medical causes

High blood sugar and poor circulation resulting from diabetes are common causes for dry skin. Nerve damage may prevent you from knowing your feet are dry, cracked, and painful.

Other conditions that may lead to dry skin and cracked heels include:

• juvenile plantar dermatosis
• palmoplantar keratoderma, causes abnormal skin thickening on the soles and palms
• obesity
• pregnancy
• aging

In addition to having cracked heels, you may experience:

• flaky skin
• itching
• pain, possibly severe
• bleeding
• red, inflamed skin
• ulceration

In severe cases, you may develop complications with a cracked heel, especially if it’s caused by a medical condition. Complications can include:

• a loss of feeling in your heel
• cellulitis, an infection
• diabetic foot ulcer

Symptoms of infection include pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection.

Your footwear matters. If you’re prone to cracked heels, try to find shoes that fit properly and support your heels. Whenever possible, wear shoes with a sturdy, wide heel that supports and cushions your heels.

Avoid

What Causes Severe Cracked Heels

• flip-flops and sandals, which can increase the risk of your feet drying out
• open-back shoes, which generally don’t provide enough heel support
• shoes with a tall, skinny heel, which can cause your heel to expand sideways
• shoes that are too tight

Nuclear physics pdf books. Other ways to prevent cracked heels:

• Avoid standing in one position or sitting with your legs crossed for too long.
• Slather on thick foot cream at night and then cover your feet with socks to lock in moisture.
• Inspect your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or another condition that causes dry skin.
• Wear custom shoe inserts (orthotics) to cushion your heel and even out weight distribution.
• Wear good quality or clinically-testedpadded socks.
• Use silicon heel cups to keep the heel moisturized and help prevent the heel pad from expanding.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Use a pumice stone after showering a few times a week to help prevent thickening skin. But avoid removing calluses yourself if you have diabetes or neuropathy. You may inadvertently create a wound and increase your risk of infection.

What Helps Severely Cracked Heels

In many cases, cracked heels aren’t cause for concern. You may be able to relieve the condition with over-the-counter or home remedies. See a doctor if you have a severe case of cracked heels, or an underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. It’s important to see a doctor to prevent potentially serious complications.

Although your skin may show signs of improvement after initial treatment, it may take several days or weeks for the cracks to heal. During and after this time, wear shoes that fit properly and practice proper foot care to help prevent new heel cracks.