Dry Skin
Dry Skin: The most common type of dry skin on the foot develops on the heels.Cracked heels are a common foot problem that is often referred to as heel fissures. Cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis), and made more complicated if the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus). For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures or cracks are deep, they are painful to stand on and the skin can bleed - in severe cases this can become infected.
Symptoms:If the cracks are bad enough there will be pain on weight bearing that is not there when weight is off the heel. The edges or rim around the heel will generally have a thicker area of skin (callus). Wearing open or thin soled shoes usually make the symptoms worse.
Causes:Some people tend to have a naturally dry skin that predisposes them to the cracks. The thickened dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area (eg the way you walk). Other factors that can be involved in the cause of cracked heels include:
Prevention:
Treatment:
Warning: We hope these suggestions improve your health and make you more comfortable. However, if you have any concerns about our advice, if any symptom persists for an unreasonable amount of time or if your condition worsens after self-treatment, we encourage you to consult a medical professional for further assistance.Please note, people with diabetes and poor circulation should always consult a medical professional before performing any self-treatment.
Symptoms:If the cracks are bad enough there will be pain on weight bearing that is not there when weight is off the heel. The edges or rim around the heel will generally have a thicker area of skin (callus). Wearing open or thin soled shoes usually make the symptoms worse.
Causes:Some people tend to have a naturally dry skin that predisposes them to the cracks. The thickened dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area (eg the way you walk). Other factors that can be involved in the cause of cracked heels include:
- Prolonged standing being overweight
- Open back on the shoes
- Skin conditions (eg psoriasis and eczema)
Prevention:
- Moisturizing feet regularly.
- Avoid going barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes, sandals or shoes with thin soles.
Treatment:
- Apply an oil based moisturizing cream.
- A pumice stone can be used to reduce the thickness of hard skin.
- Avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes.
Warning: We hope these suggestions improve your health and make you more comfortable. However, if you have any concerns about our advice, if any symptom persists for an unreasonable amount of time or if your condition worsens after self-treatment, we encourage you to consult a medical professional for further assistance.Please note, people with diabetes and poor circulation should always consult a medical professional before performing any self-treatment.
