Posted on June 29, 2007 in Foot Problems
Heel fissures, commonly referred to as dry, cracked heels, are caused by dry skin called Xerosis. If the skin around the rim of the heel is thick and has calluses, this can add to the foot problem and cause a lot of discomfort to the person suffering from cracked heels. Primarily a cosmetic problem, dry, cracked heels is a condition that can be very painful if the fissures/cracks are deep, making it difficult for the person to even stand as this may make the skin bleed. In severe cases, the cracked skin can become infected.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels
The edge of the heel can have thicker area of skin and look rough, dry, scaly, and hardened around the rim. Sometimes, the affected area is darker in color as compared to the rest of the sole. Wearing open or thin-soled shoes is not recommended as this makes the symptoms worse.
Causes of Dry, Cracked Heels
- People born with a naturally dry skin are predisposed to developing cracks in the skin and the thickened dry skin/callus around the heel has a greater likelihood of cracking due to mechanical factors increasing pressures in that area. This can be due to the way a person walks and the weight put on the heel area of the foot.
- Prolonged standing at work/home can cause dry, cracked heels, especially when people are working on hard floors.
- Overweight people are at increased risk of developing dry, cracked heels as the excess weight increases the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways.
- Certain medical conditions can also lead to drying skin. Autonomic neuropathy in those with diabetes leads to less sweating and an under active thyroid reduces the body’s metabolic rate, both of which can cause dryness of the skin.
- Cracked, rough and dry heels can be a result of aging also and skin types and lifestyles play a major role in developing these feet fissures. Podiatrists attribute this underlying foot problem to inadequate attention given to feet and though skin in the heel and sole does become dryer and less supple as people age with the protective padding of the fat layer thinning, this formation of calluses can be prevented through positive foot care. Calluses, which are usually associated with dry, cracked heels, develop when there is excessive pressure on a particular area of the foot.
Preventing Dry, Cracked Heels: Self-treatment Tips
The first step is to follow a hygienic foot care routine, including wearing properly fitted footwear and avoiding tight-fitting stockings/socks. A twice-daily application of any good oil based moisturizing cream is very effective in preventing dry, cracked heels. The use of a pumice stone can reduce the thickness of the hard skin and make it easier for the application of the moisturizing cream to penetrate deeper into the skin, making way for softer, healthier heels and feet.
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October 27th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
my mother suffers badly with cracked heels.She can not wear shut in shoes.We have tried everything from creams to stones,even socks.Can you help us please?
many thanks
tanya
November 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
my dr. gave me some urea 40% ceam and is it good t o use
January 15th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Information on how to prevent cracked heel is all well and good, but I came to the website because one of my heels already has a small fissure in it. How do I treat that fissure? What sort of moisturizing cream or other product should I use? What sort of bandage, band-aid, tape or steri-strip should I use to hold the fissure together? et cetera. Thanks for your help.
January 27th, 2008 at 1:14 am
i suffered long from cracked heels due to standing for long periods at work. the best moisterizing treatment to use is NEUTROGENA. it is a norwegian formula. that 2 times a day and soak your feet in salt water for about 40 min and use a pumice stone to scrape 1 time a day. try that it should work quickly
February 16th, 2008 at 5:04 am
My mother suffered from dry cracked heels for decades after being exposed to cold dry climate. She has tried everything from lotion to baby oils to pumice stones and even soaking her feet in water everyday but nothing seem to work. Anyone have a suggestion? Thanks!
February 27th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
dear my husband suffered past one and half year it come small batch of the foot now it is improve large size of entire foot he was going to hospital and they said it is phsoriasis. it is genetic problem. his mother have a problem very long time. he was working a teaching profession. weight it 68Kg. height 5.4 we are worried about this problem how can cure the disease pl help me. thank u
April 5th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I have dry cracked heels that is very difficult for me to get under control. I have soaked them and used the pumice stone and put moistureizer and wear socks to bed so far it hasnt helped very much. I would appreciate your reccommendation.Thaks
April 7th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
FOR FISSURES…….I only get fissures when I neglect my feet, allowing the heel to get too thick and dry…..When I do get a fissure I apply an antibiotic cream (Terramicina*P) but any antibiotic cream will probably work. Apply the cream “into” the fissure as best as possible then keep it covered with a Band-Aid large enough so that the “pad” of the band-aid covers the entire length of the fissure (which also helps with pain when you walk). The pain will go away in a day or two, then allowing you to groom it, causing it to heal completely.
May 10th, 2008 at 11:00 am
the information is not complete on proper treatment of cracked soles
Please givede tails of treatment for a common house-wife along prevention and home remedies.
May 10th, 2008 at 11:03 am
send details of treatment
July 14th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Too bad i didnt come across this blog before. Great stuff you got here. Thanks.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:46 am
The fissures may be so dry, deep and cracked they will not heal easily. My podiatrist used a small sander to actually take the rough edges off.
Then a packing of neosporin and gauze or big band aid. A couple days of this and all should be much better.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
put the urea 40% or 20% on -then cover with plastic wrap before bed.
September 4th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
my husphand feet have been cracked on the bottom of the foot and what can i do to help him. It sometimes hurt for him to walk on them.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Over the counter wart remover (which is Salycilic Acid) works great on the soles of the feet. Also, I have used liquid drain opener (which is lye, the stuff soap is made out of), diluted with water, and have soaked the soles of my feet in it. Also works well and is very cheap. Otherwise, you’ll be scraping forever.
November 24th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I wish to correct my comment. Liquid drain opener contains sulfuric acid — not lye. DON’T USE LYE. Actually, please delete my entire comment. Someone who doesn’t know what they are doing may get hurt.
August 9th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
The solution above with the sulfuric acid … I am certain it would work great – leaving just a couple of stumps for you to walk on. At any rate, the fissure would be gone. lol