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
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.
» Filed Under Foot Problems
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
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.