What can be done to help cracked heels?

The cracked skin that you may get around the edges the heels is often a painful condition if it is allowed to progress. This condition occurs when the skin around the backs of the heel is dryer and thicker than it should ordinarily be. As the callus builds up to make that dry thicker skin, it simply cracks because it is not too supple or adaptable. The split that develops in the hard skin, then attempts to tear or rip the good skin under it. In the most severe cases, this will become painful, might bleed and be an for an infection, so does need to be taken seriously. The explanation for these cracked heels isn't completely clear. Some individuals simply have a tendency to have a dryer skin and some people, because of the way which they walk tend to build up the callus around the periphery of the heel. Being overweight is another risk factor for cracked heels. Footwear which are open at the back are also thought to play a role in this problem.

The easiest method to manage the cracked heels is to get a skilled podiatrist to remove the thicker callused skin and then use an cream to soften the rest of the skin. You could try and remove that skin yourself with something such as a pumice stone or file, but that is a lot of effort and needs to be done often. The emollient lotion used after this ought to be applied on regularly to help keep the skin well hydrated and flexible. There quite a bit of opinion of what's the perfect cream or emollient to use is and the best answer is the one that matches your skin. A bit of trial and error may be required to find the best one. For cracked heels most podiatrists usually advocate starting with a urea based ointment.

How to manage dry cracked skin on your heels

Cracked heels which are technically know as heel fissures never ever look good. They can be a real nuisance an they could occasionally lead to more serious concerns if they are not treated, so you should take them seriously. These are more prevalent in individuals who have dry skin, are overweight and wear footwear that have an open heel. The easiest method to address cracked heels is just giving the feet a little more attention by beginning with a moisturizing cream on them at least twice a day to begin with for that dry skin. Once a day after it has improved will probably be sufficient. Seek out skin lotions or ointments that have a thicker consistency. A lot of them consist of skin-softening agents, for example urea and salicylic acid that could help remove old skin debris.

In the event the cracked heels aren't helped with that frequent use of the lotion, then visit a podiatric physician. They are going to remove the thicker dead skin and then if you make use of the cream habitually after that, then that should help maintain it manageable. You might give your feet some additional attention before going to bed by soaking your feet for about 10 minutes in plain or soapy water. After drying the feet after that carefully rub your heels with a foot filer or something like that, that will help clear away the dead skin. Apply a heavier, oil-based lotion and after that cover with a pair of thin cotton socks or silicone gel heel cup at night to help the moisturizing lotion work. In addition try and address the risk factors for the cracked heels. Losing weight over the long term can help and try and steer clear of wearing shoes that are open in the heel region.

Most importantly, do not neglect the dry cracked heels because you can develop deeper fissures in the dermis which will raise your potential for infection. In the event the above self care steps don't help, speak with your doctor about other treatment options you could have.