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.
Dry, cracked heels can not only be unsightly, but can often be a source of pain and embarrassment. The good news is that baby smooth heels are achievable with a little elbow grease and help from your podiatrist.Most minor cracked heels are able to be treated at home but for the best results, our podiatrist's can remove the dead skin from your feet in just 30mins leaving them soft, smooth. 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.
For most people, having cracked heels isnât 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.
Aug 28, 2019 Cracked heels are a common foot problem, resulting from callused, dry skin. Also referred to as fissures, depending on the severity of the problem, heel cracks can lead to bleeding feet and cause extreme pain. Cracked heels are a common foot problem, resulting from callused, dry skin. For severely cracked heels or if no improvement is seen after a week of self-treatment a visit to a podiatrist may be required. Treatments may involve the following. Debridement â cutting away hard thick skin (this should not be attempted at home using scissors or razor blade as there is a risk of removing too much skin and infection occurring).
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:
You can find these heel balms over the counter at a drug store or online.
Tips for treating cracked heels
Severely Cracked Heels Bleeding
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:
Avoid scrubbing your feet when theyâre 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.
Why Do My Heels Crack3. 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 skinâs 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. HoneySeverely Cracked Heels Home Remedy
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 oilReasons For Severely Cracked Heels
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 oilâs anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may your cracked heels if theyâre 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:
Use caution
Do not treat cracked heels on your own if theyâre 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:
Iâve 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.
Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COIAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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.
Healing Severely Cracked Heels
Other factors that can cause cracked heels include:
If you donât 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:
In addition to having cracked heels, you may experience:
In severe cases, you may develop complications with a cracked heel, especially if itâs caused by a medical condition. Complications can include:
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 youâre 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
Other ways to prevent cracked heels:
In many cases, cracked heels arenât 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. Itâs 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.
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