Do your feet often feel dry and cracked, especially around the heel area? If so, you may be having a condition called heel fissures.
Heel fissures are simply cracks in the skin on the heels and can be pretty painful. This blog post will shed light on everything you need to know about heel fissures - including how to treat them. Keep reading for more information!
Introduction
At the end of a long hectic day, there's nothing like sinking into a warm bath. But as you relax, you may notice something less than pleasant: dry, cracked skin on your heels. While they can be tender, they are usually not serious. However, if left untreated, cracked heels can become infected.
What are heel fissures?
The skin on the heels is usually quite resilient and thick; still, it can become irritated if it is not properly moisturized. This can lead to cracks, which can be painful and unsightly.
Causes of cracked heels
Cracked heels are a common foot problem, especially among women. There are several causes of cracked heels, including footwear, prolonged standing, certain gait patterns, hot baths, harsh soaps, and cold weather.
- Footwear that does not fit well can cause a number of problems for your feet, including cracked skin. Ill-fitting shoes can rub against your skin, causing friction that leads to irritation and eventually to cracks. In addition, shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause you to walk in an unnatural way, putting additional strain on your feet and increasing the risk of cracked skin.
- Standing for extended periods can also contribute to the development of cracks in the heels.
- If your walking pattern includes a heavy heel strike (particularly common among obese), or if you tend to pronate, the friction on the skin may lead to calluses and cracks around the heel.
- Most soaps on the market today are loaded with harsh chemicals that can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and cracked. In fact, these soaps can actually cause more harm than good, as they can irritate and inflame the skin.
- When the temperature outside begins to drop, our skin is one of the first places where we feel the effects. The air becomes drier, robbing our skin of its natural moisture, which can lead to dryness, flaking, and eventually, cracked skin. In extreme cases, cracked skin can become infected, putting us at risk for more serious health problems.
- When the skin is exposed to hot water, it begins to lose moisture. This can cause the skin to become dry, irritated, and cracked. In addition, hot water can strip away the natural oils that protect the skin, leaving it vulnerable to further damage. If you suffer from dry or cracked skin, try taking cooler baths or showers. You may also want to add a moisturizing agent to your bathwater to help replenish lost moisture.
Other conditions that contribute to cracked heels include:
- Diabetes - Diabetics need to be particularly careful as diabetes tends to damage the nerves in your feet. Nerve damage affects the feet’s ability to sweat and deprives it of moisture.
- Hypothyroidism - An underactive thyroid gland may disrupt sweat production leading to dry skin - particularly in the feet. And this can eventually result in cracks and fissures.
- Chronic skin conditions - Conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis can cause patches of dry, itchy skin leading to fissures and potential infections.
How do you prevent cracked heels?
There are some things you can adopt to prevent them.
- Start by wearing shoes that fit well and provide support.
- Avoid walking barefoot, as this can cause the skin on your heels to stretch and crack.
- It is crucial to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin on your heels soft.
- Use a heel balm or cream to keep your heels moisturized, and apply petroleum jelly before bed if your heels are particularly dry.
- Finally, ensure you get enough water each day, as dehydration can contribute to dry, cracked heels.
Following these simple tips can help prevent dry, cracked heels.
Treatment options for cracked heels
There are many treatment options available for cracked heels.
1. Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes:
This is one of the simplest and most effective treatments for cracked heels. It can help to prevent further injury and protect your heels from further damage.
2. Using heel pads or other forms of cushioning:
Heel pads can help to reduce friction and provide additional padding and support for your heels. There are various heel pads available, so be sure to choose one that fits well and provides the level of support you need.
3. Exfoliating your skin:
It helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin. Various exfoliating products are available, so be sure to choose one that is gentle and suitable for your skin type.
4. Using a moisturizer:
Moisturizing your skin can help to prevent dryness and keep your skin healthy. Be sure to choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and will not clog your pores.
5. Wearing socks or booties:
Wearing socks or booties over your heels can help to protect them from further damage and keep them clean.
6. Applying a bandage:
If you have an open wound on your heel, it is essential to keep it covered with a sterile bandage. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing.
7. Surgery:
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a structural problem causing your cracked heels.
8. Using artificial skin:
Artificial skin can cover open wounds on your heels and promote healing. This option is typically reserved for more severe cases of cracked heels.
9. Using special shoes:
A variety of special shoes are available to help protect your heels and promote healing. These shoes typically have a more bottomless heel cup. They may be made from materials that absorb shock better than traditional shoes.
10. Taking supplements:
Taking vitamins and supplements can help to promote healing and prevent further damage to your heels.
Our Products
- Solvblem Foot Mousse - Daily Maintenance Formula
- Solvblem Foot Mousse - Cracked Heel Formula
Solvblem offers exceptional products to cope with cracked heels. The products have urea as the active ingredient and also avocado oil and evening primrose oil to soothe and moisturize the skin. Here is how to use them:
For the cracked heel formula, apply liberally to clean, dry skin. Gently massage into heels and around problem areas until fully absorbed. Repeat 2-3 times per day or as needed.
Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin for the daily maintenance formula. Gently massage into your feet until fully absorbed. Repeat once daily or as needed.
Both formulas can be used as often as needed to achieve desired results. Regular use makes you notice softer, smoother, and more youthful-looking feet. So give our products a try today. Your feet will thank you.
