Cracked Heels Treatment
Cracked heels are a general foot problem. Cracked heels is a situation of thickening and fissuring of the skin on the heel of the foot. Cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis), and made more problematic if the skin surrounding the rim of the heel is thick (callus). Cracked heels are usually referred to as fissures. When the fissures are deep, the skin bleeds easily and causes a lot of pain.
Cracked heels are often known as fissures. Occassionally it may get deep into the dermis and become painful. Extreme pressure on the feet pads make the feet want to expand sideways. As the skin, environing the sides of the feet are dry they crack and cause cracked heels. Complexion of cracked heels also indicate zinc and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
The heels emerges yellow or dark brown depending on the skin type and are normally accompanied by dry skin. Signs include a hard growth of skin, usually on the outer edge of the heel. Cracked heels are a symptom of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing. Cracked feet, corns and other common feet complaint can be attended to and are easily avoidable.
Cracked heels are a common circumstance for senior citizens or people who are constantly on their feet thus wielding pressure on the feet pad. It can influence either both the heels or one of the heel. But most commonly, cracked heels affect both the feet. In serious cases cracked heels can become infected, and lead to cellulitis. Cracked heels are of specific concern for diabetic patients.
The perfect form of treatment for cracked heels is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Avoid wearing open backed shoes or light soled shoes. A twice-daily application of any good oil based moisturizing cream is very effectual in preventing dry, cracked heels. Never try to shear down the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors. Wear shoes with a good shock absorbing sole. Keep feet clean and dirt free.
Exercise the feet daily. Surrogate hot and cold water for a feet bath to soothe the feet. Avoid walking bare feet as much as likely. The use of a pumice stone can reduce the thickness of the hard skin. A regular actuation of a mixture of glycerin and rosewater is known to soothe and cure cracked heels.
Filed under: Skin Disorders