Cracked heels are a common reason for sore feet, and most often are seen in the summer when people wear more sandals and thongs. When they start to look like the image here, they can appear quite unsightly too!
Cracking or splitting in the skin is most often seen around the heels of the feet as pictured.
What causes cracked heels?
When the skin around the heel becomes dry, it loses its suppleness and elasticity, and begins to split. This begins for form what is called heel calluses, which essentially are a build-up of dead skin.
The cracks in the heel can become quite painful depending on their severity, and may bleed and can eventually become infected. In this cases of those with Diabetes or other immune compromised conditions, you should apply antiseptic and see a Podiatrist immediately.
Cracked heels often occur when wearing a particular type of footwear, such as thongs, sling or open backed sandals. Walking barefoot can also cause more skin to form around the feet, compared to wearing a closed in shoe which retains moisture to the skin. The skin around the heel is exposed and allows callus and dry skin formation. The sole of the shoe can contribute to callus formation.
How can we fix our skin and make it look amazing?
- Podiatry assessment & care: we will look at the way you walk to see why the callus is building up , & we will gently file away the dead skin
- Use of a good quality heel balm – Podiatrist’s Own!
- Wearing sandals with a closed backing
- Avoiding prolonged time barefoot or wearing thongs
- Using antiseptic liquid if cracks are sore or infected
- Using a good quality moisturiser each day will reduce the amount and frequency of build up. We advise using a urea based cream. Podiatrists Own is a fantastic cream which is non-greasy and urea-based, helping to lock the moisture into the skin and keep it there!
et dry skin on you feet be a thing of the past.
Get the skin dealt with once and for all so you can feel confident this holiday period!If you have any questions about skin care feel free to contact our friendly Podiatrists.
