More about Cracked Heels...
Some Common Causes
- The onset of advanced years can unfortunately also bring with it this condition, or a higher chance of you developing it.
- Shoes that do not fit properly.
- Athlete's foot can also be associated with this problem.
- Other major dermatological conditions such as Psoriasis and eczema.
- If you have diabetes you may well have a higher risk of having very dry skin.
- A higher level of household heat that reduces humidity and dries out your skin.
- This condition can also be linked to the wearing of open backed footwear that causes the outer part of the heel to rub and crack.
- The over use of excessively hot water.
- Being overweight.
The Main Symptoms are:
- This condition is not serious as such, but when the skin breaks open and bleeds then it becomes a source of infection, which is of course not welcome.
- Red and flaky patches of skin can be seen and felt.
- Peeling and cracked skin.
- Itchy skin.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Cracked Heels
The appearance of fissures (cracks in your skin) and general dryness around the heel of your foot.
Suggested Treatments for Cracked Heels
Use a pumice stone or other foot file to help reduce the thickness of the skin.
Follow this treatment with the use of a good foot cream in order to moisturise the area and keep it supple. Use frequently i.e. every day.
Use the foot cream at night and wear bed socks to help the foot absorb as much of the cream as possible.
Check your shoes and footwear for tight spots that rub against your heel and try and eliminate these.
You can wear insoles and corrective devices to realign your feet and get them to work properly so as not to rub on your heels which can make this condition much worse.
Other customers have found these useful for Cracked Heels...
 Gehwol Foot Balm Dry Rough Skin |
 Callusan Repair Forte Foot Cream 100ml |
 CCS Heel Balm 75ml |
 Cicaleine Specialist Foot Cream |
 Flexitol Heel Balm |
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.