Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot problem. It can range in severity from a minor crack, which is more or less cosmetic, to a painful condition where the skin bleeds or becomes infected if the cracks are too deep.

Many factors contribute to cracked heels, some of which are improper footwear, severely dry skin, an unhealthy diet, and prolonged standing.

Some skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and calluses, as well as systemic conditions like diabetes, can complicate the issue.

If you suffer from cracked heels, start taking proper precautions right away to prevent the cracks from getting deeper and causing pain or resulting in an infection.

Here’s how you can heal cracked heels or prevent it altogether:

1. Change footwear

If your daily routine includes walking for long periods, it is wise to wear the proper footwear.

Wearing well-fitted shoes prevents friction between the heel and sole, thus preventing the formation of calluses which can easily lead to infection and cracking of the skin.

Shoes should fit snug around the heel with just a small amount of wiggle room in the toe area as this not only helps to prevent the formation of calluses, but foot aches as well.

Thongs, open-backed or sling sandals as well as high heels should be avoided as these are believed to be the biggest culprits that result in cracked heels.

2. Exfoliate feet

Experts advise those whose heels are covered in thick, dry skin to exfoliate their feet at least two to three times a week as the very process of exfoliation removes dry skin from heels.

This can be effectively done using a pumice stone or an exfoliating foot cream while in the shower or after soaking feet in a basin of warm water for 10 minutes.

Keep in mind, pumice stones or foot files work well for only mild cases of dry skin. After exfoliating, a moisturiser should be applied to the entire foot, particularly the heels to prevent dryness.

3. Moisturise heels with a balm

Feet should be moisturised twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Oil-based moisturisers are proven to be the best in providing and maintaining the hydration feet need.

Some examples of oil-based moisturisers are coconut oil and olive oil. Coconut oil is chockfull of nutrients and healthy fatty acids, which can provide deep and lasting moisturisation.

In addition, the fatty acids found in coconut oil also have anti-microbial properties which can prevent infection in cracked heels. You can also wear a pair of socks after moisturising feet to lock-in the hydration.

4. Observe a diet rich in zinc, omega 3 and vitamin D

Studies show that inadequate amounts of zinc, essential fatty-acids, and vitamin D3 can all lead to cracked heels.

Zinc, found in oysters, beef, crab, beans and cereals helps in the synthesis of protein and cell metabolism.

Omega-3, found in wild caught fish, can help strengthen skin cell membranes, improving the body’s ability to heal and defend against infection.

5. Take care of bleeding cracks

To avoid infection in the event of severely cracked heels, always check for signs of bleeding or other changes to the skin.

If detected, apply an antiseptic cream or lotion and attend to the area regularly until the bleeding stops. Remember to always wash your hands before and after touching the wound.

6. Visit a podiatrist

If the condition persists despite trying everything, consider consulting a podiatrist. Being an expert in treating foot conditions, a podiatrist can recommend if a more personalised and specific treatment is needed instead.

DoctorOnCall is Malaysia’s first online clinic that allows chat, phone, and video calls directly with a registered Malaysian doctor at www.doctoroncall.com.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoroncallMY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoroncallmy

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained here with other sources, and review all information with your physician. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay treatment because of something you have read here. FMT is not responsible and liable for any damage caused through information obtained here.