Cracked heels
Cracked heels are common foot problem whereby the skin at the bottom of the feet is thickened, dry and split open leaving cracks called fissures. Cracked heels are also called Heel fissures.
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How are cracked heels formed?
When walking, the feet support our body weight and the heel pad expand outwards to maintain balance. Cracked heels set in when the sole loses its moisture content which makes the skin thickened, dry and not able to expand along with the heel pad so, it cracks.
These cracks are usually annoying as they are painful to walk on. They may become sore and in severe cases, bleed or lead to serious infections as bacteria and other microbes can gain entrance into the body through them.
Causes of cracked heels
Cracked heels can be caused by a lot of conditions and can also be self-induced or self-inflicted. Some of these conditions include:
- Walking barefooted frequently
- Dehydration
- Standing for long hours
- Taking hot baths frequently
- Using harsh, drying soaps on feet
- Wearing tight shoes or socks that are not breathable
Medical conditions can also lead to the appearance of cracked heels;
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Dermatosis
- Aging
- Athlete's foot
Treatment
Treatment of cracked heels is usually not much of a big deal and can be treated with home remedies except if the fissures persist or for those that occur with medical complications like diabetes and dermatosis which should be treated according to the doctor's prescription.
The most common home remedy for cracked heels include 3 stages; Soak, Exfoliate and Moisturize.
The feet are soaked in a soapy water for about 15 to 20 minutes. The thick dead skin is exfoliated using foot scrubber or pumice stone to remove dead skin and reduce thickness of the sole, after which heel balms or moisturizer is applied to soften and heal the skin.
Traditionally, coconut oil, honey, vinegar, olive oil, shea butter and others are used to treat cracked heels as they also soften and moisturize the skin.
No matter how interesting it may seem, cracks should not be peeled with the hands or blades. Self-induced causes should also be avoided.
I guess my feet have been cracking cause I'm standing for at least 9 hours every single day listening to round and all. I wonder if I can just use lotion to remedy it? Or do I need to do all of the 3 steps?
At least, try to gently exfoliate the thickened, cracked skin with pumice stone once in a while before applying the lotion. This way, the skin will heal better and cracks will reduce. You can also do this after taking your bath.
It is preferrable that the lotion has an anti-microbial effect.