Cracked heels (fissures) are a common affliction seen by Podiatrists. Fissures generally arise from pressure (weight bearing) throughout the thick, dry outer layers of the skin surrounding the heel. Cracked heels are more likely to form when the skin lacks moisture, and in areas of excessively thickened or hardened skin. Factors giving rise to cracked heels include:
- - Open heel shoes such as thongs / sandals
- - Medical conditions affecting the skin such as diabetes or psoriasis
- - Certain medications
- - Barefoot walking
- - Increased body weight causing excess pressure through the feet
- - Hot baths or showers that dry out skin
- - Environmental conditions such as cooler, dry environments
Cracks in the heels provide a portal of entry for living organisms such as bacteria, which may give rise to infection. In certain populations (such as diabetic patients or patients with neuropathy/nerve damage), infection can have disastrous complications.
Podiatrists are qualified to safely debride the hyperkeratosis (excess thick skin) and direct patients toward home care regimes which can assist with minimising the onset of heel fissures. Wax baths (for moisture), pumice stones (to reduce the dry skin) and topical creams such as urea creams may greatly assist with cracked heels when prescribed to the correct patient.
Comfort Co Breakdown
Cracked heels occur due to pressure on dry, thick skin, worsened by footwear, medical conditions, and dry environments. They can lead to infections, especially in high-risk individuals. Podiatrists treat and prevent fissures with skin debridement, moisturizers, and exfoliation.
Comfort Co Solutions
It might sound a little funny, but nothing is as effective on cracked heels as urea. If you want to take your cracked heels seriously, your first stop is getting some Callusan. This miracle cream comes loaded with the active ingredients urea and stearic acid, but also helps repair through avocado oil and shea butter. Even if you don’t have cracked heels, this stuff is lovely for moisturizing, exfoliating, and strengthening your foot's skin's barrier. You’ll love it either way.
