Skin Disorders and Treatment

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Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a common foot problem. The skin is normally dry and may have a thick callus which appears as yellow or dark brown discolored area of skin, especially along the inside border of the heel. It is important to heal cracked heels at the first sign of their appearance. If left untreated they develop into painful deep cracks. They may also bleed and become infected. Cracked heels can be embarrassing. In most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures are deep, the skin bleeds easily and is usually very painful.

Cracked Heels Causes

There are many potential causes of " cracked heels" . In some cases a person may have naturally dry skin that increases the risk of Cracked Heels. Callous that forms around the heel is prone to cracking due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area e.g. the way a person walks. Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a variety of skin conditions which include cracked heels. Since this needed element is something your body cannot produce you must either get it from foods or supplemental nutrition. Walking bare foot for quite a long time. Continued pressure on feet causes cracking of skin on heels. Cracked heels are often referred to as fissures and are usually caused by dry skin. Heel fissures can affect anyone, but risk factors include:

• Dry skin.
• Consistently walking barefoot or wearing sandals or open-backed shoes.
• Eczema and psoriases can also be contributing factors.
• Obesity.
• Inactive sweat glands.
• Using excessively hot water is a contributing factor.

Cracked Heels Symptoms

The first sign of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel. This is called a callus and may be yellow or dark brown discoloured area of skin.
Common symptoms are-

• The first sign of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel. This is called a callus.
• The color may be yellow or dark brown.
• In the starting the cuts are small but if these are left untreated for a long time they may convert to deep and painful cuts. They may feel you painful while standing or on small pressure on heel.
• If the cracks are deep and painful the chances of bleeding are lot more.
• Sometimes there are red and flaky patches on the heel of the foot. An immediate attention is needed if this symptom is seen.

Cracked Heels Treatment

Soak your heels in lukewarm water and use a pumice-stone to scrub off dead skin to smooth the heels or use a foot scrubs after soaking the feet in lukewarm water. Apply a deep moisturizing lotion or Vaseline and put on the socks to cover it for sometime. This method will protect the feet from excessive dryness. Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin. Avoid wearing open backed shoes or thin soled shoes. Wear shoes with a good shock absorbing sole.

Prevention tips for cracked heels

Moisturizing the feet regularly can prevent heel fissures. Once they occur, you can use a pumice stone daily to gently decrease the thick and flaky layer of skin. Avoid going barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes, sandals or shoes with thin soles. Shoes with strong shock absorption can help to improve the condition.

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