Cracked

Dry skin is a very common condition and it can lead to the painful problem of cracking and fissuring of the skin especially round the edge of the heels. 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.

This condition is sometimes associated with wearing open backed shoes with the rim of the sole causing the irritation. These types of shoes should be avoided and daily use of a good foot cream with periodical gentle use of a foot dresser will help to keep the rough skin from forming. In severe cases a soft density gel heel protector pad will protect and help to reduce stress on the heels.

Causes

Mal-aligment of the metatarsal bones (the bone structure of the sole of the foot), Flat feet and high arched feet.

Deformity of foot due to congenital problem or injury or diseases - Flat foot, calcaneal spurs, etc, Diseases like diabetes, eczema and psoriasis can also contribute to cracked feet.

Some people tend to have a naturally dry skin that predisposes them to the cracks. The thickened dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area.

People who have dry skin tend to develop cracked heels easily.

Continued pressure on feet causes cracking of skin on heels. This may be due to prolonged standing or over weight.

Dry and cold weather increases vata in body and may cause cracks on the heels. The same weather conditions worsen the already present cracks or fissures on heels.

Treatments

Cracked heels are more difficult to treat when the skin around the rim of the heel is thick.

Prolonged standing - especially on hard floors, Being overweight, wearing open-backed shoes

Applying an oil based moisturizing cream twice daily is really important to get on top of this problem. A pumice stone can be used to reduce the thickness of the hard skin. After looking at the 'tomato' analogy above it should be obvious why it is important to avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes.

Never try to reduce the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors. There is a risk of an infection developing and taking too much off.

Usually, cracked skin on our heels and feet is caused by excessively dry skin. For many it's worse in the winter months or for those who live in dry climates. But going barefoot and wearing shoes with open backs can exaserbate the problem, meaning that even in the summer our feet are in rough shape.

Application of a moisturizing cream. 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.

The skin of feet lacks oil glands. Hence apply herbal moisturizing lotion before going to bed and put on cotton socks. This tip helps to maintain the softness of skin of heels.