Cracked heels are a sign of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing. Medically, cracked heels are also known as heel fissures. Fissures are regular linear cut wounds and mostly affect the surface level which is comprised of the epidermis. Sometimes it may get deep into the dermis and become painful. Excessive pressure on the feet pads make the feet want to expand sideways. As the skin, surrounding the sides of the feet are dry they crack and cause cracked heels. Appearances of cracked heels also indicate zinc and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
Though cracks in the skin may arise anywhere in the body the most common area is the rim of the heel and web of the toes, which happen to be the most frequently or constantly used parts of our body. Dry skin or xerosis is one of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels. The other key reason being thick or callus skin around the rim of the heel. Most of the foot problems arise due to neglect and oversight with regard to feet care. Cracked feet, corns and other common feet ailments can be attended to and are easily avoidable.
Cracked heels are not harmful in anyway, except when the fissures or cracks are deep and tend to become painful and the skin begins to bleed. This could lead to infection and is an avoidable situation mostly for those already suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes or a lowering immune system due to age or illness which may retard the treatment of cracked heels.
Cracked heels are a common occurrence for senior citizens or people who are constantly on their feet thus exerting pressure on the feet pad. It can affect either both the heels or one of the heels. But most commonly, cracked heels affect both the feet.
Signs and symptoms that surface on the skin are simple indicators of a faulty internal activity or an external abuse. If one observes the body and its manifestations minutely one can avoid disease and disorders by treating them before they take on a destructive path. Similarly, foot care calls for a little attention and when the foot finds it lacking they indicate the following signs to show they need some immediate attention.
The most common symptoms of dry, cracked heels and feet include:
-Red or flaky patches
-Peeling and cracked skin
-Itchy skin
-Bleeding or discharge from cracks
The following is a list of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels:
-Naturally dry skin or thick dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to excessive feet activity.
-Prolonged standing at work or home .Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet.
-Being overweight may increase the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways and if the skin lacks flexibility the pressure on the feet lead to cracked heels.
-Back-open sandals or shoes allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the possibility of cracks on the heels.
-Disease and Disorders-Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.
Here is a list of some other reasons that may lead to cracked heels:
-Age - Thick dry scaly skin lose elasticity with age and thus cracks have higher incidence with age.
-Ill fitting shoes, standing for a long time or change in walking posture.
-Unhygienic circumstances or conditions
-Unhealthy, dry scaly skin due to climate or diseases
-Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc
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