Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips

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Cracked Heels

This condition is often referred to as heel fissures. This problem is not only cosmetic, because it can result in infection and bleeding.

Factors that can cause of cracked heels include:

• Obesity

• Prolonged standing on hard surfaces

• The recurrent wearing of open back shoes

• Medical conditions – e.g. diabetics; hypothyroid, etc.

• Skin conditions – e.g. Psoriasis and Eczema

Self Treatment – A word of caution: You should never try to reduce the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors. A complication of such includes infection. In persons with diabetes or circulatory problems you are be better off visiting a podiatrist.

Podiatric treatment includes:

• Determining cause of problem.

• Removing hard thick skin by debriding it. This may have to be done repeatedly.

• Strapping may be used to 'hold' the cracks together

• Advice re the most appropriate moisturizer or emollient

• Advice re footwear

• Insoles used to alter the way you walk to prevent the thick skin from developing

• A heel cup may be used to keep the fat pad from expanding sideways.