Cracked heels (Hissers)
The benefit of using a Foot Health Practitioner for cracked heels diagnosis:
Everyone is different and the treatment and advice on how best to treat hydrating and softening the cracked heels affecting your feet will be specific to you.
Cracked heels assessment and treatment:
Your treatment will include full medical history and an update on your symptoms along with a full health assessment of your feet and nails to provide a diagnosis. You will be informed of the treatment option most suited for you and advice on the best way to maintain hydrated feet. Your treatment and intervention will see the cracks reduced, an immediate improvement in your skin conditions and appearance with improved comfort, and reduction in the risk of infection.
What are cracked heels?
Cracked heels are caused by cracking or splitting of the skin due to excessive dryness or thickening of the skin (callus) that cracks and splits under pressure.
What causes my cracked?
The feet have fewer oil glands than other areas of the body and with their daily wear and tear they can become dry and thickened around the heels losing their suppleness and elasticity causing the skin to split under simple pressures like walking or prolonged standing, pregnancy or excess weight.
The skin may become dry to external and internal factors, for example:
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Frequent sandal wearers
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Heavy work boots worn daily
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Soaps and detergents
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Too frequent washing
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Ageing
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Athlete’s foot
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Certain medical conditions
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Skin disorder
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The weather
Can anyone get cracked heels?
Having dry, rough, or cracked skin on the feet is common and affects both women and men of all ages.
What are the signs and symptoms of cracked heels?
Your skin could flake and will feel excessively dry, rough, scaly, and typically yellow in colour. Your heels might feel tight, itchy, bleed, and even be painful.
Cracked heels can become more serious as they can sometimes provide a portal of entry to bacteria leading to infections
Summary:
Cracked heels are a result of dry skin accompanied by thickened skin, plus sometimes yellow or brown
calluses around the heel edge which can look unsightly, be uncomfortable, and even painful.
This is a common complaint but if managed can keep your feet healthy and looking good.