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Cracked heels are a common problem that may develop into painful fissures or openings if left untreated. You may see dehydrated feet as a minor nuisance; however it can lead to further problems such as fungal infections and ulcerations. Foot care is an especially important issue for the increasing number of diabetic patients globally. There are numerous products that cannot only combat the dryness but may be helpful in treating a variety of skin problems, including athlete's foot and psoriasis.

Cracked heels and fissured heels- here are the problems. Cracked heels can cause a lot of problems and most of them are avoidable- because cracked heels are treatable. Cracked skin. When the skin cracks because of lack of moisture, the crack stays within the skin. Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot problem, especially during the warm weather months when people enjoy wearing sandals and flip flops. Cracked heels are only a nuisance for most people, but if the cracks are deep, they can be painful and in severe cases can become.

While one of the main causes of dry, cracking skin is the arid winter air, other factors can impact heels. Common problems that contribute to heel fissures include but are not limited to:

• Age
• Psoriasis or other skin-related conditions
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Vitamin deficiency
• Excess weight

Skin loses its ability to stretch with age, so cracks are more common as you get older. Diabetes can interrupt the body's ability to produce oils, making the skin less supple and more susceptible to extreme dryness.

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Disease and disorders such as athlete's foot, psoriasis, eczema, and thyroid disease may cause cracked heels. Excess weight can create extra pressure on the feet.

Prolonged standing in ill-fitting shoes can become a problem due to added pressure. Poorly structured feet can sometimes lead to abnormal gait that produces calluses to the heel. Water, especially running water, can rob the skin of its natural oils and this can leave the skin dry and rough. Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc can lead to skin breakdown as well.

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One of the first signs of dry, cracked heels is formation of thick, discolored callus tissue that may cause pain with everyday pressure-related activities like walking or running. If the callus goes untreated and continuous pressure is applied, then you may eventually notice small or even deep breaks that may cause bleeding to occur. If not properly cared for, this may cause an infection. The skin to the heels may begin to redden or become severely inflamed. Diabetics must check their feet daily because these changes can go unnoticed due to a decreased ability to feel their feet.

Conservative treatment of dry, cracked heels is easily prevented by wearing adequate supportive shoes and with regular use of moisturizers. Ideally, the goal is to prevent cracks from first forming.

• Topical creams are documented to be the best skin care treatment. Creams that use keratolytic and humectant agents containing urea, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, saccharide isomerate, and petroleum jelly may all be successful. Apply these agents two to three times a day until healed.
• Pumice stones can remove some of the excess dead skin that is preventing proper healing.
• Bandages or coverings allow moisturizing agents to work more effectively, prevent moisture loss, and act as a barrier against bacteria growth.
• Custom insoles (orthotics) can also redistribute pressure abnormalities on the heel.

If healing is slow, your podiatrist or other healthcare practitioner may decide to remove specific callus tissue to help the healing process. Do not attempt this at home or at local pedicurist, as this can lead to infection or excessive skin removal if done improperly. Pay close attention to your feet daily and ideally you can avoid this from day one!

When the sensitive skin on the bottom of the feet and heels becomes too dry, it can split open, leaving painful cracks called fissures on your heels. Those cracks may not only make it painful to walk, but can also lead to serious infections.

Cracked Heels: How They Happen

Cracks in the heels are generally caused by insufficient moisture. These cracks can become sore and may even bleed. Seriously dry feet can occur for a number of reasons, including:

Cracked Heels Pics

• Cold winter weather
• Dehydration, or not drinking enough water
• Not moisturizing your feet
• Taking very hot baths or showers
• Soaking in a hot bath for too long or too frequently
• Using harsh, drying soaps on your feet
• Scrubbing feet dry
• Having diabetes

'Heel fissures and cracks occur when the skin loses its moisture content and dries out and cracks,' says Alan K. Mauser, DPM, a podiatrist in Louisville, Ky.

When the feet become too dry, heel fissures can develop quite easily. 'It's kind of like if you put plaster on a balloon and let it harden and blow up the balloon, the balloon will expand the plaster and crack. The heel pad wants to expand outward, but the skin is not pliable enough to expand with it, so it cracks,' Dr. Mauser explains.

As the skin cracks, it may begin to bleed. These deep heel fissures can allow bacteria and viruses to enter the body, leading to infection and illness.

Cracked Heels: Risk Factors

The two biggest risk factors for cracked heels are diabetes and obesity, notes Mauser. Diabetics are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from uncontrolled blood sugars can cause dry skin. People with diabetes are even more likely to sustain an infection from cracked heels than non-diabetics. If you are diabetic, it is important to examine your feet frequently for signs of cracks or infection.

Obesity increases your chances of having cracked heels because there is even more weight on the heel pad, which causes it to expand out further. Dry skin is unable to handle the added pressure and cracks.

During the winter months, however, anyone can have dry, cracked heels. Regularly taking long, very hot baths and showers can also exacerbate this condition. Additionally, people who don't regularly moisturize their feet with a good, oil-based lotion or moisturizer are more likely to experience heel fissures. Not drinking enough water and poor nutrition are also risk factors for cracked heels.

Diagnosing Cracked Heels

If your heels are cracked and painful, and the condition doesn't improve with an over-the-counter foot lotion, visit a podiatrist to treat the problem. If your heel fissures are 'severe enough, we'll make suggestions and help you through it,' Mauser says. A podiatrist can treat any associated infection and also offer solutions to help your skin heal properly.

To prevent painful, cracked heels, eliminate risk factors by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessively hot showers. With a good lotion and a little foot pampering, you'll be kicking up your well-moisturized heels in no time.