Painful skin fissures in your heels got you down? Don’t despair! This article will show you simple steps to aid in healing. Follow our guide and soon you’ll be able to reduce the pain and get back to life.
Introduction
Skin fissures on the heels? Sounds painful! These fissures vary in severity, from small tears to deep cuts that even bleed. It’s key to know the best practices for helping them heal. So, what are skin fissures? How do they form? Let’s have a look.
Causes of Skin Fissures in Heels
Skin fissures in heels can have many causes. These can include:
- Dry skin
- Too much pressure
- Ill-fitting shoes or socks
- Wearing footwear that doesn’t fit right can cause the skin to stretch. This can cause tiny tears, which get deeper with each step.
- Everyday activities can also cause cuts and abrasions, leading to fissures.
Poor diet, lack of vitamins, bad hygiene and medical issues like diabetes and neuropathy can also cause heel fissures. People who have to stand for long durations are more likely to get cracks due to the pressure on their feet. Athletes can develop heel fissures due to higher use or different terrains when running or playing sports.
Symptoms of Skin Fissures in Heels
Skin fissures in heels can be painful and cause discomfort. They are splits or cracks in the skin that can run up or down. These fissures may come with swelling, itching, and redness. Blisters can also form. If deep enough, they can even become infected, oozing pus.
Be aware of changes to your feet. You may have a dull pain when walking. The area around the crack may feel tight or itchy. If not treated, fissures can deepen, increasing risk for infection and deeper splits.
Skin fissures will heal in one to six weeks. Recurrence is possible if not treated fully or if risk factors, such as dry skin or ill-fitting shoes, are not managed. To minimize pain, regularly wash your feet, wear comfy shoes that fit, and avoid hard surfaces.
Diagnosis of Skin Fissures in Heels
Skin splits in the heels are caused by dryness or irritation. If you have pain from these, it is important to see your doctor. They will do a physical exam and use a magnifier lens to look closely. They may take tissue samples too. X-rays and blood work might be suggested.
Based on these results, your doctor will develop a plan for healing. With the right treatment, heel fissures should heal in 2–3 weeks. This should stop more problems in the future.
Treatment of Skin Fissures in Heels
Skin fissures in heels can be a pain! Good news though: most cases can be treated at home. To do this, you must take active steps to manage the fissures and also take preventative measures. Most cases will heal within a few weeks of starting treatment.
The first step is to clean and moisturize feet. Use gentle soap and warm water, then dry completely. Apply a generous layer of quality moisture cream or ointment. Apply an extra layer at night while healing. It is also important to choose shoes that fit correctly and leave room for your foot.
For more severe cases, it may help to use over-the-counter anti-fungal or topical corticosteroid creams or lotions with your health care provider’s approval. These medications can reduce inflammation and discomfort and will help with healing.
In rare cases related to diabetes or other chronic disabilities impacting circulation, seek medical advice as soon as possible. This is necessary for successful healing and for overall foot health management.
Home Remedies for Skin Fissures in Heels
Skin fissures in the heels, otherwise known as cracked heels, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. They usually form from not moisturizing feet. Prevention is the best way to avoid this issue. But, there are home remedies to help heal existing skin fissures.
- Moisturize: This is important to remedy the cracked heels. Use lotion or petroleum jelly. Massage into the affected area with a washcloth. Do this regularly throughout the day. This will keep your feet hydrated and your skin soft.
- Soaks: Soaking your feet softens hard skin. It also helps remove dead skin cells from rough patches on the soles of your feet. Fill a tub or bowl with warm water. Dissolve in Epsom salt or ½ cup of apple cider vinegar. Do not soak for more than fifteen minutes. Cleanse off all residue after patting dry with a towel. Then apply moisturizers or oils.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin build-up. Mix ¼ cup sugar with a carrier oil. Rub small circles on affected areas. Rinse off all residue. Pumice stones can help buff extra dry patches of skin around fissure points. Then, moisturize again.
Prevention of Skin Fissures in Heels
To keep skin fissures away from your heels, preventive care is needed. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Buy shoes that fit well and are made of breathable material.
- Do not walk barefoot, particularly on hard surfaces.
- Use socks made of absorptive materials such as cotton or wool.
- Replace insoles regularly to keep germs and bacteria away.
- After showers, massage your heels and feet with a moisturizing cream that contains natural ingredients like coconut oil or beeswax.
- Trim and file your toenails often.
- If you have a history of skin fissures or foot issues, see a podiatrist frequently.
Conclusion
Skin fissures in the heels typically take some time to heal. This depends on their severity. Factors such as the degree of the fissure, lifestyle choices, and health conditions can affect the healing speed. Prompt medical attention is the best approach.
For prevention, practice proper foot care.
- Wear shoes that fit correctly.
- Daily moisturizing with a thick cream or petroleum jelly helps.
- Wear wide, open-heeled shoes to avoid excessive pressure while walking.
With these steps and a doctor’s guidance, the skin fissures should heal in a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I prevent skin fissures in heels?
A1: The best way to prevent skin fissures in heels is to keep your feet clean and dry. Wear shoes that fit properly, and avoid going barefoot. Moisturize your feet regularly, and try to wear socks or stockings whenever possible.
Q2: How do I treat skin fissures in heels?
A2: Treatment for skin fissures in heels depends on the severity of the condition. Generally, it is recommended to keep your feet clean and dry, and to apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly to the affected area. If the skin fissures are severe, you may need a prescription or over-the-counter medication to help treat the condition.
Q3: How long do skin fissures in heels take to heal?
A3: The duration of skin fissures in heels depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment being used. Minor cracks may heal within a few weeks, while more severe cases may take several months or longer to heal.
