Struggling with painful skin splits in your heels? Time to finish this discomfort. Discover the quickest way to mend them. You deserve a resolution that’s simple, quick and efficient – so keep reading to find out more!
Introduction
Fissures in the heels are very common and can be quite bothersome. They occur when your feet skin gets dry, hard and cracked. They can range from mild irritation to deep, painful cuts. Thankfully, there are ways to treat them quickly and effectively so you can get back to being comfy! With the correct treatment plan, you can heal fissures in heels fast and securely.
This guide will tell you what causes heel fissures and how to treat them efficiently. We’ll review the common treatments, from skin softening self-care measures to medications like corticosteroid creams and salicylic acid gels. Lastly, we’ll look into recovery times with each treatment so you know how long it will take for your feet to heal.
Causes of Heel Fissures
Heel fissures, otherwise known as cracked heels, are tiny tears in the skin that can lead to discomfort and even pain. This condition affects the heel area and is caused by dry skin.
It’s not just unsightly; it can also make it difficult to walk comfortably.
The main cause of heel fissures is dehydration in the epidermal layer of skin on your feet. This happens if your body doesn’t get enough water, or when you’re exposed to dry air for a long time. Other factors include Vitamin A deficiency, harsh soaps, poor hygiene and a dry climate. Wearing shoes without socks and taking long hot showers can also cause excessively dry skin on your feet that contributes to heel fissures.
Symptoms of Heel Fissures
Heel fissures, also known as heel cracks, can cause different levels of pain depending on the seriousness of the crack. People might feel pain when walking or standing if the fissure is severe. Other signs are swelling, redness and a feeling of roughness in the area.
These fissures usually form on the back and sides of the heels due to rubbing and pressure against hard surfaces like concrete. Dry skin can be a reason, so it’s important to look after your feet to prevent and heal these wounds.
Prevention of Heel Fissures
To prevent heel fissures, keep your feet healthy and moisturized. Here’s how:
- Wear socks that wick moisture away, like cotton or wool.
- If you’re active, invest in shoes that offer aeration. You can also try using antiperspirants on your feet.
- Don’t go barefoot. Wear protective sandals if you’re walking.
- Exfoliate gently with warm water and a mild scrub.
- Moisturize daily with products for dry skin, like petroleum jelly, shea butter, lanolin creams, or coconut oil.
Treatment Options for Heel Fissures
Heel fissures, otherwise known as cracked heels, are a common foot problem resulting from dryness on the skin’s surface. It can range from mild – making it uncomfortable to walk and appearing as a small surface crack – to serious, with deep and painful wounds.
Fortunately, there are treatments. Topical medications like creams and lotions help retain moisture and create a barrier. Choose products based on your skin type.
Preventive steps can minimize complications. Wear comfortable shoes, avoid walking without socks or slippers, apply moisturizing cream daily, and exfoliate regularly. Regular pedicures help deep cleanse the feet.
Apply lubricating ointments, like petroleum jelly, to replenish moisture. But be careful as they can cause slippage during activity.
Increase your intake of vitamins A & E. Eat raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits, legumes, grains, and dairy products. This helps keep feet healthy and may reduce the risk of heel fissures.
Home Remedies for Heel Fissures
Heel fissures (also known as heel cracks) can be caused by many things such as: prolonged standing, overexerting of foot muscles, lack of moisture in skin and excessive weight. In order to heal them properly and stop them from reoccurring, there are some home remedies that can help reduce pain and improve heal feet while figuring out the root cause.
Home remedies for heel fissures can be:
- Soaking feet: Submerge feet in warm water to reduce pain and soften tough skin. Adding salt and oil to the water will help with hydration and soften skin faster.
- Drying feet: Make sure heels are totally dry before putting on socks or shoes. Wet areas for too long can become infected with bacteria and worsen heel fissure symptoms.
- Moisturizing daily: Use lotion or cream specifically for cracked heels every day after washing. This will keep skin hydrated and promote quicker healing.
- Wearing comfortable shoes: Avoid shoes that put pressure on heels or rub against them a lot. This will give heels time to heal without disturbances.
- Protecting heels during activities: Heel fissures can easily be aggravated during sports and when standing a lot throughout the day. Wear thick socks and protective tape over affected areas if needed when engaging in physical activity or working shifts to not aggravate existing fissures further.
When to See a Doctor
Skin fissures in the heels can cause pain, discomfort and even infection. These deep cracks often appear in people with dry skin or those who are more active. Treatment at home and improved habits can help heal them. However, if symptoms don’t improve or get worse after a few weeks, it’s important to see a doctor.
Certain medical conditions can make it hard for heel fissures to heal. These include athlete’s foot, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Poor blood flow can also be a factor, such as with diabetes, peripheral artery disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
It’s also important to see a doctor if an infection appears that is swollen or hot to the touch. Prescription medicines like antibiotics may be prescribed. Generally care involves:
- Keeping feet clean and moisturized
- Wearing comfy shoes that fit properly
Depending on severity, other treatments may involve steroids or ointments.
Conclusion
Preventing heel fissures is better than trying to cure them. When skin gets very dry and cracked, it’s harder to heal. Good news is, healing these fissures is possible.
Protective measures like supportive shoes and proper socks can help stop cracks from forming. Moisture between toes should be dried. Keeping skin moisturized with creams or oils can help too.
To treat fissures, identify what type they are. This will tell you how deep or wide they are. Some medications might be needed. Home remedies like ointments, foot soaks and baths, pumice stones, or primer patches might be required. In more serious cases, professional medical help is necessary.
By paying attention to feet and following these steps, fissures can be healed quickly, with minimal discomfort or complications. Preventive measures should be taken to avoid future problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are some of the common causes of skin fissures in heels?
A1: Common causes of skin fissures in heels include wearing ill-fitting shoes, lack of moisture, and underlying skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Q2: What is the fastest way to heal skin fissures in heels?
A2: The fastest way to heal skin fissures in heels is to regularly moisturize the affected area, wear comfortable shoes that fit properly, and use a pumice stone to slough away dry, cracked skin.
Q3: Are there any home remedies for treating skin fissures?
A3: Yes, there are several home remedies for treating skin fissures, such as applying coconut oil or aloe-vera gel to the affected area, taking an Epsom salt bath, and soaking the feet in warm water and white vinegar.
