Weather often contributes to the problem, too. Skin tends to be driest in the winter when humidity is low and the outdoor temperature is cold. The way homes are heated in the wintertime also has an effect. Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, central heating and space heaters all reduce indoor humidity, and that dries out skin. Harsh soaps and detergents can damage the natural skin barrier and cause water loss from the skin, worsening the problem.
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may lead to cracked heels. In those cases, topical estrogen ointments may be recommended to help heal the affected skin. To prevent cracks, exfoliation is key. Both experts extol the virtues of moisturizers with exfoliants like urea not urine, but a similar compound that has been shown to help moisture seep into skin , and salicylic acid, to help prevent heel cracks with regular use.
The goal is to remove the old, dead skin but leave the healthy layer intact to protect [against] infection. Both experts say liquid bandages are an extremely effective way of sealing up cracks to ease the pain of walking on torn skin while keeping the wounds clean. The damp, dark environment of wet socks in shoes and boots can bring on a fungal foot infection that resembles dry skin, warns Solomon.
To prevent this from happening, she advises choosing winter socks made from natural materials, such as cotton or wool rather than synthetic blends, to keep your feet sweat and bacteria-free.
Jaber says his trick to beat cracks in severe dry and cold weather is to advise his patients to apply Vaseline onto the heels of their feet before bed and immediately put on white cotton socks to lock in the moisturizer while they sleep.
Jaber recommends applying this spot treatment to your heels because its formula contains a high percentage of urea and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid, which are great at removing dead skin cells so the moisturizing components of the formula, like sunflower oil rich in vitamins A and E, can seep in to heal skin.
If our skin is dry, it becomes less elastic and rigid and therefore more prone to fissures and cracking. Most people don't have the medical conditions or risk factors noted above. Athlete's Foot usually produces itchy, dry, scaling skin. In more severe cases, inflammation, cracks, and blisters may form. Athletes commonly suffer from sweaty feet and use the facilities where the fungus is found, thus the term "athlete's foot.
These microscopic organisms live in dark, warm, and moist environments. Damp socks and the insides of shoes provide a welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection. When most of the above risk factors are ruled out, cracked heels are most likely the result of a fungal infection.
The skin underneath your feet is often dry, rough and chapped. This is because the skin around your heels has a relatively small number of sweat glands. If your skin is particularly dry, then cracked skin appears more easily due to there being less elasticity and can be exacerbated by any of the below problems. Deficiencies - Lack of vitamins, minerals and zinc in your diet can adversely affect your heel health.
Pressure — Spending a long time standing at work or home can stress the skin on your heels. Aging skin — Thick, dry, scaly skin loses its elasticity with age, and as such cracks can have higher incidence as you become older.
Obesity — Being overweight can increase the pressure on the fat pad under the heel. This can cause it to expand sideways and, if the skin lacks flexibility, put pressure on the feet. This leads to cracked heels. Exposing footwear - Open-back sandals or shoes can allow fat under the heel to expand sideways and increase the possibility of cracks on your heels. Taking care of your feet regularly is important when wearing footwear that exposes your heels.
Hygiene - Failing to keep your feet adequately clean can be a further cause of cracked heels.
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