About Cracked Heels (Heel Fissures)
Cracked heels are also known as Heel Fissures and are most often the result of extremely dry skin. These can be a simple cosmetic problem and a nuisance. Heel fissures occur when the skin on the bottom, outer edge of the heel becomes hard, dry and flaky, sometimes causing deep fissures that can be painful or bleed.
For most people, this condition is annoying, but in people with diabetes and those with poor circulation, deep heel cracks increase the risk of infection.
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What Causes Heel Fissures?
Treatment and Prevention of Heel Fissures
Moisturising your feet regularly with a good quality 10% urea foot cream such as Flexitol®, can prevent heel fissures and maintain healthy, supple skin. Once they occur, you can use a pumice stone or sanding foot file daily to gently decrease the thick and flaky layer of skin. We do not recommend any metal “cheese grater” type device, as these can be too aggressive and damage the skin. 25% urea Flexitol® Heel Balm may be necessary to treat very dry, cracked heels.
If you are unable to regularly tend to your own cracked heels, or you would prefer a professional to relieve the discomfort and unsightly build-up of callus, then We Fix Feet clinicians will provide direct treatment by removing thickened and hardened skin and provide intense moisturising of your heels.
Arch and heel supports will help absorb and redistribute the excess pressure from your heels if needed. Shoes with strong shock absorption can also help to improve the condition.