Cracked Heels in Summer
Summer is now in full swing! Don’t let sore, unattractive cracked heels stop you from wearing your favourite Summer shoes this season! Read on for more information on the treatment, prevention and home remedies for cracked heels.
Cracked heels are a common skin condition which allows the skin around the heel to become hard, dry and therefore, crack! Ouch!
The feet endure stress during daily activities so naturally, the skin can create thicker, harder skin around the heel as a protective layer. The heels in particular can become very dry and sore after long days in the sun or wearing unsupportive footwear.
Common Causes
Cracked heels are especially prone with:
• Age - Yes, unfortunately getting older does mean the skin can lose moisture and become dry and cracked.
• Exposure - Being exposed to the sun, walking on hot concrete or generally wearing open shoes can make your feet prone to dryness.
• Skin conditions - Common skin conditions such as eczema can increase your chances of getting cracked heels.
• Excess Stress - Having excess stress in your feet from being overweight or exercising for long periods of time can increase your chances of having cracked heels.
Treatment
Depending on the intensity of your cracked heels will depend on the treatment needed. For intense cracked heels, we recommend seeing your local podiatrist for recommended treatments and preventative products. We can also recommend the best footwear to avoid cracked heels!
Some treatment methods can be done at home!
• Remove dry skin and moisturise – Do not soak your feet in warm water as this actually dries the skin out even more by stripping the natural oils from your skin. Instead, use a large emery board to dry-file your heels, and then apply moisturiser immediately during the day and again before bed. Urea-based creams can be especially effective when there’s many layers of dry skin.
• Bleeding areas - It’s important to keep on top of any bleeding areas to avoid infection. Apply an antiseptic solution such as betadine to specific areas and keep open cracks covered with a bandaid at all times. Book in to see your podiatrist immediately if you have open, sore, bleeding cracks in your heels or feet.
How to Prevent Cracked Heels?
Ensuring your feet are well moisturised and covered from hot surfaces is a good start. Also, wearing supportive Summer shoes such as sandals with a closed back are beneficial for avoiding cracked heels. Our Perth podiatry clinic offer a range of moisturising creams that are perfect for the Summer season, including Walkers Urea creams and Dermal Therapy Platinum Heel Balm. See below.
Walkers Specialist Urea 15 lotion 500ml - $18.00
Walkers Specialist Urea 25 lotion 500ml - $20.00
Walkers Specialist Urea 25 lotion 100g tube - $7.50
Walkers Pedicreme 100g tube - $16.00
Dermal Therapy Platinum Heel Balm 75g - $14.95
Walkers Specialist Urea 15 lotion 500ml -$18.00
Walkers Specialist Urea 25 lotion 100g tube - $7.50
Walkers PediCreme 100g tube - $16.00
Walkers PediCreme 100g tube $16.00