Symptoms and Causes

The cracks usually begin with dry skin or xerosis. Excessively dry skin can be caused by weather (humidity such as during winter), genes, dehydration, low sweat glands production, old age, and when there is abnormal keratin forming on the skin layer. Other causes include standing for long periods of time, misalignment of the bones, flat or highly arched feet, athlete’s foot, and the wearing of improperly-fitted shoes. Medical conditions can also lead to heel fissures.

The following are diseases associated with dry skin:

* Dermatitis

* Diabetes

* Hypothyroidism

* Kidney disease

* Lymphoma

* Malnutrition

* Obesity

The symptoms of cracked heels include hardening or dark skin at the heel. You can probably experience pain when walking or when wearing flat shoes. The skin at the heel can appear flaky, cracked, or is peeling and itchy.

Treatments

If you have cracked heels and are experiencing minor pain because of it, there are treatments and home remedies you can do to alleviate pain and prevent another onset of heel fissures. The most severe cases, however, will be a little harder to treat and should already be overseen by a doctor or dermatologist.

For treatment, you should go down to the cause, which is dry skin. If you are starting to form fissures at your heel, immediately apply moisturizing cream around the area. If there is growth of hard skin, try to rub pumice stone on it to reduce the hardening. Keep in mind to always wear close-backed shoes so that the skin of the heel does not dry. Also look for shoes with good support and thick soles. If you have athlete’s foot and the cause of your dry skin is fungal, use anti-fungal creams to treat your fungal infection. Let your shoes ‘breathe’ in between use. For example, if your feet perspire a lot, air out your closed shoes or boots in the open to remove the smell or fungus that is beginning to form in the shoes.

For more severe cases, consult your doctor as they might prescribe antibiotics for treatment.

This author also writes articles about steering wheels. See her most recent write-up about the leather steering wheel cover and other accessories.