Choosing Supportive Shoes: Limit wearing open-back shoes (like flip-flops or slingbacks) that allow the heel pad to expand and crack.
Moisturizing Daily: Make it a habit to moisturize your feet every day, especially after showering.
Staying Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your entire skin barrier supple.
When to Seek Help: If your cracked heels are bleeding, extremely painful, or show signs of infection (redness, swelling), or if you have diabetes, consult a Podiatrist immediately.
Cracked Heel Treatment
Cracked heels, or fissures, are a common and often painful result of dryness, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes. While they may seem minor, deep cracks can lead to infection if left untreated.
The good news? You can often restore smooth, healthy heels with a simple and consistent at-home routine.
3 Steps to Smoother Heels
Healing cracked heels is a two-part process: softening the hardened skin and locking in moisture.
1. Soak and Gently Exfoliate
Soak: Immerse your feet in warm (not hot!) water for 10-15 minutes to soften the thick skin. Adding Epsom salts can boost the effect.
Exfoliate: After soaking, use a pumice stone or a foot file to gently scrub away the dead, hard skin. Do this carefully—stop if you feel any pain or see signs of bleeding.
Pat Dry: Gently pat your feet dry with a clean towel.
2. Apply a Heel Balm
Hydrate: Immediately after exfoliating, apply a specialized heel balm or a thick moisturizer.
Look for Key Ingredients: The most effective products contain skin-softening agents like Urea (10-25%), Salicylic Acid, or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). These ingredients help the skin shed dead cells and absorb moisture better.
Lock It In: For deeper cracks, apply a layer of an occlusive ointment like petroleum jelly over the cream to seal in the moisture overnight.
3. Moisture Lock-In Overnight
Wear Cotton Socks: After applying your balm and occlusive ointment, slip on a pair of thin cotton socks before bed. This traps the moisture against your skin, allowing the treatment to work more effectively while you sleep.
Appointments
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