Cracked heels It is a condition where the heels are dry, thick, rough, hard, until they crack and split into sheets. If the fracture of the wound to the inside It can cause ulcers, bleeding, or stinging. Cracked heels It usually occurs during cold, dry winters. But it can happen at any time. and can occur at any age depending on lifestyle behavior.
What causes cracked heels?
- Dry or cold weather
- Dehydration
- Drink less water
- Take a shower with lukewarm water that’s too hot. Soaking in hot water for too long or too often
- Use a soap that dries the skin. Do not apply a nourishing cream that keeps the feet moist.
- Foot scrubs are too harsh.
- Wearing shoes that don’t care for your feet or open your feet too much.
- Obesity, overweight
- Is a patient with diabetes
The dangers of cracked heels
In addition to the symptoms of cracked heels are unsightly in terms of beauty. It also creates problems for people because they may have a burning sensation from a wound. And if the cracked heel is left as a deep wound and not treated. may be at risk of serious infections especially patients with diabetes or obesity.
How to properly treat cracked heels
- use nourishing products Moisturizing the skin around the heels. By choosing products such as creams, lotions that nourish the skin on the heels. to reduce the problem of cracked heels, especially It may be a skin cream containing Dimethicone to help prevent dry skin. and add moisture to retain water to the skin Reduce the formation of thick and matte skin from dry skin that causes cracked heel skin. including moisturizing cream or creams containing oil
- Apply petroleum jelly on the cracked heel area. It should be applied before bedtime and then put on socks. Let the cracked heel skin absorb the moisture from the gel all night while you sleep.
- Drink adequate amounts of clean water.
- Do not use soaps with strong chemicals or ingredients that can dry your skin. Choose a soap that nourishes the skin. does not cause allergic reactions does not irritate the skin and does not dry out the skin
- Lose weight to an appropriate level.
- Choose to wear shoes with soft soles that protect your feet, or wear thick socks. To help preserve the skin of the heels.
If the cracked heel doesn’t improve How should I fix it?
In some cases, the heel is severely cracked. until it interferes with daily life greatly Or the wound on the heel is cracked, very painful or infected, should immediately see a doctor for proper treatment. The doctor may consider one of the treatments. depending on the severity of the symptoms that are
- Necrotic surgery Your doctor will remove some of the hard, thick cracked skin. It should be done by a doctor only. If you do it yourself, you risk getting infected.
- Use a bandage to cover the wound. To reduce the shock and tear of the heel wound.
- Treatment with medication, either topical, oral, or both. to relieve pain and inflammation that occurs or creams containing urea or salicylic acid
- Reinforce the insole Using rubber insoles to relieve weight and pressure on the heel. This can relieve the symptoms and severity of cracked heels.
