Cracked heels can quickly become a serious problem if they’re ignored. Let’s dive in to learn why our skin must be protected and nurtured to keep it intact and doing its job!
The Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ. Its primary job is to act as a waterproof barrier to protect everything underneath. There are 2 main skin layers, an inner layer with nerves and blood vessels and a protective outer layer. The skin on the bottom of our feet is extra durable to endure friction and pressure from the ground when we walk.
When the moisture balance of the skin is maintained, the skin remains strong and resilient. On the other hand, skin that is too dry or too moist becomes weak, and this can lead to cracks, breaks and even infection. Microorganisms like to live where it’s warm, dark and moist, our shoes and socks are the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to flourish. They are also found on the surfaces we walk on every day.
In the summertime, many of us choose to wear sandals to keep cool when the temperatures soar. A supportive and well-structured sandal will protect the heel from the significant pressure it endures when it strikes the ground during gait. It’s important to remember that dry skin plus unsupportive footwear or walking barefoot are a recipe for disaster for our heels!
What can happen if your heels become cracked?
Although not common, if bacteria enters through cracks or fissures in the heel, it can travel into the blood and spread to surrounding tissues. Cellulitis, an infection and inflammation of the skin, may result. If left untreated this infection may lead to amputation or sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, and it must be managed immediately in a hospital setting.
Let’s get and keep your heels healthy!
BioPed’s medical footcare clinicians recommend using a foot file on a regular basis to keep the skin around the heels soft and to also reduce thickness. The Footlogix FR Exfoliating Foot File is an effective tool to use at home to prevent cracks from forming in the first place. After filing your heels, it is beneficial to use a moisturiser that absorbs quickly, such as Footlogix Very Dry Skin or Footlogix Cracked Heel. Applied to moist skin, twice a day in colder months and once daily in warmer months is an excellent routine to follow. If you have callus around your heel, it is best to visit a BioPed Footcare Nurse or Registered Chiropodist for care. They will remove thick callus or dry flaky skin, allowing for better penetration of moisturisers to prevent future cracks from occurring. Pedicures at reputable salons (salons who disinfect and sterilize their tools properly) feel lovely, but they should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. People with diabetes often have issues with healing or a compromised immune system and for this reason, it’s best to avoid pedicures all together.
Book a Consultation Today
If you’d like more information or are suffering with a crack in your heel yourself, give your local BioPed a call today to book an appointment. Rest assured, our medical footcare clinicians will provide a thorough assessment and make recommendations for treating your individual needs. See you soon!
