When the bottoms of our feet become dry, they begin to crack. These cracks break the protective barrier and create a place for bacteria or viruses to enter. During the winter months, our feet are hidden in warm boots and cozy socks, making it easy to forget to moisturize our feet. In combination with the decreased humidity in the air, the lack of moisturizing causes dryness and cracking of the heels.
Our skin has two main layers. An inner layer with nerves and blood vessels and a protective outer layer. In the soles of our feet, the outer layer has a special component within it, making it more durable than the skin on the rest of our body. Thanks to this natural protection, it is rare to have an infection on the bottom of your foot unless there is a wound. This “wound” however isn’t always visible to the naked eye. Although rare, the bacteria can seed into the blood and surrounding tissues, leading to amputation or sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can lead to death if not immediately managed in a hospital setting.
What you can do to treat your cracked heels?
Use the right products
During the fall and winter, it is easy to forget to moisturize our feet. In order to avoid serious complications, it is recommended to use a moisturizer that absorbs quickly. We recommend Footlogix Very Dry Skin twice a day in colder months and once daily in warmer months.
At the first sign of heel cracking, use Footlogix Cracked Heel formula to heal the cracks and ward off infection.
Visit a BioPed advanced footcare nurse or registered chiropodist
If cracks or dryness/calluses are already present, visit a BioPed Advanced Footcare Nurse or Registered Chiropodist for immediate care. Our BioPed clinician will comfortably remove any thick callus or dry flaking skin to allow your skin to better absorb moisturizers and prevent future cracking. Keep in mind, if you have issues with cracking heels, pedicures are not a replacement for medical care. For diabetic patients especially, a pedicure is not an option as it is too risky.
To learn more about cracked heels and other ailments, or speak to a member of our Lower Limb Care Team, book an appointment at one of our locations across Canada today!
