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Cracked Heels

Introduction to Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are often referred to as fissures and are usually caused by dry skin. For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures are deep, the skin bleeds easily and can be very painful. The heels appear yellow or dark brown depending on the skin type and are normally accompanied by dry skin.

Understanding this condition

Symptoms include a hard growth of skin, usually on the outer edge of the heel. Patients may experience pain while walking and increased discomfort in thin soles or open back shoes.

 

Cracked Heels

Causes of Cracked Heels

  • Inactive sweat glands
  • Dry skin
  • Prolonged standing
  • Obesity
  • Open backed shoes can be a contributing factor
  • Surgery to the lower extremities
  • Heel Spurs
  • Mal-alignment of the metatarsal bones (the bone structure of the sole of the foot)
  • Flat feet and high arched feet can also be vulnerable to cracked heels.
  • Abnormalities of gait (walking)
  • Using excessively hot water to wash your feet is a contributing factor
  • Eczema and psoriases can also be contributing factors

Treatment for Cracked Heels

  • If you like wearing high heels, open shoes or "going natural" but think the thought of baring your cracked heels or calluses is embarrassing, then Footkiss is for you.
  • Apply a moisturizing cream twice daily to the affected heels, such as Flexitol Heel Balm


  • Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin.
  • Avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes
  • Buy shoes with a good shock absorbing sole
  • Never try to pare down the hard skin yourself with a razor blade or a pair of scissors!
  • Gehwol Med Salve for Cracked skin contains an effective combination of natural essential oils, the skin-caring vitamin panthenol, and the anti-inflammatory chamomile component bisabolene.

Dr Foot Recommends

Flexitol Heel Balm

£ 8.00

BEST SELLER Dr Foot Cream

£ 6.99

Review: Deep penetrating formula for cracked feet

Dr Foot 's Foot Care Cream is extremely effective in the control of dry and rough skin. It softens hard, dry skin helping to keep it soft, supple and helps prevents further problems developing.

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Customer Review

"I would like to add how delighted I am with the results from the Flexitol Heel Balm. My husband has suffered for years with hard dry skin around his heel and his big toes and would not go to see his doctor. He has been using this product regularly and his skin is very nearly back to normal. Many thanks!"


Mrs Grimes, Barnsley UK