You are here -> Foot Disorders -> Dry Skin & Cracked Heels
Dry Skin & Cracked Heels
Dry skin is a result of the skin cells losing water, and here in Western Australia's warm dry climate this condition is very common. Dry skin is one of the underlying factors the cause cracked heels. Cracked heels are a common foot problem that are often referred to as heel fissures.
When dry skin around the heels becomes thick and hard (calloused) it loses flexibility and cracks. For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures or cracks are deep, they are painful to stand on and the skin can bleed - in severe cases this can become infected.
Cracked heels are common in people with naturally dry skin but can also be caused by:
Prolonged standing (especially on hard floors)
Being overweight (this increases the pressure and tension on the heel causing it to crack)
Open back on the shoes (this allows the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the pressure to 'crack')
Some medical conditions predispose to a drying skin (eg Diabetes)
Skin conditions (eg psoriasis and eczema)
Treatment of dry skin and cracked heels involves removing the hard dry skin and replenishing moisture to the affected area. It can also involve changing footwear, use of strapping tape, heel cups, special moisturizers and in extreme cases tissue glue. Ask the professionals at Kingsway Podiatry about the best treatment for your dry skin and cracked heels.
Madeley Medical Centre
210 Wanneroo Rd
Madeley WA 6065
Phone: (08) 9309 9199
Fax: (08) 9409 2288
Send us an email
Open 6 days
