Cracks on the heels: why they occur and how to get rid of them
Cracks on the heels: why they occur and how to get rid of them
Inflammatory processes can change the structure of the skin and its functions, lead to excessive keratinization, and therefore to the appearance of cracks.
Rough and cracked skin on the feet not only looks unaesthetic, but also causes discomfort. Why does such a problem arise?
— It all starts with roughening of the skin (keratosis) on the heels. This mainly happens in people who are forced to stand during the working day (therefore, the pressure on the feet is constant), who wear shoes that are not the right size and the foot either slides in it or experiences friction, — says Zhanna Prykhodko, a dermatologist-cosmetologist. — Constantly wearing high-heeled shoes can also cause keratosis. Therefore, cracks on the heels very often bother women.
Rough skin, if not cared for, gradually becomes covered with cracks. Superficial ones look like small, flat and shallow lines. But over time, they deepen, penetrate into the middle layer of the skin (dermis), become painful – a person cannot take a step without pain.
— Can general health problems be manifested here?
— A lack of vitamins A and D can especially affect skin health and contribute to the development of keratosis. Chronic skin diseases, including fungal ones, are manifested. Inflammatory processes can change its structure and functions, which leads to excessive keratinization, and therefore to the appearance of cracks. Therefore, the doctor will first of all pay attention to whether a patient with cracks has any signs of skin infection.
Many other diseases can also be accompanied by thickening of the skin on the heels. For example, high blood sugar levels lead to damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the legs, increase the risk of cracks and slow down the healing of wounds. In hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid activity), the activity of the sweat glands decreases, cell renewal slows down, blood supply worsens, and skin dryness increases.
— How to care for heels so that they do not have cracks?
— Hardening of the skin cannot be cut with a blade or razor — this intensifies the regeneration process and can later cause keratosis. And cracks will form at the site of cuts and scratches.
Simple procedures help keep heels in good condition. For example, baths with soda. They soften the hardened skin. It is enough to hold your feet in a warm solution for 20-30 minutes, and then rub your heels with pumice stone and lubricate with an emollient cream.
If there are already deep cracks on your heels, it is better to consult a dermatologist. He will advise you on what antimicrobial or antifungal medication to use to treat the wounds and how to care for them. You should not delay a visit to the doctor if the cracked skin is red, swollen, or bleeding. This is a sign of a severe inflammatory process, which can eventually spread to other areas.
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