Giuseppe Militello, a dermatologist working at the combined New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center, states that people traditionally neglect foot care through the winter. When summer arrives, the feet must be readied for wearing sandals and open-heeled shoes. Dr. Militello warns that cracked heels are prone to infection from germs and bacteria. While most cracks are easily treated, some deep cracks require medical attention to prevent possible infection.
Causes of Crack Heels
Cracked skin on the heels is linked to atopic dermatitis, a long-term skin disease characterized by allergies and skin swelling. Other causes include diabetes and athlete's foot. The weather, low humidity or failure to hydrate the body with water each day also resulta in heel cracking.
Sand Treatment
Using sand as a natural treatment for cracked heels removes dried skin gradually. If a beach is not nearby to offer sand for a stroll along the shore, mix even portions of dry sand and any oil, such as canola oil, into a paste and apply it to the heels. Massage the mixture evenly around the heels, wash the heels thoroughly, then dry them with a soft cotton towel.
Razoring
Pedicurists sometimes use a process called razoring to remove skin from cracked heels, but this is inadvisable. Medical doctors may do this procedure in emergency situations to remove infected tissue, but the cutting is linked to skin infections. Inexperienced cosmetic workers may cut too deep, exposing the skin to deep infections.
Pumice Stone
Pumice stone is a "...type of grey light stone which is used in pieces or as a powder for rubbing things to make them smooth," according to the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Use of the pumice stone removes skin from the heels and reduces the impact of cracking. Soften cracked heels in a warm water bath before using the pumice stone to gently rub the heels. The particles embedded in the stone rub the rough skin away. Care should be given to removing only the top layers of skin and avoiding deep, rough rubbing that cause cracks to enlarge.
Footwear Substitution
Open-backed shoes cause drying due to the heels exposure to the air, as well as the slipping of the foot on the shoe. Synthetic nylon socks contribute to heel cracking due to the lack of fresh air circulating around the foot. Changing socks daily, and even several times during the day if your feet perspire profusely, helps maintain dry environment for your feet and assists in reducing heel cracking.
Nighttime Moisturizer
While moisturizer should be used on the heels after showering, intensive nighttime moisturizing is necessary for problem cracked heels. Application of a thick gel or moisturizing lotion until the liquid remains on the skin makes the skin reach the saturation level. Wearing a natural-fiber sock, such as cotton, over the moisturized heels ensures that the lotion is not rubbed off on bedding during sleep.
Medical Treatment
In long-term cases of heel cracking, a medical professional must be consulted to determine the underlying cause. Dermatologists and podiatrists, as well as doctors specializing in general medicine, can diagnose the causes of heel cracking and recommend prescription medications, including the application of antifungals.
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