Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, may present itself as a less serious, easily healed annoyance or could signify a more serious condition. Heel cracks may extend as deep as the dermis, or the inner layer of the skin and may feel painful. While it's less likely to be a serious condition, if your cracked heels do not heal quickly, it's best to consult a specialist.
Symptoms
Cracked heels are easily diagnosed. They appear dry, obviously cracked and the skin around the cracks starts to peel away. Cracked heels may develop on just one side of the heel or may wrap around the entire foot. After the skin cracks, it may also start to bleed. These wounds can provide a place for bacteria and viruses to enter the body and cause further infection.
Environmental Causes
During dry winter months, anyone can experience cracked heels. Cracked heels occur primarily because of dry skin, more common during the winter months. Although if you spend extended amounts of time in the sun, it can also dry out your skin to cause cracked heels. Xerosis, or dry skin, sufferers may benefit from using a humidifier in their homes during the winter months to increase the moisture in their environment. Wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 to protect skin from the sun's drying effects.
Medical Causes
Medical conditions including diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease and psoriasis may also cause dry, cracked heels. Diabetics may experience cracked heels from nerve damage to the feet due to uncontrolled blood sugar which in turn causes dry skin. Being obese or standing on your feet for long periods of time places more weight on your heels and if the skin becomes dry it's more prone to cracking due to the added pressure. Those with drying skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are more predisposed to having cracked heels.
Other Causes
Not drinking enough water or eating poorly -- which can lead to vitamin deficiencies -- may contribute to your chances of having cracked heels. Wearing open-back or thin-soled shoes exposes your heels to dry conditions. To avoid or treat xerosis moisturize your feet right after you bathe and avoid soaking your feet in hot water for long time periods, using drying soaps on your feet or scrubbing your feet dry.
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