Cracked heels or heel fissures are a common foot problem experienced by many people.
In most cases the problem is merely a nuisance and unattractive to look at, however they can become painful when the cracks or fissures become deep, and pressure such as standing or walking is placed on the heel.
Although anybody can develop cracked heels people with Dry skin, Atopic dermatitis, Juvenile plantar dermatosis, Psoriasis, especially palmoplantar psoriasis, Palmoplantar keratoderma, conditions that dry the skin, including diabetes and hypothyroidism, corns and calluses around the rim of the heel are very prone.
How we can treat you
For serious heel Fissures we can administer a number of techniques to alleviate this condition
- We’ll Debride the area – cutting away hard thick skin
- We’ll use strapping – bandage/dressings around the heel to reduce skin movement
- We can prescripe stronger softening or debriding agents, e.g. urea or salicylic acid creams
- We’ll fit you insoles, heel pad or heel cups to redistribute the weight of the heel and provide better support (prevent the fat pad from expanding sideways)
- We can use special tissue glue to hold the edges of the cracked skin together so it can heal.
- The best form of treatment for cracked heels is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. We’ll educate you on preventative approaches.
Cutting the skin should not be attempted at home using scissors or razor blade as there is a risk of removing too much skin and infection occurring. Make an appointment with us if this treatment is needed.