Cracked heels

definition

Cracked heels ( Cracks, med. Rhagades) are often deep torn areas on the outer edge of the heels, which can occur due to dry areas of the cornea. The actual protective function of the cornea is lost and can lead to further problems. The appearance of dry, cracked areas of the skin can have different causes.

Causes of cracked heels

The development of cracked heels depends on several factors. These factors include, in particular, age, the stress on the heels, how they are cared for and how they are fed. Care and excessive stress in particular can promote cracks in the cornea. The cornea is the top layer of skin and has several layers of keratinized cell layers that have a protective function. Because of the weight that rests on their heels every day, they need good care and maintenance.

If the skin dries out too much and thus loses the moisture and fat necessary to maintain the stable cell structure, it can lead to an insufficient supply of blood and nutrients. The result is cracks in the skin, which are initially very flat and lead to the flaking of the dry corneal cells. These first small cracks are not dangerous and can be treated well.

But you can like metabolic diseases Diabetes mellitus, Circulatory disorders caused, for example, by a peripheral arterial occlusive disease but also alcohol and nicotine are adversely affected in their course. The cracks can get deeper and then eventually Bleeding trigger. In addition, the open wounds represent another risk, a infection to develop, which under certain circumstances heals worse than the initially harmless tears in the skin.

Furthermore, in winter it causes cold air the dry out the skin and especially then, rough woolen socks, synthetic wool socks and oppressive shoes can cause cracks.

Cracked heels from vitamin deficiency

Vitamins and other nutrients play an important role when it comes to the health and integrity of the skin. Cracked, dry or flaky heels can indicate a vitamin deficiency. The vitamin deficiency can have various causes. Often there is one Malnutrition or malnutrition causal. A common cause of malnutrition in our part of the world is alcoholism. On the other hand, there is an increased need for vitamins during pregnancy, for example.
Above all a Deficiencies in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids cause dry and cracked heels. However, vitamin E deficiency is very rare in Europe and is mostly due to a disease that affects the absorption of the vitamin. A Intake of about 20 to 30 mg of vitamin E per day represents the minimum that is recommended. Sometimes up to around 270 mg daily is recommended. Even with one Neurodermatitis A supply of vitamin E seems to have a positive effect on dry and chapped skin. Wheat germ, olive and rapeseed oils are rich in vitamin E. and highly recommended for taking in vitamin E. If there is a pronounced deficiency, however, it is very difficult to get vitamin E only through food. You would have to consume around half a liter of vegetable oil a day to make up for a pronounced deficiency. In this case, supplements from the pharmacy are recommended.

Cracked heels in pregnancy

Cracked heels during pregnancy can have a number of different causes. From skin diseases like Eczema and psoriasis up to Yeast infections or vitamin deficiency symptoms the most diverse causes are possible. Often times, cracked heels are a temporary problem during pregnancy. Due to an increased need for vitamins and reduced blood flow to the top layers of the skin in the heels, tiny cracks occur that are uncomfortable and can hurt. The latter comes about through increased water retention in the tissue and an increased total weight. The feet are poorly supplied with blood and are a common problematic focus for pregnant women.
It is advisable Frequently creaming your heels and taking care of them with water baths. Alternating showers, massages and regular exercise are suitable to stimulate blood circulation.

Cracked heels with athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is the most common skin fungus and one of the most common infectious diseases in Europe. It is transmitted from person to person and is very contagious. There is no direct physical contact to become infected. Transmission can also take place over floors, for example in sports clubs or swimming pools, socks and towels. Athlete's foot is most commonly found between the toes, but the heel is also possible. The top layer of skin (epidermis) is softened and can tear. The cracks are sometimes very deep and extremely painful. There is also reddening, coarse scales and blisters. Athlete's foot must always be treated with active ingredients that kill the fungus and prevent it from growing. Such active ingredients are called antifungal agents.

Read more on the subject at: Athlete's foot - how to treat it properly

diagnosis

The diagnosis is quite simple and the person concerned often notices swelling and redness on the heel very early on. The skin feels very rough and dry and an excessive layer of callus has formed. Smaller to deeper cracks may already have developed.

It may be necessary to see a doctor if the skin on the heel is very itchy and healing with ointment and care products is unsuccessful. The cause of the itching should be investigated as it may also be caused by fungi, which may require specific treatment.

In addition, peeling of the skin and pain can confirm the diagnosis of cracked heels.

Symptoms of cracked heels

The sufferer does not have any clear symptoms at first, as the development of cracked heels is a lengthy process caused by dryness and lack of care.

At the beginning there is a strong development of the cornea. The corneal layer may initially become thicker. Finally, flaky skin is more likely to fall off. The deeper layers of the skin eventually become drier and cracks form. The tearing of the skin can then be uncomfortable and cause pain, especially under stress.

If the cracks have advanced into deeper layers of the skin, the wounds can also become bloody. These deeper open wounds can lead to more severe inflammation. If bacteria get into the wound, an ulcer can develop from the infection, which can become much larger and extend beyond the heel.

The Rhagades can have different causes. Is there a Neurodermatitis or one Fungal infection before, may be another symptom of the itching be. A doctor should be consulted to initiate appropriate therapy. An itch can also be seen as a sign of cure arise.

If a more serious infection has developed, treatment by the doctor should also be sought, as therapy with Antibiotics necessary is.

Heel pain with cracked heels

The heel is a very mechanically stressed part of the body, so it is very uncomfortable when there are small cracks and injuries. It is almost impossible to avoid putting pressure on your heels in everyday life. Through the cracks in the skin, nerve endings are exposed and unprotected. Pressure, friction and other loads are therefore very painful. It would be advisable to protect the affected heels, but this is often not possible in everyday life. To protect the skin on the heels from mechanical friction, for example from socks and shoes, it is very useful to apply a thin bandage or special plaster. In addition, rich creams and ointments help to make the skin supple and give it an additional protective film.

Further information is available from: Heel pain

This is the best way to treat cracked heels!

The cracked heels can be treated very well with a cracked ointment from the pharmacy. It is available without a prescription and should be applied to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. It has a healing and at the same time moisturizing effect.

The Bepanthen wound ointment, which can also be obtained in pharmacies, has a similar effect.

Ayurvedic oil massages, which are often performed with sesame oil, for example, are another good way of supplying dry skin areas with moisture. They make the skin supple and supply it with fat and nutrients.

Products from the drugstore that contain urea and urea can also help very well and provide the necessary moisture.

cream

Rich and moisturizing creams help very well against cracked heels. They make the skin supple again and help it to regenerate. Above all, creams also reduce mechanical stress, such as friction, and therefore feel very pleasant for those affected. You can buy creams from the pharmacy of well-known brands such as Bepanthen®, Hansaplast® or Compeed®, or you can mix your own creams. In pharmacies you can even find special creams for cracked heels, such as "Repair & Care" from Hansaplast® or the Compeed® intensive cream for cracked heels.
If you have a skin disease such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis or athlete's foot, however, such creams are usually not recommended. In these cases a Cortisone therapy for skin diseases or antifungal agents (Antifungal drugs) necessary, which are prescribed by a doctor.

Home remedies

Home remedies are very popular for treating cracked heels as they mostly are simple, inexpensive and beneficial are. Here are some popular home remedies for cracked heels.

• Banana and Avocado Cure: All you need for this simple recipe a ripe banana and an avocado. Both are mixed together until a creamy consistency is obtained. The mixture is applied to the previously cleaned and dry heels and should act for at least half an hour. After the treatment, the mask can be rinsed off with a little lukewarm water. The treatment can be repeated at will.
• Oat scrub: For this scrub you mix some oat flour with coconut oil. The consistency should be firm enough for one peeling be. With the peeling you rub each heel in circular movements for about 10 minutes. Then the peeling can be rinsed off with lukewarm water.
• Foot bath with rose water: For this foot bath one gives with some hot water, rose water, glycerin and lemon juice. Now bathe your feet in the water for about 20 minutes. After that, the feet must be dried well.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is often used called a miracle cure for dry and chapped skin. It is contained in many care products that are available in both drugstores and pharmacies. Often, however, it is also applied straight to the skin or used in home recipes. It has a moisturizing effect and has a cooling effect on the skin. It is therefore very suitable for external care. A great way to treat cracked heels with coconut oil is to use them rub in abundantly in the evening before going to bed. In order not to spread the oil over the entire bed and to protect the heel, you should put on clean cotton socks afterwards. In the morning, the feet can be washed off with a little clean water. You should refrain from using aggressive soap, as this would only additionally dry out the skin.

lemon

A popular ingredient for many home remedies used for cracked heels is lemon. It depends on your own feelings whether the lemon is perceived as pleasant. Therefore, it is advisable to just try them out. Experience has shown that deep cracks are more painful when they come into contact with acidic products, therefore open cracks and wounds should be treated with lemons rather cautiously.
Here are two popular home remedies that contain lemon:

• Nourishing solution with lemon and rose water: Mix one teaspoon of glycerin with one teaspoon of lemon and rose water. You can wash or rub your feet with this mixture. Let the solution can also act overnight and wash your feet with a little warm water in the morning.
• Lemon juice and petroleum jelly: Mix one teaspoon of petroleum jelly with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Rub your previously cleaned and dry heels with the Vaseline until it is absorbed.

homeopathy

There are various remedies in homeopathy that can be used against cracked heels. Depending on the type of complaint, different means are used. The remedy is against cracked heels and a burning sole Antimonium crudum recommended. As globules in the potencies D6 and D12 you should take about 5 globules 3 times a day. Dry and cracked heels are said to be with the remedy petroleum are treated, also in the same dosage.

prophylaxis

The emergence of cracked heels and dry skin can very well by its own regular maintenance be prevented. Thicker corneal layers should be used regularly Skin planer or pumice removed. Before doing this, it is advisable to soak your heels with warm baths. The Removing the cornea is important to prevent the lower layers of the skin from being depleted of moisture and nutrients.

If there are underlying diseases such as Diabetes mellitus, Neurodermatitis or Hypothyroidism Regular professional foot care should be carried out by a beautician. At home you are very good at yourself Oil massages to take care of the feet.

To avoid a general dryness, people prone to fissures should be enough every day drinking water. At least two liters per day are recommended, coffee and the like are not included. Last but not least, a healthy one is varied nutrition with enough Minerals and especially Vitamins important. The skin cells are thus supplied with all the substances that are important for them and can be kept healthy.