Heel splints: causes and how to cure them
The skin of the heels is often dry, but when it starts to crack and bleed, it causes pain and discomfort, and in some cases can lead to infection. Samer Jaber, founder ofthe Washington Square Dermatology Clinic in New York, USA, explains that cracked heels occur when the skin’s protective barrier is compromised.
“This can be caused by certain medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, but it is most common when the skin becomes too dry,” nbcnews.com quotes.
What causes skin cracks in heels?
In addition to diseases, other factors affect the condition of the skin, such as:
✔ Weather conditions – during the cold season, the skin’s moisture content decreases, causing it to dry out and crack more quickly.
✔ Age – with age, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
✔ Medications – some medications can have side effects that affect dry skin.
According to dermatologist Sheel Desai Solomon, who is the founder of Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery in North Carolina, during the winter, indoor and outdoor humidity levels drop dramatically, which has a negative impact on the skin.
“This leads to very dry skin. Worse still, the skin not only cracks but also flakes,” explains the specialist.
If heel cracks are not treated, they can lead to infection. Especially for people with diabetes or a weakened immune system, this can be a serious health problem.
How to prevent and treat cracked heels?
Take care of foot hygiene and hydration – wash your feet with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid drying out the skin even more.
Use moisturising creams with urea, lactic acid or glycerin to help retain moisture.
Don’t go barefoot – avoid prolonged exposure to pressure and dry environments.
Wear moisturising socks at night – apply a thick layer of cream and wear cotton socks to improve skin condition.
