Dry Cracked Heels? Try Our Doctor-Recommended Footcare Creams
Cracked heels are a common problem and affect people of all ages and demographics - though they become even more common as we age. Moisture, or the lack of it, is a huge contributing factor to the prevalence of cracked heels. Chronic dehydration and the depletion of moisture in your body can lead to dry skin as the water reserves are dedicated to other, more vital areas like your internal organs. When it impacts the feet, dry skin eventually turns into cracked heels. Below, our foot care professionals at HealthyFeetStore.com have put together a list of care recommendations to help individuals find the best treatment for cracked heels possible. Read on for our recommendations, and shop high-quality foot care products on right here on our site.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Searching for the treatment for dry cracked heels? You'll find that this search is often a process of trial and error in finding what works best for you. Dry, cracked heels are best treated with quality therapeutic ointments and creams, avoiding lotions that may contain drying alcohol. Use doctor recommended foot care creams that are especially formulated for dry, cracked heels and calluses, especially at night. We also recommend wearing specially designed socks that help absorption. Wear comfortable shoes with doctor-recommended insoles or other corrective devices that reduce the risk of friction and rubbing against the injured heel. Do your research to find the best treatment for cracked heels according to what others have said, and see if it works for you. If you have any questions about a potential treatment, please contact our team or schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Risks Posed by Cracked Heels
On occasion, dry skin and cracked heels on their own are not particularly damaging or concerning. However, if left untreated, these symptoms can lead to bleeding if the cracking and dryness progresses. Bleeding caused by the cracks will lead to infection. Should bleeding lead to an infection in those with diabetes and the elderly, it could have serious consequences.
Cracked heels typically appear in with age, but people of any age, including younger generations can also develop dry skin that leads to cracked heels. Common causes include wearing shoes that don't fit correctly, diabetes, and exposure to dry or stale air from spending several hours indoors. No matter how cracked heels form, there are several treatment options available.
Products to Sooth Cracked and Hardened Skin
Healthy Feet Store carries doctor recommended products that target cracked heels. Browse our inventory to find therapeutic ointments and creams. These are specially designed formulas that treat dry skin, calluses, and cracked heels. The products we carry do not contain alcohol, an ingredient known to dry out the skin. Avoid lotions and creams that contain drying ingredients like alcohol.
Another product that should be on your radar is moleskin adhesives with gel cushioning. They are used to treated blisters and corns. They provide constant moisturizing and sooth irritated and sensitive skin. If you have issues caused by shoes that don't fit correctly you may find gel cushions to be very helpful.
The Importance of Removing Dead Skin
People with cracked heels are also likely to have calluses and corns. To treat these issues we offer the Personal Pumi Bar, which is a pumice bar that gently removes harden skin and smooths out calluses and corns. Removing dried out, dead skin layers are also a part of caring for heels that are prone to cracking. Pumice bars can help keep your skin exfoliated and supple.
Preventing Infections and Fungal Growth
If your cracked heels begin to bleed, infection is a risk. Take preventative measures to stop the growth of bacteria and fungus that can lead to infection. Products like PediFix Tea Tree Oil Antifungal Foot Soap can help prevent the growth of foot fungus and keep your feet clean. Tea tree oil is a well-known natural disinfectant that can gently clean the skin in small doses. This soap in particular also has moisturizing properties.
Corrective Footwear
Wearing comfortable shoes can be extremely helpful when dealing with cracked heels. Insoles and similar corrective products can help ease the stress on your feet. Avoid shoes that cause friction or irritation through rubbing and chaffing.