eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

About

What Are the Treatments for Cracked Heels?

Contributor
By Mario Calhoun
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissure, are caused by the accumulation of dry skin on the bottom of your heels. Routine pedicures prevent cracked heels because it sloughs away dry skin. However, if dry skin builds up it can create a callus, which can crack and bleed if not treated promptly. Cracked heels are especially common in the winter and in cold climates as the feet are stripped of moisture. Treatment for cracked heels include moisturizing and exfoliation, temporary changes in footwear and anti-fungal/antibiotic creams to prevent infection.

    Moisturize and Exfoliate

  1. Dry skin can build up if you do not moisturize and remove dead skin from your feet. To treat your cracked heels, soak your feet in warm water or allow them to absorb warm water while in the shower. While in the shower, use a pumice stone to exfoliate your feet, and gently scrub the heel area. When your feet are soft, use the rough side of the foot sander to remove dead skin. When you have removed your dead skin, flip the foot sander over and gently rub your skin with the smooth side of the sander. Moisturize your feet by putting a small amount of foot cream into your hands and massage it into your feet, focusing on the heels. If you prefer to have a professional take care of your feet, a salon professional can exfoliate your feet as part of the pedicure service.
  2. Footwear

  3. If your feet are suffering from being dry and cracked, you will need to replace your current shoes with those that provide more support and comfort. You can also insert a foot pad or a heel cup into your current shoes. Your heels will not heal unless you allow them to rest. Foot pads and heel cups should be worn whenever you are wearing shoes to treat and prevent cracked and sore heels.
  4. Anti-Fungal Creams

  5. If moisturizing and exfoliating does not reduce your cracked heels, you could be suffering from an anti-fungal infection. The only way to treat the infection is to use a foot cream such as Tinactin Antifungal Athlete's Foot Cream or Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Foot Cream. These medications are available at most drug stores as an over-the-counter medication. These creams should be used soon after bathing. Closely follow the medication's instructions to avoid further infection. You can also visit a podiatrist who will prescribe a stronger medication if the infection persists after attempting to treat it with over-the-counter medication.
Resources
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

eHow Article: What Are the Treatments for Cracked Heels?

Related Ads

Get Free Fashion, Style & Personal Care Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care
eHow_eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care