01/07/2008 04:24 PM
Cracked heels. DermNet NZ
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http://www.dermnetnz.org/scaly/cracked-heels.html
Authoritative facts about the skin from the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.
Home | Scaly skin conditions
Cracked heels
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 when the cracks or fissures become deep,
standing, walking or any pressure placed on the heel can be painful.
Cracked heels
Who gets cracked heels and why?
Anyone can get cracked heels but some people are more prone to the condition than others. For example:
Dry skin for whatever reason
Atopic dermatitis
Juvenile plantar dermatosis
Psoriasis, especially palmoplantar psoriasis
Palmoplantar keratoderma
Systemic conditions that dry the skin, including diabetes and hypothyroidism
Dry thickened skin (corns and calluses) around the rim of the heel is the very first step towards cracked
heels. Increased pressure on the fat pad under the heel causes it to expand sideways, leading to splitting
or cracking of the callous. Some factors that contribute towards the callus cracking or splitting include:
Excessive weight or obesity
Prolonged standing, especially on hard floors
Open-back shoes and sandals, as they provide no support to hold the fat pad under the foot
What are the signs of symptoms of cracked heels?
The first sign of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel.
This is called a callus and may be yellow or dark brown discoloured area of skin. Initially small cracks over the
callus are visible. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, these cracks become deeper and
eventually walking and standing will be painful. The cracks may be so deep that they begin to bleed.
In severe cases cracked heels can become infected, and lead to cellulitis. This must be treated with elevation of
the area, debridement of dead tissue, and antibiotics.
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