Cracked heels, otherwise known as heel fissures, are exactly how they are named—heels that have unsightly dry, flaky skin on the outermost edges. Though they may appear harmless and superficial, cracked heels may actually become worse if left untreated.
In some cases, they can bleed and develop pain that’s disabling and limiting. In others, they can also be deadly.
Cracked Heels: The Causes
Cracked heels can happen to anyone and the following will boost up your chances:
- Living in a dry climate
- Frequent hot baths
- Harsh soaps
- Dehydration
- Excessive weight
- Walking barefoot or in sandals
- Poor immune system or having conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism
Cracked Heels: Beyond Cosmetic
What’s important to keep in mind about our feet is that, like our hands, they come in contact with different surfaces. This introduces them to different kinds of bacteria: fungus, microbes and over 80 types that set up camp at various points of your foot, just patiently waiting for an entryway to your body to cause serious damage to your health.
And cracked heels may be just what they’re praying for.
Cracked Heels & Cellulitis
A common bacterial infection that results or develops from untreated cracked heels is Cellulitis. This is an infection in the deep layers of the skin and its tissues. With symptoms of redness, tenderness, warmth and swelling, Cellulitis may spread and affect muscles, bones, the heart and trigger infections in other organs as well as cause fatal blood poisoning.
Bottom line: Remedying cracked heels is more than just looking good. It’s an effort to keep off nasty substances from invading your body via your feet. So, make sure that your feet are always clean and washed thoroughly with mild soap. Routinely inspect your feet for cuts, and bathe your shoes with sunshine.
Cracked heels are best avoided by keeping your feet moisturized day and night. Use dermatologically-tested Moringa-O2 Hair, Scalp and Skin Therapy Oil for your day-in and day-out moisturizing ritual, and check out this infographics on the treatment and prevention of cracked heels.