Happy Feet First | Skin Care

ANUP PRAKASH

Cracked heels are a sign of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing. They are often referred to as fissures and are usually caused by dry skin. For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem. But when the fissures are deep, the skin bleeds easily and this can be very painful. The heels appear yellow or dark brown depending on the skin type and are normally accompanied by dry skin. Symptoms include a hard growth of skin, usually on the outer edge of the heel. Patients may experience pain while walking and increased discomfort in thin soles or open back shoes.

CAUSES OF CRACKED HEELS
- Inactive sweat glands
- Dry skin
- Prolonged standing
- Obesity
- Open backed shoes can be a contributing factor
- Surgery to the lower extremities
- Alignment the bone structure of the sole of the foot
- Abnormalities of walking
- Using excessively hot water
- Allergies

TREATMENT OF CRACKED HEELS
- Apply a moisturizing cream twice daily to the affected heels
- Use pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin.
- Avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes
- Buy shoes with a good shock absorbing sole
- Never try to pare down the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors!

Signs and symptoms that surface on the skin are simple indicators of a faulty internal activity or an external abuse. If one observes the body and its manifestations minutely one can avoid disease and disorders by treating them before they take on a destructive path. Similarly, feet care calls for a little attention and when the feet finds it lacking they indicate the following signs to show the feet could do well with some care.