How can you fix cracked skin around your heels?
The cracked skin that you can get around the edges the heels can be a painful problem if it is allowed to develop. This problem happens when the skin around the backs of the heel is dryer and thicker than it should ordinarily be. When the callus increases to create that dry thicker skin, it just splits because it is not too supple or adaptable. The crack that develops in the thicker skin, then attempts to split or rip the normal skin below it. In the worst cases, this becomes painful, may bleed and become an for an infection, so does need to be given serious attention. The reason behind these cracked heels is not really totally understood. Many people just have a tendency to have a dryer skin and some people, because of the way which they walk have a tendency to build up the callus around the sides of the heel. Being overweight is also a risk factor for cracked heels. Shoes that are open at the back are also believed to play a role in this disorder.
The ideal way to deal with the cracked heels is to get an experienced foot doctor to get rid of the thicker callused skin and then use an emollient to soften the remaining skin. You could try and get rid of that skin yourself with something like a pumice stone or file, but that is a lot of effort and needs to be carried out often. The emollient lotion used after this should be put on consistently to keep the skin well hydrated and supple. There is a lot of thoughts and opinions of what's the perfect cream or emollient to use is and the best solution is the one which matches your skin. A bit of trial and error may be needed to find the best one. For cracked heels most foot doctors would suggest beginning with a urea based ointment.