Cracked heels, a common problem, occur when the skin on the bottom of your heel becomes dry and hard. This dryness reduces the skin's elasticity, making it more prone to cracking. Several factors contribute to this process.
Causes of Cracked Heels
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Dry Skin: The primary cause is dehydration of the skin. Lack of moisture makes the skin rigid and brittle, leading to fissures. [Source: The Foot Hub, Harvard Health]
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Pressure and Weight: As you walk, the fat pad under your heel expands. This expansion puts stress on the calluses that form on the heel, causing them to crack. [Source: Mayo Clinic, Healthline]
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Lifestyle Factors:
- Prolonged standing: Spending extended periods on your feet, especially on hard surfaces, increases pressure and dryness. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
- Open-heeled footwear: Sandals and other open-back shoes expose the heels to the environment, accelerating dryness. [Source: Mayo Clinic, WebMD]
- Hot showers/baths: Excessive heat strips the skin of its natural oils, increasing dryness. [Source: WebMD]
- Harsh soaps: These can further dehydrate the skin. [Source: WebMD]
- Obesity: Increased weight puts extra pressure on the heels. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
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Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like eczema, diabetes, and psoriasis, can increase the risk of dry, cracked heels. [Source: Cascade Foot Center]
Stages of Cracked Heel Development
The process typically begins with the formation of dry, hard skin (calluses) around the heel. As these calluses thicken and dry out, increased pressure from walking causes them to crack. [Source: The Feet People]
Treatment and Prevention
While minor cracks may heal with moisturizers, deep cracks often require professional medical attention. [Source: Seattle Children's] Prevention focuses on keeping the skin hydrated and reducing pressure on the heels. This can include regular moisturizing, wearing supportive footwear, and addressing underlying medical conditions.
