Podiatrist Anna Beetham and creator of Healed products answers the most commonly asked questions at her practice.
What causes cracked heels?
Cracked heels or fissures are caused by dry skin. The thickened dry skin (callous) around the heel is more likely to crack and is often due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area (eg the way you walk).
Other factors that can cause cracked heels include:
- Prolonged standing especially on hard floors. This increases the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways - if the skin is not supple and flexible, the pressures to 'crack' are high.
- Open-backed shoes cause the fat under the heel tends to expand sideways and increases the pressure on the heel to crack.
- Some medical conditions are predisposed to dry skin e.g. autonomic neuropathy in those with diabetes leads to less sweating; an under active thyroid lowers the body's metabolic rate which can cause a reduction in sweating — possibly leading to increased dryness of the skin.
- Inflamed skin conditions, e.g., psoriasis and eczema.
How do I treat cracked heels?
Self Treatment: Apply a natural oil based cream, such as Healed Sole Food twice daily. Use the Healed Foot File on dry skin to remove excess skin before showering, then complete filing while in the shower. Apply Healed Sole Food after showering. Avoid wearing open-back shoes.
Podiatric Treatment: A podiatrist can professionally investigate the cause and determine the best treatment and remove thickened skin to enable you to improve and maintain the condition of the skin. You may need regular podiatry visits for removal of thickened skin and advice on footwear and self care. Sometimes insoles can help redistribute loading if required.
Note: Never attempt to reduce the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors. There is a risk of an infection if too much skin is removed.
What causes blisters?
Blisters typically develop as a result of friction on the skin. This can occur when clothing or sports equipment rubs on the surface layer of the skin. Over time, continued friction can cause the top layer of skin to separate from the second layer of skin. This may result in severe blistering and may require a podiatry visit.
What are some warning signs?
Redness and warmth on the skin is called a "hot spot." Next, fluid fills the space between the top two layers of skin to provide protection from continued rubbing. When this happens you will see a blister that looks like a little bubble on the skin. If you have any "hot spots" during activity, it's important to treat them right away to stop further blistering. Most people get blisters on the heels, soles of the feet and palms of the hands because they rub against shoes, socks or sports equipment. This type of friction, especially in moist, warm conditions, may promote blister development.
How do I prevent blisters?
- Minimise friction on the skin by wearing appropriate and properly-fitted footwear.
- Some moisture-wicking socks made from synthetic blends can help reduce friction on the skin of the feet.
- Identify and eliminate any abnormal mechanical causes.
- Prior to exercise apply hypoallergenic tape on areas prone to friction to help prevent hot spots developing into blisters.
- Apply a natural anti-chafing balm – Healed Skin Protect to any area prone to irritation, friction or blisters. This can be used in conjunction with the above measures.
- Avoid petroleum-based products and try to keep your feet dry or change socks throughout the day if required.
How does Healed Skin Protect work?
Healed Skin Protect provides a natural protective barrier to friction. It has a “silicone like” effect that significantly reduces skin irritation from equipment, shoes or clothing and prevents blister formation. The natural ingredients work to moisturise and soothe the skin, while reducing surface friction and therefore preventing blisters and chafing.
How often can I use Healed Skin Protect?
Healed Skin Protect is 100% natural so it can be used on any part of the body, as often as required. It is not petroleum based so is easily washed off with mild soap. Healed Skin Protect is designed to stay on the skin for long periods, however should you need to re-apply, its pocket size makes it easy to carry.
