Cracked Heels

If you have cracked heels you want to heal, Mercer-Ocean Podiatry is here to help. The skin on heels is thick, but if it splits, it could be more than just a cosmetic issue. If a crack goes deep enough, it may hurt the patient or become home to an infection.


Cracked heels are the result of chafing or dry skin. Chafing could be due to a bad shoe fit and may be helped with orthotics. But dry skin could be due to both the environment and the patient’s lifestyle. While a lack of moisture in the air dries out the skin (making cracked heels common in the winter and summer), so does keeping the feet submerged in water. People who take long, hot baths and showers are especially at risk for cracked heels.


If a patient has extensive dead skin, we can cut it away safely. It is especially recommended that patients visit us for help with cracked heels if they have peripheral neuropathy, which may prevent them from feeling a problem that is more than skin-deep. Preventing the return of cracked heels may require a new moisturizing regimen, possibly including prescription strength creams or gels. Patients may need to use separate products to provide moisture and seal it in. Patients should also avoid the use of bath products with fragrances, as these can irritate the skin, and limit the amount of time they spend in the shower.


Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani Mercer-Ocean Podiatry. For the location at 2103 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, 08619, call 609-585-3200. For the location at 202 Rte 37 W, Suite 4, Toms River, New Jersey, 08755, call 732-557-4266. Visit New Jersey Foot.


 

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