The causes of dry, deep cracks on the heels of children and adults
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Cracks in the heels are one of the urgent problems of modern medicine. If earlier it was considered a cosmetic problem, now it is proved that this problem is purely medical, because it is based on quite certain etiological and pathogenetic factors. Cosmetic procedures help only partial relief of the condition, temporary relief of symptoms. Cure the disease completely possible, only by resorting to therapeutic measures.
Cracks on the skin of the heels may occur for various reasons. First of all, the reason lies in the violation of the internal state of the organism, in which biochemical shifts occur, metabolic disorders. In this case, the normal exchange of proteins, fats, carbohydrates can be disturbed. Often the cause is the lack of vitamin, microelements, individual components, salts.
The trigger mechanism in the development of the disease can serve as nervous stress, disruption of the hormonal background, immune status. The state of the cutaneous microflora, a violation of the normal state of the skin, can cause a violation of the heels. Also, cracks can occur with a lack of fluid in the body, when the skin becomes dry and thin, quickly cracking. Chronic skin diseases, the presence of calcaneal spurs, fungal and bacterial infections, can cause skin on the heels to crack.
Itching, dryness and cracks on the heels
The reason can be as a complex mixed infection, which includes a variety of microorganisms - from normal bacterial skin microflora to a dangerous fungal or parasitic infection. Quite often, the infection develops against the background of excessive sweating of the feet, and also in the case when a person goes for a long time in closed, hot shoes in the summer.
Limited access of air to the feet, moisture created by excessive sweating, creates optimal conditions for the development of anaerobic microflora - a bacterial environment in which representatives develop that do not require oxygen to maintain their vital functions. It can be both bacteria and fungal infections. The most dangerous is fungal infection, which can affect not only the legs, but also the internal organs (if not taken timely therapeutic measures).
The products of microorganisms' vital activity lead to a change in the natural environment of the skin, the accumulation of metabolites on the surface. As a result, the composition of normal microflora changes significantly, even dysbiosis can develop. Often this process is accompanied by the development of inflammation, which is accompanied by severe itching, hyperemia (reddening of skin areas). Often a concomitant symptom is puffiness, tenderness, especially in the morning when a person is on his foot. Also, over time, cracks appear in the area of redness.
In order to eliminate the problem, it is necessary first of all to eliminate the cause of inflammation, to stop the infection, to provide antiseptic conditions, and hygiene. Cracks need complex treatment. First, it is necessary to provide adequate nutrition and the presence of the necessary amount of vitamin in the diet. It is better to take vitamins in the form of medicines, because the food is not able to fully meet the human needs for vitamins.
Moreover, part of the vitamin is neutralized in the digestive tract. Vitamins provide a normal structural and functional state of the skin, normalizes the condition of the subcutaneous tissue. As a result, newer cracks do not appear, and already existing ones heal fairly quickly. Normalization of microflora is an important mechanism to protect against further progression of the disease.
Very effective is the local treatment, in particular, the use of compresses, rubbing, foot baths. After the baths, massage helps. In this case, it is recommended to use various therapeutic balms for legs, ointments. In severe, neglected cases, physiotherapy may be required.
Cracks on the heels of diabetes
Diabetes is accompanied by a strong violation of metabolic processes. They negatively affect the condition of not only internal organs, physiological processes, but also the condition of the skin, including on the heels. In order to eliminate cracks, it is necessary first of all to eliminate the cause that causes them. In connection with this, etiological treatment is applied.
First, you need to constantly monitor blood sugar, follow a diet, take vitamins, mineral complexes. This contributes to the normalization of metabolism in the body, reduces the burden on the immune system, and other human systems and organs. Secondly, symptomatic treatment may be required. In particular, with a painful syndrome of sufficient intensity, it is necessary to use painkillers. It can be as a systemic drug taken internally. They affect the entire body as a whole, blocking the pain receptors. You can also use local anesthetics, which are applied to the affected area in the form of an ointment, balm, cream or the like.
[1]
Black cracks on the heels
Black color indicates an unfavorable outcome of the disease. This may be a sign of various severe lesions, and it is impossible to pinpoint the cause, without diagnosis and visiting a qualified specialist. Based on the examination, it is possible to assume the nature of the damage.
So, in some cases, black color may be a sign of the defeat of the foot fungus of the genus Aspergillus. It is a rather complex fungus, which is very difficult to treat. It has a characteristic form of black solid mold, from which a small foot lifts the body of the fungus. Such a picture can be viewed under a microscope. The fungus forms cysts, so it can easily survive unfavorable conditions, without harm to oneself. Then, when the conditions that are optimal for the development of the fungus occur, it will start to germinate in the form of a plaque of black color.
This property determines the complexity of the treatment. Drugs used to eliminate it can act as the factors that result in the action of which cyst formation begins. The fungus forms cysts, waits for therapy, and after its termination again becomes more active. Therefore, it is important to choose the right drug, and its optimal dosage, which will kill the fungus.
Also black color can indicate the development of necrosis, in which damaged cells die. In some cases, black color occurs when gangrene develops, in which anaerobic infection develops (without access to oxygen). Gangrene can cause the death of cells and tissues. Therefore, when black appears on the heels of the heel, it is in no case possible to delay, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, and begin therapy.
Deep cracks on the heels
Cracks on the heels can be quite deep. But they are quite painful. Often, deep cracks cause a lot of inconvenience to a person. The diagnosis is simple enough. The easiest way to determine the method of palpation is the heel. Cracks are easily probed easily. Moreover, they are easily visible to the naked eye. If necessary, appoint ultrasound and X-ray examination.
Deep cracks require compulsory complex treatment, which can only be selected by a qualified person. Physiotherapy may be required. The main method of treatment is ultrasound.
Ultrasound treatment is a conservative method of treatment, accordingly, no surgical interventions are required. The procedure is fairly simple and painless. To carry out the manipulation, a current generator is used. The procedure takes place in several stages.
The main stage is heating the spur. Usually the procedure is painless, but in rare cases, pain may occur. Then anesthesia (local) may be prescribed. The mechanism of the procedure is quite simple: the handle is applied directly to the heel. The course of therapy is presented by 8 procedures, they are carried out with an interval of 4 days.
Cracks and peeling on the heels
Peeling can be a sign of a lack of vitamin, or a consequence of an allergic reaction. As a rule, peeling may occur against a background of diathesis, diabetes, excessive sun exposure, prolonged wearing of closed shoes. In order to eliminate the peeling, usually used softening or moisturizing creams. A positive effect is provided by various products containing vitamin A, E. It is recommended to eat a full meal and use vitamin supplements that normalize metabolic processes and reduce flaking.
Treads and cracks on the heels
Treads can be easily removed mechanically: it is recommended to steal legs in the foot bath. After that, using pumice or other means, the puffs are removed. After that, the feet are wiped dry, apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream. From above it is recommended to put on warm socks and lie down for a while, lifting your legs up.
Cracks on hands and heels
Cracks of the heels and palms are the main sign of metabolic disturbances in the body. First of all, the appearance of cracks indicates a problem with the skin. The skin may lack nutrients, vitamins. It is recommended to include in the diet a large number of foods rich in vitamins A and E.
Cracks on the heels after a pedicure
After a pedicure, cracks appear quite rarely, nevertheless, such a phenomenon is not excluded and periodically occurs in medical and cosmetological practice. Most often the cause is improper conduct of cosmetic procedures, in particular, too intense mechanical action on the heels.
In some cases, the cause is an allergy, or other adverse reaction to the use of cosmetics. The reason can also be covered in some individual anatomical and physiological features of the organism. Even ordinary stress, hormonal changes, features of the immune status, can cause the development of cracks.
To eliminate the pathological process, it is recommended to use masks, foot baths, massage, special medical and preventive means. Different physiotherapy procedures have proved themselves well. In particular, physiotherapeutic devices allow to achieve a positive effect, while maintaining a maximum of free time.
Usually, physiotherapy is used as part of complex therapy. Also, it can be in demand even after the basic treatment is completed. As an independent therapeutic agent, physiotherapy is ineffective. As the main methods of physiotherapeutic treatment, ultrasound, microcurrents, waves of various spectra are used.
One of the most common procedures that are widely used in everyday practice is electrophoresis. This is a specific procedure that allows the introduction of drugs into the body through the mucous membranes. The permeability of the membranes and the penetration depth of the preparation is enhanced by the action of microcurrents. The advantage of the method is that drugs are injected directly into the damaged tissue. This allows you to ensure the impact. Accordingly, the need for dosage is reduced, and the likelihood of side effects is reduced.
Also help peeling: chemical, mechanical. Thermal procedures, cryoprocedures, diamond pilling, grinding are applied. Positive impact is provided by massage procedures, phototherapy, whirlpool baths.