The causes of dry, deep cracks on the heels of children and adults

Cracked heels are one of the pressing problems of modern medicine. If earlier it was considered a cosmetic problem, now it has been proven that this problem is purely medical, since it is based on quite specific etiological and pathogenetic factors. Cosmetic procedures help only partially alleviate the condition, temporarily relieve symptoms. The disease can be cured completely only by resorting to therapeutic measures.

Cracks in the skin of the heels can occur for various reasons. First of all, the reason lies in the disruption of the internal state of the body, in which biochemical shifts and metabolic disorders occur. In this case, the normal metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates can be disrupted. Often the reason is a lack of vitamins, microelements, individual components, salts.

The trigger for the development of the disease can be nervous stress, hormonal imbalance, immune status. The state of the skin microflora, disruption of the normal state of the skin, can cause heel problems. Cracks can also occur due to a lack of fluid in the body, when the skin becomes dry and thin, quickly cracks. Chronic skin diseases, the presence of heel spurs, fungal and bacterial infections can cause the skin on the heels to crack.

Itchy, dry and cracked heels

The cause may be a complex mixed infection, including various representatives of microorganisms - from normal bacterial skin microflora to dangerous fungal or parasitic infection. Quite often, the infection develops against the background of increased sweating of the feet, as well as in the case when a person wears closed, hot shoes for a long time in the summer.

Limited air access to the feet, humidity created by increased 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 activity. These can be both bacteria and fungal infections. The most dangerous is a fungal infection, which can affect not only the feet, but also internal organs (if therapeutic measures are not taken in a timely manner).

The waste products of microorganisms lead to changes in the natural environment of the skin, accumulation of metabolites on the surface. As a result, the composition of normal microflora changes significantly, even dysbacteriosis can develop. Often this process is accompanied by the development of inflammation, which is accompanied by severe itching, hyperemia (reddening of skin areas). Often an accompanying symptom is swelling, soreness, especially in the morning when a person stands on his foot. Also, over time, cracks appear at the site of redness.

In order to eliminate the problem, it is necessary first of all to eliminate the cause of inflammation, stop the infection, provide antiseptic conditions, hygiene. Cracks require complex treatment. First, it is necessary to ensure adequate nutrition and the presence of the required amount of vitamins in the diet. It is better to take vitamins in the form of medications, since food is not able to fully satisfy a person's need for vitamins.

Moreover, some vitamins are neutralized in the digestive tract. Vitamins ensure normal structural and functional condition of the skin, normalize the condition of the subcutaneous tissue. As a result, new cracks do not appear, and existing ones heal quite quickly. Normalization of microflora is an important mechanism of protection against further progression of the disease.

Local treatment is very effective, in particular, the use of compresses, rubbing, foot baths. After the baths, massage helps well. In this case, it is recommended to use various medicinal foot balms, ointments. In severe, advanced cases, physiotherapy may be required.

Cracked Heels in Diabetes

Diabetes is accompanied by a severe disruption of metabolic processes. They negatively affect the condition of not only internal organs, physiological processes, but also the condition of the skin, including the heels. In order to eliminate cracks, it is necessary to first eliminate the cause that causes them. In this regard, etiological treatment is used.

Firstly, you need to constantly monitor your blood sugar level, follow a diet, take vitamins and mineral complexes. This helps to normalize metabolism in the body, reduces the load on the immune system and other human systems and organs. Secondly, symptomatic treatment may be required. In particular, if the pain syndrome is quite pronounced, it is necessary to use painkillers. These can be either systemic drugs taken orally. They affect the entire body as a whole, blocking pain receptors. You can also use local painkillers, which are applied to the affected area in the form of an ointment, balm, cream or other similar product.

[ 1 ]

Black cracks on heels

Black color indicates an unfavorable outcome of the disease. This can be a sign of various severe lesions, and it is impossible to accurately determine the cause without diagnostics and a visit to a qualified specialist. Based on the examination, the nature of the damage can be assumed.

So, in some cases, the black color can be a sign of a foot infection by a fungus of the genus Aspergillus. This is a rather complex fungus, which is very difficult to treat. It has a characteristic appearance of black solid mold, from which the body of the fungus rises on a small leg. This picture can be seen under a microscope. The fungus forms cysts, so it can easily survive unfavorable conditions without harm to itself. Then, when optimal conditions for the development of the fungus occur, it will begin to germinate in the form of a black coating.

This property determines the difficulties in treatment. Medicines used to eliminate it can act as factors, as a result of which cyst formation begins. The fungus forms cysts, waits out the therapy, and after its completion, it is activated again. Therefore, it is important to choose the right drug and its optimal dosage, which will kill the fungus.

Also, black color may indicate the development of necrosis, in which damaged cells die. In some cases, black color occurs during the development of gangrene, in which an anaerobic infection develops (without access to oxygen). Gangrene can cause the death of cells and tissues. Therefore, when black color appears on the heels, you should not delay in any case, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and begin therapy.

Deep cracks in the heels

Cracks in the heels can be quite deep. At the same time, they can be quite painful. Often, deep cracks cause a lot of inconvenience to a person. It is quite easy to diagnose. The easiest way to determine is by palpating the heel. Cracks are quite easy to feel. Moreover, they are easily visible to the naked eye. If necessary, ultrasound and X-ray examination are prescribed.

Deep cracks require mandatory complex treatment, which can only be selected by a qualified person. Physiotherapy may be required. The main method of treatment is ultrasound treatment.

Ultrasound treatment is a conservative method of treatment, therefore, no surgical interventions are required. The procedure is quite simple and painless. A current generator is used to perform the manipulation. 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 represented by 8 procedures, they are carried out at intervals of 4 days.

Cracked and peeling heels

Peeling may be a sign of vitamin deficiency or a consequence of an allergic reaction. As a rule, peeling may occur against the background of diathesis, diabetes, excessive sun exposure, prolonged wearing of closed shoes. In order to eliminate peeling, softening or moisturizing creams are usually used. Various products containing vitamin A, E have a positive effect. A balanced diet and the use of vitamin supplements are recommended, which normalize metabolic processes and reduce peeling.

Corns and cracks on the heels

Corns are easy to remove mechanically: it is recommended to steam your feet in a foot bath. After that, using pumice or other means, the corns are removed. After that, the feet are wiped dry, a moisturizing or nourishing cream is applied. It is recommended to put on warm socks on top and lie down for a while with your feet up.

Cracks on hands and heels

Cracks in the heels and palms are the main sign of metabolic disorders in the body. First of all, cracks indicate skin problems. The skin may lack nutrients and vitamins. It is recommended to include a large number of foods rich in vitamins A and E in the diet.

Cracked heels after pedicure

After a pedicure, cracks occur quite rarely, however, such a phenomenon is not excluded and periodically occurs in medical and cosmetology practice. Most often, the cause is incorrect cosmetic procedures, in particular, too intense mechanical impact on the heels.

In some cases, the cause is an allergy or other adverse reaction to the use of cosmetics. The cause may also lie in some individual anatomical and physiological characteristics of the body. Even ordinary stress, hormonal changes, and immune status characteristics can cause cracks to develop.

To eliminate the pathological process, it is recommended to use masks, foot baths, massage, special therapeutic and preventive means. Various physiotherapeutic procedures have proven themselves well. In particular, physiotherapeutic means allow you to achieve a positive effect, while preserving maximum free time.

Physiotherapy is usually used as part of a comprehensive therapy. It may also be required after the main treatment is completed. Physiotherapy is not very effective as an independent therapeutic tool. The main methods of physiotherapy include ultrasound, microcurrents, and waves of various spectra.

One of the most common procedures that is 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 depth of drug penetration are enhanced by microcurrents. The advantage of the method is that drugs are introduced directly into the damaged tissue. This allows for targeted action. Accordingly, the need for dosage is reduced, and the likelihood of side effects is reduced.

Peelings also help: chemical, mechanical. Thermal procedures, cryoprocedures, diamond peeling, grinding are used. Massage procedures, phototherapy, hydromassage baths have a positive effect.