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Cracked heels in children
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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In childhood, heels crack much less often than in adults, since children's skin is delicate and not exposed to mechanical factors. However, under certain circumstances, cracks can also appear in children.
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Causes cracked heels in children
This is usually associated with pathological phenomena: disruption of metabolic processes, disruption of normal functioning of the skin.
With pathological functioning of the immune system, a number of pathological processes in the body can also occur, which entail a violation of the integrity of the skin. First of all, the heels suffer, since it is on them that the main load is placed. In most people, when distributing weight, the main part of it falls on the heels. Also, cracks often form due to disturbances in nervous regulation, changes in hormonal levels.
Cracks can appear due to stress, nervous and mental overstrain, poor nutrition, especially vitamin deficiency. First of all, the skin condition is affected by the lack of B vitamins. Vitamins A and E have a positive effect, normalizing metabolic processes in the body, removing toxins and free radicals, which has a positive effect on the skin condition.
It should be noted that cracks most often appear in children during the transitional period: during the period of adaptation to school, in adolescence. At this time, the body experiences special increased loads, therefore it needs additional protection, new difficulties arise.
Stress often causes children to develop various skin diseases. For example, cracks often appear in children after a strong shock: the loss of a favorite toy, the death of an animal, the divorce of parents. In such a case, the normal functioning of the skin is disrupted, it becomes dry and peels. After this, in the absence of adequate treatment, the skin may begin to crack.
Read about other causes of cracked heels in children in this article.
Treatment cracked heels in children
Treatment is necessary, as even more serious complications may arise. Especially dangerous is the penetration of infection into the wound. It is better not to self-medicate, as this can only worsen the situation. The doctor will conduct diagnostics and select adequate treatment. This will allow you to quickly and effectively get rid of the disease, prevent relapses. Before visiting the doctor, it is better to seal the heel with an adhesive plaster to prevent infection. After visiting the doctor, you must strictly follow his recommendations.
Read this article to find out how else you can treat cracked heels in children.