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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment To Cure Cracked Heels

I am 83 years old Male. During this summer season I had acute foot cracks with seer pain while walking. I applied Crack cream, the usual remedy for fot cracking problem. BUT THIS COULD NOT CURE THE CRACKING. consulted a dermetologist in nearby hospital. He avised me to keep the feet in salt water for ten minutes every day for eight days AFTER WHICH HE GAVE ME SALEX (SALICYLIX) FOR APPLICATION. AFTER A WEEK THERE WAS SOME CURE. bUT THE PROBLEM APPEARED AGAIN. THIS TIME A FRIEND GAVE ME CANDID- B LOTION for external application.. I hope this will be cured for time being. For the last so many years in my life I never had this problem.I walked in shoes during my t\yunger days. Nowadays I used open chappels for walking outside home and walk bear foot inside house. But the Dr. advised me to use a chappel inside the house too. E.Asokan What is the cause and what is the medicine forpermrnant cure?
Thu, 29 May 2014
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM.

I can understand your concern for your cracked heels problem and empathise with you.
Cracked heels is a very common problem, but some people are more prone to it - individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis, dry skin , diabetes, hypothyroidism etc.

The skin around the heels first thickens & forms calluses due to constant friction. Constant pressure on the fat pads in heels leads to splitting of these calluses, which in turn causes the cracked heels. Due to your constant use of open chappals, the skin dries up and the fat pads get no support further worsening the fissures.


If I was your treating doctor, this would be my treatment protocol. Soak your feet twice a day for 10 minutes in warm saline water, use a pumice stone to rub and remove the hardened skin, dry the skin well and follow this up with a urea containing foot cream e.g. Xerina foot cream. I would also recommend the use of a moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly to soften the heels. The area should smoothen out in about two weeks time. Continue the use of the foot cream whenever you feel the heels have hard skin.

Since your problem is recurring, I would advice the use of socks and closed shoes when you go out as this would prevent drying, and the use of slippers at home. Moisturize your feet twice a day as this too will prevent the problem from recurring. Therefore the permanent cure for this lies in prevention and not just medication.

I hope I have answered your query. Feel free to get back in case of any doubts.
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Suggest Treatment To Cure Cracked Heels

Hello and welcome to HCM. I can understand your concern for your cracked heels problem and empathise with you. Cracked heels is a very common problem, but some people are more prone to it - individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis, dry skin , diabetes, hypothyroidism etc. The skin around the heels first thickens & forms calluses due to constant friction. Constant pressure on the fat pads in heels leads to splitting of these calluses, which in turn causes the cracked heels. Due to your constant use of open chappals, the skin dries up and the fat pads get no support further worsening the fissures. If I was your treating doctor, this would be my treatment protocol. Soak your feet twice a day for 10 minutes in warm saline water, use a pumice stone to rub and remove the hardened skin, dry the skin well and follow this up with a urea containing foot cream e.g. Xerina foot cream. I would also recommend the use of a moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly to soften the heels. The area should smoothen out in about two weeks time. Continue the use of the foot cream whenever you feel the heels have hard skin. Since your problem is recurring, I would advice the use of socks and closed shoes when you go out as this would prevent drying, and the use of slippers at home. Moisturize your feet twice a day as this too will prevent the problem from recurring. Therefore the permanent cure for this lies in prevention and not just medication. I hope I have answered your query. Feel free to get back in case of any doubts.