What Really Causes Cracked Heels and How to Heal Them (Part 2) Gotham Footcare

WHICH IS EASIER, PREVENTING CRACKED HEELS OR GETTING RID OF EXISTING CRACKS? WHICH METHODS ARE BEST FOR PREVENTING THE CONDITION AND TREATING IT WHEN CRACKED HEELS HAVE ALREADY FORMED?

Preventing cracked heels is much easier than attempting to address the condition after it has formed – particularly if you are dependent on over-the-counter medications. Here are some important things to keep in mind for preventing them:

Refrain from walking barefoot while in public spaces: Walking around barefoot (particularly at the gym) can expose the feet to fungal and bacterial organisms that may then infect the nails and skin. This can help bring about infection, such as fungal nails or athlete’s foot, that changes the comfort, appearance, and smell of the feet.

Keep your socks clean: A good rule to follow is when you switch your underwear, it’s time to switch your socks, too. Bacteria and fungi flourish in dark, moist environments, potentially leading to foot problems and infections like athlete’s foot. Make it a habit to swap out your socks daily and more frequently if you lead an active lifestyle.

Spray shoes daily with Lysol: While Lysol is not recommended for use directly on the skin, I do recommend using the product to help reduce contact with germs that can potentially infect your feet. Most often, foot infections are brought about by contact with viruses, fungi, or bacteria.

While applying Lysol directly to your skin is not advisable, for many patients seeking foot infection prevention, I recommend daily shoe sanitization with this product. This can reduce potential germ exposure, a contributing factor to the three most common foot infections, whether bacterial, fungal, or viral.

Here are some ways to address calluses:

1) Soak your calluses in a mixture of water, Epsom salt, and apple cider vinegar for approximately 20 minutes daily. Afterward, utilize natural antifungal agents like eucalyptus oil, castor oil, or tea tree oil. Apply these oils directly to the calluses for 5-10 minutes, followed by using a pumice stone to exfoliate.

2) For milder cases, consider purchasing over-the-counter medicated creams, powders, lotions, or sprays specifically designed to combat athlete’s foot.

3) In cases of moderate to severe calluses, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist for either an oral or topical antifungal prescription.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A PRODUCT FOR ADDRESSING CRACKED HEELS? WHICH PRODUCTS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR DEALING WITH THEM?

In addressing patients with cracked heels or thick calluses, I frequently suggest the application of a 40% urea gel like Bare 40 Moisturizing Urea Gel, available for purchase on Amazon. I advise them to apply this gel uniformly across both feet nightly, wrap their feet in plastic wrap, and wear socks to bed. The plastic wrap aids in enhancing the gel’s absorption, facilitating its penetration into the foot. This approach helps in breaking down rough calluses and cracked, dry skin, promoting softer and smoother feet. In the morning, using an Amope Pedi Perfect or similar foot file in the shower is advised to eliminate the softened, thickened areas and calluses, courtesy of the overnight urea cream application.

For a soaking solution, a mixture of 4 parts water to 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 tablespoons of Epsom Salt can be applied to the calluses for a 20-minute soak. Subsequently, applying natural antifungals like castor oil, eucalyptus oil, or tea tree oil directly onto the calluses for 5 to 10 minutes, followed by exfoliation with a pumice stone, is recommended. Additionally, I endorse the use of Eucerin cream due to its effectiveness in locking in moisture, aiding in the protection and healing of severely dry, cracked skin, often associated with conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

I advise my patients to stay hydrated by drinking ample water and incorporating water-rich foods like watermelons and cucumbers. Regular exfoliation in the shower is essential; if calluses thicken on your feet, any moisturizing cream won’t deeply penetrate. For effective hydration, I suggest opting for a hyaluronic acid-based product, such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, to enhance your skin’s moisture content. While Eucerin remains beneficial, especially during winter, using it at least once per week can aid in combating persistent foot dryness. Identifying whether dryness may be linked to an athlete’s foot is crucial. Even so, I would recommend a combination approach involving urea (avoiding occlusion during summer months) with an over-the-counter antifungal treatment for a minimum of three weeks to address the dryness.

Author

Manhattan’s Dr. Cunha, a board-certified NYC podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, excels in treating ankle and foot issues, from minor to major surgeries. His passion for patient care shines through as he delivers exceptional, compassionate service.