Cracked heels (fissures, med. Rhagades) are often deep torn areas on the outer edge of the heel, which can occur due to dry cornea. The actual protective function of the cornea is lost and can lead to further problems. The development of the dry cracked skin areas can have different causes.
Causes of cracked heels
The development of cracked heels depends on several factors. Among these factors are age, the strain on the heels, their care and nutrition. Especially care and excessive strain can promote cracks in the cornea.
The cornea is the uppermost layer of the skin and has several layers of cornified cell layers that perform a protective function. Due to the weight that weighs on the heels every day, they need good care and maintenance. If the skin dries out too much and thus loses the necessary moisture and fat to maintain the stable cell structure, it can lead to a reduced supply of blood and nutrients.
The result is ultimately cracks in the skin, which are initially very flat and lead to the desquamation of the dry corneal cells. These first small cracks are not dangerous and can be treated well. However, they can be unfavorably influenced in their course by metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, for example, caused by peripheral arterial occlusive disease, but also alcohol and nicotine.
The tears can eventually become deeper and then cause bleeding. In addition, open wounds represent a further risk of developing an infection, which under certain circumstances heals less well than the initially harmless tears in the skin. Furthermore, in winter the cold air causes the skin to dry out and especially then rough wool socks, synthetic wool socks and pressing shoes can lead to tears.
Vitamins and other nutrients play an important role when it comes to the health and integrity of the skin. Cracked, dry or scaly heels can be an expression of a vitamin deficiency. The vitamin deficiency can have many different causes.
Often a deficiency or malnutrition is the cause. A frequent cause of malnutrition in our latitudes is alcoholism. An increased vitamin need however is found for example in pregnancy.
Above all a lack of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids cause dry and cracked heels. However, a lack of vitamin E is very rare in Europe and is usually due to an illness that affects the absorption of the vitamin. An intake of about 20 to 30 mg of vitamin E per day is the minimum recommended.
Sometimes up to about 270 mg daily is recommended. Also in the case of neurodermatitis, an intake of vitamin E seems to have a positive effect on dry and chapped skin. Wheat germ oil, olive oil and rapeseed oil are rich in vitamin E and are highly recommended to absorb the vitamin E. In case of a pronounced deficiency, however, it is very difficult to absorb vitamin E only through food.
One would have to consume about half a liter of vegetable oil a day in order to suffice a pronounced deficiency. In this case, supplements from the pharmacy are recommended. Cracked heels during pregnancy can have a variety of causes.
From skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis to fungal infections or vitamin deficiency symptoms, the most diverse causes are possible. Cracked heels are often a temporary problem during pregnancy. Due to an increased vitamin requirement and a reduced blood circulation of the uppermost skin layers in the heels, tiny cracks occur, which are unpleasant and can hurt.
The latter is caused by increased water retention in the tissue and an increased total weight. The feet are less well supplied with blood and are a frequent problem area for pregnant women. It is recommended to cream the heels frequently and to care for them with water baths.
To stimulate the blood circulation, alternating showers, massages and regular exercise are suitable. Athlete’s foot is the most common skin fungus and one of the most common infectious diseases in Europe. It is transmitted from person to person and is highly infectious.
There is no need for direct physical contact to become infected. It can also be transmitted via floors, for example in sports clubs or swimming pools, socks and towels. Most often, athlete’s foot is found between the toes, but an infestation of the heel is also possible.The uppermost layer of skin (epidermis) is softened and can tear.
The tears are sometimes very deep and extremely painful. In addition, redness, coarse scales and blisters can be found. Athlete’s foot must always be treated with active substances that kill the fungus and prevent its growth. Such active substances are called antimycotics.
