A common problem is rough heels, which can often be caused by overly dry skin. The skin is usually itchy and taut and pulling may occur. The heel areas are particularly affected, where cracks also frequently form. The reasons for rough heels are thereby very diverse.
What are rough heels?
Generally, rough heels are based on very dry skin that feels rough, which also often has small cracks. Generally, rough heels are based on very dry skin that feels rough, which is also often cracked with small cracks. The reason for this is the daily stress on the heels. Friction and pressure act on the heels with every step and can additionally dry out the skin. The more the skin dries out, the more likely the heel skin is to flake and the cracks to dig deeper. This can sometimes also be painful. Typical accompanying symptoms are then a tingling or burning sensation, sometimes itching also occurs. It is therefore important that rough heels are well cared for and moisturized.
Causes
The causes of rough heels are then also very different, so that skin diseases, such as neurodermatitis, or a poor diet can be responsible for it. Other possible causes of rough heels are hormonal fluctuations, a lack of fluids, through which the skin dries out further, and even the psyche. If this reacts to stressful situations, this can also show itself in the form of rough heels. These causes are called internal factors. Rough heels can occur due to these conditions alone, but can be exacerbated by other factors that affect the heels externally. External factors include heat and cold, sun, water and irritants, one’s lifestyle, and care products for the entire foot. Dry skin can result from the protective lipids of the skin, its fats, and moisture reaching the surface where they are lost. This loss can no longer be compensated by the body without help and rough heels develop.
Diseases with this symptom
- Neurodermatitis
- Psoriasis
Diagnosis and course
Typical symptoms associated with rough heels are itching and pain. Pain is also evident in some patients during normal walking and should be observed. Observations will aid in diagnosis if a medical evaluation is needed. It is important to work with rough heels with sufficient fat and moisture supplied to the heels from the outside. Otherwise, the skin is in danger of drying out more and more. The further the dehydration of the skin progresses, the more sensitive it becomes. In the further course, more or less deep cracks appear in the skin, which can lead to pain. These open areas also give inflammations a good chance of spreading through the body, especially if the cracks start to bleed. It is not uncommon for the cracks to cause discomfort when walking, and if the footwear does not fit properly, these are magnified. The doctor should be consulted at the latest when there are limitations in walking due to rough heels. A doctor should definitely be consulted if the rough heels become an emotional burden or if discolorations or skin growths develop on the heels. This may be due to other underlying diseases that can lead to further spread or aggravation or even infection if treatment is not received.
Complications
If rough heels are not well cared for, other conditions may develop. These include cracking, pain or hardening. These symptoms will be immediately noticeable when walking and will lead to further impairment. If the heels are then not regularly supplied with fat and moisture, dehydration can progress further and further. In bad cases, deep cracks form and begin to bleed. At this stage, germs can enter the skin through the cracks, leading to uncomfortable inflammations. These can be very painful and persistent and in turn hinder walking. In addition, socks or ill-fitting shoes often aggravate the discomfort. Accordingly, it is important to care for rough heels as regularly and carefully as possible. In addition, care should be taken to wear well-fitting footwear to provide optimal support for the heels.
When should you go to the doctor?
Rough heels are usually harmless and can be treated independently with care products and simple measures. A visit to the doctor is recommended if further complaints are added. If the rough heels are accompanied by cracks and hardening of the sole or if there is stabbing or burning pain, this should be clarified medically in any case. It is possible that the complaints are based on a serious illness that must be treated immediately. Other warning signs of a serious underlying condition include skin changes on the legs and hands, excessive scaling and itching. Apart from that, a doctor should be consulted if the rough heels are accompanied by a hindered sense of well-being or generally represent an emotional or psychological burden. The same applies if there are restrictions or sensation disturbances on the heels when walking. Discoloration or skin growths indicate a bacterial infection, which may be contagious and should therefore be treated urgently. Immediate action should also be taken against harmless causes to prevent further spread of the disease and possible complications.
Treatment and therapy
For rough heels, treatment also depends on the underlying causes. As people age, rough heels occur more frequently. With increasing age, the skin is no longer able to retain as much moisture as before. As a result, it dries out. Here it is important to treat the heels regularly with a moisturizing cream. Especially in the summer months, when people are increasingly barefoot and/or wear open shoes, these care measures are very important. The increased sun and heat that reaches the skin can cause it to dry out further. If rough heels were caused by existing diseases or possibly by medication, pure self-treatments are no longer recommended. A simple care cream is not sufficient in these cases. The doctor should then clarify whether other medications must be taken or how the underlying disease is treated. In these cases, the treatment of the disease alone will improve the skin condition and rough heels will disappear again or at least recede significantly. If the psyche is behind the rough heels, the psychological stress should also be addressed with the help of a specialist. Once the basic problem is recognized and treated, rough heels will soon be a thing of the past.
Outlook and prognosis
At first glance, rough heels are not an uncommon condition, as just about every foot has some degree of callus. However, rough heels can also result in damage to the skin if they are subjected to excessive stress. Under certain circumstances, it can even lead to deep cracks in the skin, which can cause severe inflammation if left untreated. In such a case, a doctor should be consulted, who can counteract this with appropriate medication. In the worst case, a fissure can develop, which takes a very long time to grow back together. The entire healing process of a crack can even take several months, since the heels are constantly in motion. Once rough heels have developed, no improvement can be expected without any treatment. At the beginning, the cornea can be removed by the affected person himself. After that, the application of various moisturizers is definitely recommended. Otherwise, the prospect of permanent improvement is limited. However, those who regularly provide the affected skin areas with sufficient moisture should be able to hear a significantly smoother skin after just a few applications.
Prevention
To prevent rough heels from developing in the first place, it is advisable to care for them at a young age with replenishing, moisturizing creams. In general, attention should be paid to a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and to sufficient fluid intake. Unhealthy stimulants such as alcohol and tobacco should also be avoided. Those who wash their feet too often or with the wrong care products also run the risk of developing rough heels. It therefore makes sense to use very gentle care and cleaning products. Drying cleaning products should be avoided, as they unnecessarily attack the skin. Shoes and socks should always fit well to avoid rough heels.
You can do it yourself
There are several home remedies for the treatment of rough heels. Against the dryness helps a natural treatment with a foot bath of rose water, lemon juice and glycerin, which must be carried out four to five days in a row. If a lack of moisture is the cause of rough heels, coconut or olive oil, a mask of bananas and avocado or treatment with kerosene will help. Hardened areas can be reduced with a scrub made from rice flour or oats. Against the pain helps honey, which can also be applied in the form of a foot bath. In addition, the heels should be protected by wearing suitable footwear and avoiding large loads. Creams with a moisturizing effect provide moisture and can be used, for example, in conjunction with warming cotton socks. Possible psychological causes such as stress or anxiety can be alleviated by relaxation exercises and talk therapy. In the case of chronically rough heels, there may be an underlying nutrient deficiency or disease that must first be treated. Rough heels as a result of medication or a serious illness should be discussed with a doctor. There may also be an underlying allergy or atopic dermatitis that requires medical treatment.
