PODIATRIST DISCUSSES HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT CRACKED HEELS

Foot care is definitely something we should all add to our to-do lists, especially now that low temperatures and dry air can cause cracked heels. If you’re like, “Well, who cares what my feet look like because I’m isolated in my apartment for the foreseeable future,” please note that it’s not just about aesthetics. “If cracking becomes deep past the superficial epidermal layer and into the deeper dermal layers, it can be very dangerous and painful. Bleeding and infection could occur,” says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a Manhattan podiatrist.

 

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

 

If your heels are cracked and flaky, there are several things you can do at home. Dr. Sutera recommends using a cream that’s formulated specifically for feet, like products by AmLactin and Kerasal. “These have gentle but effective acids which help to exfoliate, break down the calluses a little at a time, and moisturize at the same time,” she says. “There is no permanent ‘cure’ for cracks," Dr. Sutera says. “Once feet are treated, maintenance is necessary.” She says you should keep up the weekly filing and daily moisturizing and exfoliation to keep the cracks from coming back.

 

Source: Allie Flinn, Well + Good [12/5/20]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News