What causes thick dry skin on heels?

Have you ever looked down at your feet and thought, “Wow, my heels are looking really thick and dry lately.”? Well, you’re not alone. In fact, many people suffer from callused heels as a result of several factors that contribute to the thickening of the skin on our soles.

If you’re tired of rough patches on your feet slowing down your steps this summer, then look no further! Here are some things worth considering if you want to put your best foot forward again:

What’s Up with Thick Dry Skin Anyway?

The primary culprit behind calluses is friction, which occurs when force is applied to a specific area over time. When it comes to our heels — one of the most vulnerable parts of our feet — we experience multiple sources of friction.

For example:
– Walking or standing for extended periods
– Spending hours gardening (barefoot)
– Wearing shoes with poor cushioning
– Being overweight can also cause heel pain reaching up above your waistline
And all these actions cause repetitive pressure which leads to a harder outer layer forming, developing into crusty yellowish patches later called calluses.

Your uncared-for cracked heel doesn’t just happen overnight after walking in flip-flops once; it develops slowly over prolonged wear-and-tear foot trauma bouts throughout months or years depending upon activity level paired with inadequate attention.

Can Genetics be Blamed?

Some people have naturally thicker skin due to genetics rather than lifestyle choices—but that’s simply an acute example where wearing appropriate footwear may relieve discomfort such as high arches or flatfeet. It isn’t known yet whether babies will inherit their parents’ hard-working nature in life – but what do Know is everyone who has had scaly raises present on balls-of-feet/heels should feel chuffed about being #blessed with improved foot safety over smooth-footed individuals. Congratulations, you have better foot padding!

What are the Risks?

In many cases, calluses aren’t harmful but can be painful and uncomfortable on the feet as they crack with pressure causing open sores resulting in your discomfort. Without proper care or timely intervention from a podiatrist—they may worsen over time leading to other issues that persist throughout life such as infections which could also spread fungal/bacterial/shocking skin diseases between people.

Adopting these habits below can take some attention off heals/ prevent blistering injuries:
– Wearing well-fitting shoes
– Keeping feet clean and moisturized
– Using protective cushion pads
– Avoid walking barefoot frequently

This next section is dedicated for answering those questions we all wonder:

Why do We Need Callus?

Just like people use gloves at construction sites let’s examine how our bodies protect themselves naturally: As hard-labor workers’ work (cutting wood in forests), their hands experience repetitive strain which eventually forms dry patches of thickened tissue known medically named “frictional keratosis”. Similarly, when someone without enough protection repeatedly experiences friction or pressure on their toes or heels – calcium builds up under layers forming that familiar callus patch.
It’s built-in architecture nature knows best, toughening weak areas & defending against trauma. Ordinarily, friction doesn’t harm us— it ensures longevity by creating a hardened barrier around aforementioned susceptible areas but too much of anything is never good right!?.

Without treatment however—you will experience cracks/splits in this layer exposing raw-skin beneath able to attract ubiquitous bacteria thus spawning fungal/bacterial growths provoking infection/pruritus/discomfort.

Even though our wonderful body throws its natural defense mechanism forward; we still need to take measures to contain/ regulate them building upon strength whilst not allowing pain/injury progress.

How Can You Treat Callused Heels?

There are various ways to manage thick dry skin on the heels, including:

Moisturize Your Feet Daily

Moisturizing your feet after a shower or bath can help soften calluses and prevent them from getting worse. Make sure you use creams derived of urea and/or salicylic acid – this correctly alleviates rough patches.

Invest in Proper Footwear

Investing in supportive shoes with good cushioning is essential if you want to ease your foot’s workload. Appropriate comfortable shoes provide constant extra padding for your entire sole, helping avoid excessive friction build up that causes blisters.

Physical Removal by Pumice Stone

A pumice stone or emery board can help remove some of the dead skin on the surface of calluses; make sure it’s not too abrasive but coarse enough to take off excess layers gently without microcutaneous injuries. To optimize results: soak feet beforehand (ten min) allowing keratosis areas softening before gentle peeling with pumice tool back-and-forth motions followed again by moisturizing relief remedy.

When It’s Time to See a Professional

If simple changes at home do not improve your situation fast enough and/or cause displeasure/hassle — then visiting a Certified Podiatrist should be next on the list conferring upon expert diagnosis/professional-grade exfoliation treatments subject-centered cauterization procedures possessing higher anti-septic/cleanliness regulations ensuring sterilized conditions while performing their services for client healing.

Conclusion

Callused heels don’t have to control our thoughts anymore! With these preventive methods mentioned we’ve discussed how “prevention” must be implemented right before trouble arises, like wearing proper footwear/using sealant-aids attracting less moisture inducing nitrogen-inflicting strengthening habits which builds endurable feet! Letting go /not taking care only leads towards most frequently impaired, ulcer plaguing the feet.

Catch yourself when you’re about to walk barefoot next time, and invest in well-fitting shoes that support your feet. It’s never too late to take care of ourselves – even our heels!

Random Posts