Hunter Allen is a USA Cycling Level 1 coach and former professional cyclist. He is the coauthor of Training and Racing with a Power Meter, He helped develop TrainingPeaks’ WKO+ software, and is the CEO and founder of Peaks Coaching Group. He and his coaches create custom training programs for all levels of athletes. Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, is a cosmetic problem that affects the outer epidermis of your heels. This occurs when the skin on the bottom of your feet becomes dry, hard, and flaky, sometimes creating cuts or wounds.
Cracked heels are known medically as heel fissures and are most often the result of extremely dry skin, or xerosis. In fact, deep cracks can form along the back edges of the heel that are painful and sometimes deep enough to bleed. For most people, this condition is annoying, but in diabetics and those with poor circulation, deep heel cracks can provide a portal for infection, the website Foot Pain Explained notes. There are a number of creams available to effectively treat cracked heels, but consult your physician before using any.
Ammonium lactate creams are used to soften and moisturize dry, scaly skin. Drugs.com reports, ammonium lactate creams, such as Lac-Hydrin, are humectants that increase the amount of water in the skin and act to make skin softer and less dry. Ammonium lactate cream is for external use only and may cause burning or stinging when applied to open skin. Side effects are few, but include irritation, redness, itching and sensitivity to the sun.
Its use is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Allergic reactions are possible, so any sign of hives or difficulty breathing should be reported to your physician immediately.
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Urea creams, such as Keralac, are used to heal certain skin conditions, but can also be used to treat heel fissures. Urea creams contain both an emollient and a keratolytic that work together to moisturize and remove dry, cracked skin. The emollient imparts an oily layer on top of the skin that holds in water and the keratolytic works by dissolving the horny layer of skin, softening it. Urea creams are for external use only, and should not be used near the mouth or eyes.
Side effects include irritation and stinging. An allergic reaction is possible and should be reported to your doctor at once. Petroleum jelly is an over-the-counter preparation that is a mixture of mineral oil, paraffin and waxes. Petroleum jelly melts into the skin and creates a moisture barrier that protects skin from drying out. Petroleum jelly is very oily, so it's best to slather it on the feet at night before bed, covering the feet with clean 100 percent cotton socks to protect the bedsheets from staining.
Lately, there are some concerns about the safety of petroleum jelly, mostly due to its impurities, and its use has been banned in Europe. Copyright © 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM,. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation.
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