A number of people still believe that cracked soles are a disease for the poor. This is not real; any one can be a victim. The SundayMag went out in search of possible causes of cracked heels.

Health experts say cracked heels are a common foot problem that is often referred to as heel fissures. They are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis), and made more complicated if the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus).

For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures or cracks are deep, they are painful to stand on and the skin can bleed. In severe cases, this can become infected.

For those who do not know how a cracked heel looks like, the skin of the heel is normally dry and may have a thick callus (hard skin) which appears as yellow or dark brown and the cracks in the skin are usually clear.

Research shows that dry, cracked heels and feet can result from a variety of factors which include; age, ill-fitting shoes, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, thyroid disease, diabetes, certain skin conditions and household heat that reduces humidity and dries out the skin

According to Dr. Nicodem Rukirambuga, a skin disease specialist, people who have heels which are naturally dry skinned are more likely to have cracked heels. 

"If someone does not wear shoes, like farmers who work for long hours in the gardens and walk barefooted, are likely to have cracked heels,” the doctor explains.

Dr. Rukirambuga further explained that heels can get serious cracks to the extent of bleeding. He however adds that all is not gloom as such cracks can get treated by applying therapeutic ointments and antibiotic creams with Vitamin A.

Dr. David, a cardiologist at King Faisal Hospital, revealed to the SundayMag that cracked heels can be as a result of poor hygiene, fragile skin, and lack of some elements in the body. 

In agreement with Dr. Rukirambuga, Dr. David said that cracked heels are as a result of not putting on shoes. Putting on open shoes constantly can also be a cause for heels to crack.

"Open heel shoes allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the pressure to crack,” says Dr. David. 

Dr. Joseph Kamugisha, a general practice intern at Kanombe hospital, said that cracked heels come as a result of the environment, not bathing, allergies and some time the hardness of the heel’s skin. 

"When someone improves on his body hygiene, applies antibiotic creams, cracks on the heels get completely cleared,” Kamugisha said.      

Without visiting the doctor, it is possible to treat yourself. Below, according to the doctors interviewed, are some of the steps that can be taken:

Always apply an oil based moisturizing cream twice a day. A pumice stone can also be used to reduce the thickness of the hard skin. It is not advisable to reduce the hard skin yourself with a razor blade or a pair of scissors.

This is because you can take too much from the heel hence causing an infection or bleeding. It is not good to expose your feet to extreme climate, that is to say extreme cold or heat.

Always wash your feet daily in warm water and apply a medicated cream. Though some may not like pedicure or manicure, it is advisable to pedicure your feet more often. This helps to reduce the hard skin.

Lastly, choose your shoes carefully and pick only the best quality. The fact that anyone can suffer cracked heels, never laugh at a person with it, advice a friend on how he or she can overcome the problem.

Cracked heels look may seem a simple affair but may be quite embarrassing.    

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