How do I know if my cracked heel is infected?

How do I know if my cracked heel is infected?

Symptoms

1. Pain and discomfort, especially while standing.
2. Itchiness in the area.
3. Bleeding from the cracks.
4. Flaky skin.
5. Warmth, redness & swelling may be present if there is an infection.

How do you heal thick cracked heels?

2. Soak and exfoliate your feet

1. Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
2. Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
3. Gently pat your feet dry.
4. Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
5. Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture.

What deficiency causes cracks in heels?

Vitamin C, vitamin B-3, and vitamin E deficiencies may contribute to dry, cracked heels. However, these vitamin deficiencies are rare in developed countries. Other conditions like athlete’s foot or eczema may also lead to cracked heels. Walking around barefoot and the natural aging process can be factors, too.

What do dry cracked heels indicate?

The most common causes of dry, cracked heels includes the following: medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, eczema, hypothyroidism, Sjögren’s syndrome, juvenile plantar dermatosis, infections such as athlete’s foot, biomechanical factors such as flat feet, heel spurs, or standing for long periods of time.

Are cracked heels a fungus?

Cracked heels can also be a warning sign of a fungal infection, specifically Athlete’s foot, or other infections picked up when getting a pedicure or from walking around barefoot. Additionally, other conditions can cause skin dryness, like hypothyroidism, Sjögren’s syndrome, and others.

Can cracked heels get infected?

Cracked heels may be unsightly, but they usually don’t cause serious issues. Occasionally, severely cracked heels can get infected and lead to a skin infection called cellulitis.