One of my favorite parts about the fall and winter months is being able to wear thick, fuzzy socks and relax in front of my fireplace (and probably watch a football game or two!). While most of us spend the chillier months covering our feet with socks and boots, this does not mean that we should neglect our feet. Conditions such as dry, cracked heels and fissuring can be more common in colder, dryer environments which can occur both indoors and outdoors.
Symptoms of dry skin can include red or flaky patches, peeling skin, or itchiness. Cracked heels can become a burden when they start to form deeper cuts called fissures, which can cause pain or even bleeding. Deep fissures, much like an open wound, allow easy access for fungi and bacterial infections to enter your foot. People with Diabetes have an increased risk of deterioration of these fissures into wounds and developing infections. The consequences of this can extend far beyond the winter months.
What can you do to prevent dry skin? The most important treatment is moisturize! Applying a moisturizer to your feet after you bathe is the best way to keep dry skin at bay. In the winter months, oil-based ointments are a good option for moisturizer as they have a thicker consistency and can provide more hydration than standard lotions. Ask any of us at the office and we can give you our best recommendation for your skin. It is also important to make sure that you are not taking long, hot showers or baths, as this can exacerbate dry skin.
How are heel fissures treated? Sometimes, heel fissures that are painful and bleeding need to be cleaned up and cauterized by a podiatrist. This allows the fissure to heal faster so that you can get back on your feet. This, in addition to regular moisturizing, is the best treatment. We might even recommend a moisturizing sock to help lotion hydrate your skin more effectively.
If you are suffering from dry skin or heel fissures, do not hesitate to see me, Dr. Allie Cohen, or Dr. Marc Cohen in the office. Our office staff will work with you to schedule an appointment that fits in your busy holiday routine. From all of us here at Marlboro Podiatry Center, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
-Dr. Kate Florio
