dear asking for a friend,
after a summer in flip flops, my feet are a mess. even after a pedicure, my heels are still cracked and dry. what are the best ways to keep the skin on my feet soft and supple?
signed, cracked heels
dear cracked heels,
if you’ve spent a lot of time
walking barefoot
this summer, you may have inadvertently contributed to the formation of calloused skin. but while cracked heels may look unsightly, one
study
found that the hard skin on your feet might actually be good for you, with tough skin serving as “nature’s shoes”, protecting knees and joints.
going barefoot is one reason for dry, cracked heels, but
genetics
also may make someone more susceptible to calloused skin, as well as aging, since over time, skin loses elasticity and gets drier.
dr. benjamin barankin, a dermatologist and medical director of the
toronto dermatology centre
says that people who take blood pressure or cholesterol medication may be more prone to cracked heels, as well as those with an underlying condition, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, eczema and psoriasis. he also suggests that athlete’s foot and obesity can also lead to cracked heels, but it’s most commonly caused by inadequate hydration and improper footwear.