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Heel fissures occur when the skin around the heel becomes too dry and thick to stretch properly, causing it to split. Although common, they can become painful without the right treatment. Here’s what contributes to them and how you can manage the condition safely. Common Triggers for Heel Fissures Dryness and reduced skin flexibility: Some people naturally produce less moisture in their skin, while others become dehydrated due to weather, lifestyle or ageing. Dry, rigid skin can’t absorb pressure well and is more likely to crack. Footwear choices: Open-backed shoes: like slides, thongs, sandals and even being barefoot force the heel to expand sideways when walking. These forces, combined with warm weather and long hours on your feet, can lead to callus build-up and cracking. Inherited traits: A tendency toward drier, harder skin is often genetic, making certain individuals more vulnerable to fissures. Hormonal factors: Changes in hormones can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture-retaining abilities, increasing roughness.

Summer is the season when foot issues tend to flare. With hot days, increased sweating and more time spent in open, unsupportive footwear, it’s no surprise that blisters, cracked heels and fungal infections become more common. The good news? Most warm-weather foot problems can be prevented with a few proactive steps. The Most Common Summer Foot Conditions Blisters Sweaty skin rubbing against sandals or unlined shoes leads to irritation and fluid-filled blisters. Even short walks can cause them when friction is high. Fungal infections (tinea + fungal nails) Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, meaning sweaty shoes, pool areas and public change rooms become hotspots in summer. Cracked heels Exposure to air and heat causes the skin to lose moisture quickly. Open-back shoes like thongs and slides also encourage friction and pressure buildup, making the heels hard and prone to splitting. Foot odour Closed shoes + summer sweat = trapped moisture, which causes odour and increases the risk of infection.

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