Open gash on heel

My son works in the timber industry, and often has open cut injuries on his hands and arms. We use an antiseptic powder and shake plenty of it into the (clean) wound. Then he leaves it as open as possible in order for it to dry up and heal. Seems to work well. I suppose it's harder when the area is on your heel - but exposing it to the fresh air would probably help. I think socks and shoes would probably keep it moist and hamper the healing somewhat.

It's the sandals. I get them in the summer. Wearing socks and shoes for a couple weeks with lots of lotion helps them heal up, but unless they get painful - I usually just ignore it. While it is true that it can be a symptom of diabetes - wearing sandals or walking around barefoot is a sure cause.

Have you been checked for diabetes? They have problems with healing of wounds. I would put some antibiotic ointment on it, and make sure nothing rubs on it. I would also have it checked out.

Hi Grandpa Bob, Ouch, that does look painful to me. I can certainly relate, as I've had various painful areas on my heels over the years. I've suffered from 'hard patches of skin,' so painful that I could barely get a shoe or boot on. My heels are good now, but I have many problems with my feet and legs. I have 'stasis ulcers' on my left leg at the front between my knee, and ankle. There have been two of them, that have opened, and it took a long time for them to heal over. I had to get special prescription ointment for them. Have you asked your doctor about some kind of a prescription? I have a friend who swears by peroxide, and puts this on every type of wound. I suppose you've tried this as well? I've had many people including doctors who are specialists, ask me if I'm diabetic, due to these problems. Thankfully, I am not, as I'm checked for this on a regular basis, like yourself. It's good to be here this morning, as I've found it hard to be on much of late, with all of my computer problems, and some other ongoing situations. Please take care of yourself. By the way, how's your dad doing these days? Here's a big hug for you. ((((((Grandpa Bob))))))

Slather neosporin on it EVERYTIME you take a shower. Plastic surgeons use neosporin to keep the skin soft after surgery, and the moisture from the shower helps the skin soak up the neosporin and soften it up. There is also several creams specifically for feet to soften and help maintain good skin integrity. My son has atopic dermatitis and he uses Aveeno lotion daily after his shower and he uses it of a morning when he gets up. He also uses a prescription cream for severe break-outs. If OTC creams doesn't work you may need to see a doctor for something stronger.

hi friend, Have you been checked for diabetes? Looks like you need to see a foot doctor.take care in your body. have a nice day.

I think the best thing you can do is go to a dermatologist to check this skin out maybe she can recommend a much better solution for this. She might recommend either a medicine or an incision to get rid of the flesh. Hope you find the right way to get it out. Take care Gramps.

Grandpa Bob, I would suggest going to see a specialist about this. Wounds that will not close can be very serious, especially when you factor in that many germs can be getting in through this wound. I wouldn't scrub it with a bath stone, or anything else, because you may be scrubbing away flesh that you need. I would definitely see a doctor about this, it could be more serious than you think.

I would maybe go to the doctor. Something doesn't sound right about that. I probably wouldn't use the stone. Maybe some good lotion as long as it isn't infected or anything.

Ouch! I have heard of Doctors using packing on such wounds to make sure that they heal from the inside out! I was wondering if it is as deep as it looks! And how on earth did you take a picture of your own heal? LOL My sister in law had something simular. she got it from stepping on the dogs bone. What pain she was in! She had to go to the foot doctor and have whirlpool treats and get it packed so it would heal from the inside out. So it would not leave a pocket on the inside. I hope that it is feeling much better by now!