What are cracked heels?
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, thickened, and begins to split. This condition is often a result of factors like inadequate foot care, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly, potentially leading to infections if left untreated. Regular moisturizing and proper foot hygiene are crucial for prevention and management.
If a person’s foot is red, swollen, or painful for more than a few days, they should consult a medical professional right away. The appearance of cracked feet is often the only problem. However, if the cracks become infected, the condition may worsen.
What Causes Cracked Heels
Cracked heels stem from several factors. One primary cause is dry skin, often exacerbated by environmental conditions like low humidity or excessive standing, which can lead to moisture loss and thickened skin around the heels.
Additionally, lack of proper foot care, such as irregular moisturising or neglecting to exfoliate dead skin, contributes to the problem. Prolonged pressure on the feet from walking barefoot or wearing ill-fitting shoes can also induce cracks.
Certain medical conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, or thyroid disorders may heighten susceptibility to cracked heels due to compromised skin health. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins like A, E, and minerals such as zinc, can weaken skin elasticity and contribute to heel fissures.
Addressing cracked heels involves a combination of moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, wearing properly fitting footwear, and addressing any underlying health conditions to promote skin healing and prevent recurrence.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels
Cracked heels, characterised by fissures or splits in the skin of the heels, present discomfort and aesthetic concerns. Symptoms typically include dryness, redness, itching, and in severe cases, bleeding and pain. Factors like prolonged standing, ill-fitting footwear, dry climate, and lack of proper foot care exacerbate the condition. As the skin loses moisture, it becomes less elastic, leading to cracks. Left untreated, cracked heels may escalate to infections and difficulty walking.
Top 5 Home Remedies for Cracked Feet
Honey
Renowned for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, honey is a superb remedy for cracked feet. Apply raw honey directly to the affected areas, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. This natural humectant locks in moisture, promoting healing and preventing infection.
Shea Butter
With its rich emollient properties, shea butter is a nourishing solution for cracked heels. Massage a generous amount of shea butter onto clean, dry feet before bedtime, allowing it to penetrate overnight. Its fatty acids and vitamins deeply hydrate and soften the skin, reducing fissures and discomfort
Washing Feet Regularly
Proper hygiene is paramount in managing cracked feet. Wash your feet daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, ensuring thorough drying, especially between the toes. This prevents the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and sweat, reducing the risk of infections and exacerbating cracks.
Coconut Oil
A versatile remedy, coconut oil boasts antimicrobial and moisturizing properties, making it ideal for cracked feet. Massage warm coconut oil onto clean feet, focusing on dry areas. Its fatty acids penetrate the skin, replenishing lost moisture and enhancing skin elasticity, leading to smoother, healthier heels.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, a staple in many kitchens, doubles as a potent remedy for cracked feet. Before bedtime, soak your feet in warm water mixed with a few drops of olive oil for 10-15 minutes, then gently exfoliate with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Follow up by applying olive oil liberally and wearing clean socks overnight. Its antioxidants and vitamins repair and soften the skin, promoting healing and preventing recurrence.
Home remedies for cracked feet and Natural Remedies
Honey-Using honey as a cure for cracked feet may be a safe and effective option. Honey has been shown in studies to aid in wound healing and cleansing as well as moisturising the skin.
Cacao butter-Cacao butter is frequently advised for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help keep your skin hydrated. You might also use Cacao butter after soaking your feet. If your cracked feet are prone to bleeding or infection, Cacao butter is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristic that could help.
Here are 5 Effective Home Remedies For Cracked Heels
- For Soft Heels- There’s no one who doesn’t want silky-soft heels. With a few materials from your home, you can get wonderfully smooth heels.
- Sea Salt and Oatmeal Scrub- To use as a bath scrub, prepare the recipe below and use it every day.
- Oil Your Feet at Night- Castor oil can aid in the creation of smooth and velvety heels.
- Quick Remedy- Lime and sugar are a delicious combination. Lemon halves and 3 teaspoons of sugar are a simple daily regimen that may be completed in 5 minutes. Scrub the heels with the lemon halves after dipping them in the sugar. Continue until all of the granules have melted into the skin.
- Home pedicure- File your nails and soak your feet in a tub filled with warm water and milk, along with a few drops of essential oil and olive oil. Nails should be brushed and well-cleaned. Scrub your heels with a pumice stone until they are soft and smooth. Soak your feet and legs in warm tub water for a few minutes before rinsing off with a sponge, then pat dry with a towel. After patting dry, massage in a nourishing cream before wiping dry. Buff the nails until they are smooth and shining, and your feet will be ready to dance in no time! Spending five minutes every day to care for your feet can make a significant difference.
Cracked Heels Treatment
The steps listed below may be helpful for the Cracked heels treatment:
- Use a moisturiser that is emollient or humectant in nature.
- Applying an occlusive moisturiser on top of it will help to seal in the moisture.
- I’m going to bed with socks made entirely of cotton.
- Applying a keratolytic to thickened skin is a common procedure.
- Using a pumice stone to gently exfoliate thickened skin is recommended.
- Make use of a liquid bandage.
Cracked Heels Treatments in the medical field
After using an over-the-counter foot lotion that doesn’t help, see a podiatrist to get your heels back in shape. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat any underlying infection, as well as provide advice on how to care for your skin.
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