Cracked Heels
Cracked heels, also referred to as heel cracks, are a common foot condition that causes discomfort or even pain. People result from dry skin and are followed by thickened skin, sometimes with yellow or brown calluses around the heel edge. If the cracks in the heels are dense, they can be painful, hurting when a person stands up, and sometimes they might bleed. People should see a physician if they have had pain, redness, swelling, or severe pain in any area of the foot for more than a few days.
Causes
- Longer standing, especially on hard floors
- Wearing shoes or sandals with open back
- To have calluses
- Diabetes, which increases the pressure of the heels
- Skin disorders, such as foot athlete, psoriasis, or eczema
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Fungal Infection
- Hypothyroidism
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Obesity
- Aging
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms a person may face are:
- Flaky skin
- Itching
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Red, inflamed skin
- Ulceration
Some of the serious symptoms a person may face are:
- Loss of feeling in your heel
- Cellulitis, an infection
- Diabetic foot ulcer
Home Treatments For Cracked Heels
Heel Balms or Thick Moisturizers
The very first line of treatment for cracked heels is heel balm. These balms contain ingredients for moisturizing, softening, and exfoliating dead skin. Look for the following ingredients:
- Urea
- Salicylic acid
- Alpha-hydroxy acids
- Saccharide Isomerate
Soak and Exfoliate Your Feet
The skin from around cracked heels is often heavier and drier than the rest of the skin. This skin tends to split when the pressure is applied. Soaking and moisturizing your legs can help with this.
Follow the tips:
- Keep your legs warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
- Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any tough, thick skin.
- Gently pat your legs dry.
- Apply a heel balm or a thick humidifier to the affected area.
- Apply petroleum jelly on your feet to lock in moisture.
Honey
Honey is the best remedy for cracked heels. Research has shown that honey helps in healing and cleansing wounds and also helps in moisturizing the skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is frequently recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help keep your skin moist. It could also be a great option to use coconut oil after a foot soak. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut oil may crack your heels if they are prone to bleeding or infections.
Other natural remedies
There are many other home remedies for cracked heels, atlhough none have been proven to specifically treat cracked healing. Most of the ingredients focus on moisturizing and softening the skin. It includes:
- Vinegar, for soaking the foot
- Olive or vegetable oil for moisturization
- Shea butter, for moisturization
- Mashed bananas
- Paraffin wax
- Oatmeal mixed with oil
Increase Your Water Intake
When you’re having cracked heels, don’t just tend to your feet right away—take a bottle of water, fill it up, and start guzzling. “Make sure you have enough water to drink. Your skin may lose around a liter of water throughout the day—more in dry climates—so keeping yourself hydrated is a long way to prevent or soothe dry, cracked skin.
Apply Moisturizer Consistently
Whether you’re trying to prevent or cure cracked heels, the solution is the same: stay hydrated. “Use a good moisturizer at least once a day, maybe more. Moisturizer needs to be applied to the feet every day—once in the morning and once in the night before bedtime. This will help you keep fluids in your skin, minimize loss, and even attract more of the underlying tissues.
Medical Treatment
Do not treat cracked heels on your own if they are caused by a medical condition. Special treatment by a podiatrist (foot doctor) may be needed. Severe cases of cracked heels should also be assessed by a podiatrist, regardless of your medical history. Your doctor will suggest the best treatment for your situation.
Takeaway
Cracked heels can be diagnosed rapidly and effortlessly at home with moisturizers and skin thinning products. To prevent cracked heels, people should make sure that a moisturizer is applied daily to the legs to prevent them from drying out. People should never try to treat cracked heels at home if they are associated with a medical condition. Instead, they should seek advice from the doctor. If the cracks are severe, it is important to get advice from the specialist to prevent the wounds from becoming infected.
