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:
Some of the serious symptoms a person may face are:
Loss of feeling in your heel
Cellulitis, an infection
Diabetic foot ulcer
Preventions
Avoid standing in one position or sitting with your legs crossed for a long period.
Slather on thick legs of cream at night, then cover your legs with socks to lock in moisture.
Inspect your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or any other condition that causes dry skin.
Use custom shoe inserts (orthotics) to cushion your heel and even distribute your weight.
Wear socks of good quality or clinically tested.
Use silicone heel cups to keep the heel moisturized and help prevent the heel pad from spreading.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
Use a pumice stone after showering a few times a week to help prevent the thickening of the skin.
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, although 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.
Diabetes, which increases the pressure of the heels
Skin disorders, such as foot athlete, psoriasis, or eczema
Treat your cracked heels through:
Vinegar, for soaking the foot
Olive or vegetable oil for moisturization
Shea butter, for moisturization
Mashed bananas
Paraffin wax
Oatmeal mixed with oil
Avoid standing in one position or sitting with your legs crossed for a long period.
Slather on thick legs of cream at night, then cover your legs with socks to lock in moisture.
Inspect your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or any other condition that causes dry skin.
A cracked heel is caused due to vitamin deficiency but is not a major concern. It can be treated through the intake of foods that are rich in vitamins.
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