by Tanzilah Khan
Cracked heels- aren’t they a complete nuisance? Aside from how they make your feet look, the thing is they can be extremely uncomfortable. And if you don’t get the treatment done on time, it would just continue to get worse. Up to the point where the cracked heels impact how you walk. They are also known as heel fissures; occur when the bottom and heels of your feet become dry, hard, flaky, or crusty. Fissures, or cracks, begin to form in the skin. The skin of the heel may also become yellow in color. Although cracked heels are typically mild, in some cases they can lead to pain, itching, or bleeding. Yep, that sounds about right when relating to how it is such a major discomfort. But here’s the good news!
There are actually some really effective home remedies which will show you results in no time. Check out these options and see what works for you best.
One of the major things you can work out is soaking your feet in water. This is the easiest trick in the book. A simple foot soak done approximately once a week, followed with a rich nourishing cream, is a lovely way to keep the skin hydrated and soft. You just have to make sure you are adapting this quick DIY foot spa on a regular basis and pretty soon you will be seeing the results. Also don’t forget to use warm water, though. Cold water is not going to get the job done and hot water is definitely going to be causing dryness to your skin.Some people like to add fresh lemon juice to their foot soak as the acid in the fruit helps to get rid of dry skin cells. Soak for 10 minutes then scrub your feet with a soft brush.
Heel balms are the second choice of treatment for dry and cracked heels. They can come in the form of humectants, occlusives, emollients, and rejuvenators. These specific ingredients are important to look out for when choosing the right product for your cracked heels. And nowadays there are just so many different kinds of creams you can make use of. This can be done daily, especially after a shower since it’s the best time to lock in the moisture. You can also wear socks after moisturizing so the product doesn’t transfer to the floor. And it also helps when you want to lock in the moisture as much as possible.
Also have you ever made use of a pumice stone? If there’s a build-up of dead skin you can buff this with a foot file or pumice stone. However, don’t over-do it. Avoid frequent mechanical removal of dry, cracked skin on the heels. Using foot files (or pumice stones) too often, actually sends “protective dry skin layer is gone, we need to make more dry skin” information to the body. This only causes more and more dry skin build-up. Occasional removal is OK, as long as it’s followed by regular use of hydrating foot products.If it’s quite bad and you’re not sure how to manage it ‘thicker build-ups can be safely removed by a podiatrist. It’s not advisable to use sharp implements yourself to remove the skin – and if your cracks have been bleeding or look infected, cover them with a clean, dry dressing and seek help.
You probably didn’t know how wearing the right kind of footwear also matters. To help reduce the chances of getting cracked skin around your heels, ensure your footwear fits correctly and try not to wear slip-on shoes. Too-tight shoes can quickly cause blisters and horns, while too-loose shoes can cause horny and calloused skin due to constant rubbing of the shoe on the skin. So treat your feet to well-fitted shoes and, in the summer months, when you start to wear flip-flops and open-back sandals again, moisturise your heels regularly so they suffer less from the lack of support your feet get from wearing them. These things matter and lead to how your feet actually feel. You need to look at things from a broader perspective..
There are definitely some major deficiencies which you have to treat. This is because there are some major illnesses which can lead to you having cracked heels. Let’s now look into what these are. Obesity, diabetes, eczema, hypothyroidism, in which your thyroid doesn’t make enough of certain hormones, as well as Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic condition that prevents your body from producing enough moisture. There is also the Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection as well as flat feet and bone protrusions on the bottom of your heel.
Finally coconut oil works great. Coconut oil is excellent for cracked heels. It contains a high concentration of vitamin E and natural proteins that help repair damaged skin cells. It also contains natural lauric acid, which has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. For maximum results, Tina recommends using coconut oil after bathing. Coconut oil is good for skin, especially if applied after a soak. Bath water will provide moisture, while coconut oil will help to “lock” the moisture in. If you find coconut oil a little greasy, try those which are completely natural and organic. It will work magic to your feet.
