Cracked heels. My most feared enemy of winter season.
If anything that ever puts me off from a person it has to be rough patchy, awfully looking cracked heels.
Not to say that I have never gotten it. But really imagine, slipping your perfectly manicured feet in a sleek show only to reveal a messed-up heel.
Does not sound very appealing right?
Cracked heels are a common ‘sughaat’ of winters. It is a skin condition in which the skin around your heels becomes extremely dry and starts thickening with time.
According to multiple pieces of research; due to the pressure on the heel pad, small cracks start happening that can be painful and may even result in skin infection. In medical understanding this is also called heel fissures.
No matter how bad your rough-heel skin may become, there are many potential treatments that can be done to treat cracked heels.
To begin with, it is important to know what caused the cracking of heels in the first place.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
From my own personal experience, I can tell you with surity how the negligence of foot hygiene on a daily basis can trigger heel dryness in the first place.
Now, what do I mean by that?
As a rule of thumb, most basic foot hygiene include
- Washing feet regularly
- Scrubbing them on a weekly basis
- Moisturizing them every time you wash them
If you have never followed the above-mentioned ritual there are high chances of cracked heels for you.
Some other common causes of cracked heels may be:
- Wearing open shoes or sandals
- Using very drying and harsh soaps
- Having extra dry skin
- Never using a foot cream
Some medical conditions can also cause cracked heels. Such as
- Being obese
- Having eczema
- Diabetes
- Suffering from hypothyroidism
- Having flat feet suffering from skin infection such as athlete’s foot
- Heel spurs
No matter what is the root cause of those painful heels, you can always track down a treatment.
Is There Any Treatment for Cracked Heels?
Yes! There are certain home remedies, tips and tricks for you to save your feet from getting cracked patches.
Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
If you just start noticing your cracked heels, this simple home remedy will help you get back your smooth heels in no time. It is great for the healing of your overall feet.
Follow these simple steps:
- Take warm soapy water with plain salt and rest your feet in the water for 10 -15 minutes
- Scrub your heels with a coarse scrub followed by a pumice stone
- Now wash your feet thoroughly
- Apply a thick DIY moisturizing mask for your feet for 10 minutes
- Now pat your heels dry and apply thick moisturizer
- Put on thick socks, to keep your feet warm and the moisturizer in place.
If you have a severe cracked heel issue, you should do this step at least once a week.
You should also moisturize your feet at least twice a day.
You can also look for some other over-the-counter ingredients for your damaged heels. Some recommendations that commonly help are:
- Lactic and glycolic acid– these acids help in getting rid of extra buildup of skin on feet and heels.
- Hyaluronic acid – this is a highly moisturizing ingredient that sucks moisture from the outside into the skin
- Petroleum jelly and Shea butter as thick moisturizing agents.
Read to learn more about why hyaluronic acid should be a part of your skincare regime.
How to Fix Cracked Heels Permanently?
There are many ways that can help with your cracked heels.
First and foremost, your footwear matters a lot.
If you wear open sandals all the time, maybe try switching to closed shoes. Also if you wear tight shoes, try to wear shoes that support the cushion of your heels.
After sorting your shoe issues, next try to underline any other health ailment that can be the cause of your painful heels. For example, someone who is diabetic should be more careful about their feet health and should inspect their feet regularly.
Similarly, some other preventions can be:
- Using a pumice stone regularly to scrub the dead skin away.
- Staying hydrated at all times, as well as keeping the heels hydrated
- Regularly going for pedicures and foot treatments
Summing It All Up!
Cracked heels are not really alarming if you treat them wisely. You can easily relieve the condition with some over-the-counter home remedies. In case your heels become very swollen and start to bleed, it might be best to see a doctor immediately. In such extreme cases, it is not wise to start with home remedies.
Even in clinical treatments, you have to go to multiple treatment sessions that will heal your cracked heels. While you have a treatment going on it is best to wear shoes that help protect your feet properly.
If you are suffering from dry itchy cracked heels, you can consult with one of our top dermatologists right away. All you have to do is book an appointment via Healthwire.pk or call at (042) 32500989.