Top 5 Best Ways to Get Rid Of Cracked Heels Naturally
Cracked heels are a common foot problem. A survey has found that 20% of adults suffer from cracked skin on their feet. It can affect men and women of any age. The reality is that it affects women more than men.
For most people, cracked heels are not a severe problem. However, it can be painful to walk barefoot. In some cases, a cracked heels can be intense and cause pain. Read on to learn about the best natural remedies for treating and preventing cracked heels.
People with dry skin usually suffer from cracked heels. It is harmful to skin health. It can also be painful for people when they wear open shoes.
Causes of Cracked Heels
There are several possible causes for cracked heels. First, notice your routine, and if you see anything that might affect you, try changing your current habits. The most common causes of cracked heels are:
- Aging Skin: Thick, dry, rough skin loses its elasticity with age, and such cracks may become more pronounced as you age.
- Hygiene: Failure to keep your feet clean can lead to cracked heels.
- Lack of moisture: It is the most common cause of cracked heels. The skin under your feet is often dry, rough, and broken. The skin of the heels has a relatively small number of sweat glands. If your skin is dehydrated, cracked skin will show up more quickly due to its less elasticity and may exacerbate any of the following problems.
- Stress: Prolonged standing at work or home can put pressure on the skin of your heels.
- Deficiency: A lack of vitamins, minerals, and zinc in your diet can seriously affect the health of your heel.
- Illness: Athlete's foot, psoriasis, eczema, thyroid disease, diabetes, and other skin conditions can cause cracked heels.
- Obesity: Being overweight can increase the pressure on the fat pads under the heels. Because of this, it can spread to one side and if the skin lacks elasticity, then put pressure on the legs. It leads to cracked heels.
- Shoe exposure: Open sandals or shoes can spread the fats under the heel to the sides and increase the chances of cracking your heels. It would help if you took care of your feet when wearing shoes that expose your heels.
- Genetics: Naturally thick, dry skin (calluses) around the heel can be a genetic cause of cracked heels.
- Water: Water on your feet can remove natural oils from the skin and leave the skin rough and dry. Prolonged standing in damp places such as bathrooms can cause heels to become dry and cracked.
- Poorly fitting shoes: Shoes that do not fit properly can cause cracked heels.
Other factors that can cause cracked heels
- Walking barefoot or with open sandals
- Taking a long, warm shower
- Use of strong soaps that remove natural oils from your skin
- Dry skin due to climate, such as cold temperatures or low humidity
- If you do not moisturize your feet regularly, they can dry out even faster.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels
In addition to having cracked heels, you may experience:
Symptoms of infection include pain, heat, redness, and swelling. Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection.
Natural Remedies for Cracked Heels
Moisturizing treatments such as creams, lotions, and ointments can help retain moisture in the skin. As a result, it can prevent the skin from drying out and cracking. Moisturizing therapies can also help heal already torn skin.
In mild cases of cracked heels, moisturizing two or three times a day can cure the problem. Gently rubbing and applying moisturizer on cracked skin can also help. However, be careful not to use too much pumice stone, further damaging cracked heels.
The following steps can help heal cracked heels.
1. Salt and Rose Water Foot Mask
Rosewater contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve dry and irritated skin.
In addition, glycerin is an effective humectant that helps maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. These properties can help moisturize cracked heels.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
In a basin filled with lukewarm water, add raw salt, a tablespoon of glycerin, and a teaspoon of rose liqueur. Soak your feet in it for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Rub the sides of your heels and feet with a pumice stone or foot scrubber.
2. Vegetable Oil
Studies show that vegetable oils have emollient properties with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.
They act as building blocks of nutrition for healthy skin. These powerful vegetable oils can help treat cracked heels.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Wash your feet and dry them with a towel. Apply a layer of vegetable oil to the affected area.
- Wear thick socks and leave them on overnight.
- Wash your feet in the morning.
3. Banana and Avocado Foot Mask
Avocados contain vitamins A, E, and omega fatty acids and other nutrients that promote wound healing. In addition, bananas act as a moisturizer. These properties can help heal cracked heels.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Mix one ripe banana and half avocado.
- Apply this thick creamy paste to your heels and feet.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes, and then wash your feet with lukewarm water.
4. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly restores moisture to dry and cracked heels. It reduces the roughness of the skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and soft. Woolen socks help trap body heat and increase the mixture's effectiveness.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
5. Paraffin Wax Natural Remedy
Paraffin wax acts as a natural absorbent that helps to soften skin. It is an effective treatment for sore and cracked heels.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
Caution: Do not dip your feet in wax when hot. Don't try this treatment if you have diabetes.
Preventing Cracked Heels
The following steps can help prevent dry skin and cracked heels.
Avoiding bathing and showering damages dry heel skin
People with dry skin should aim for:
- Avoid hot water.
- Limiting your bath or shower time to 5-10 minutes to avoid high humidity
- Use a fragrance-free, mild cleanser
- Apply Vince Crackless Heel Care Cream immediately after drying.
Apply Moisturizer on Heels Immediately After Washing
After bathing, showering, or soaking the feet, people immediately apply moisturizer on the feet so that they get trapped in the moisture. Vince Crackless Heel Care cream is more effective than lotions and reduces skin irritation.
Avoid Harsh Soaps and Scented Skin Care Products
Although it is essential to keep cracked heels clean, dry, and free of infection, harsh soaps can further dry the skin. Using a mild cleanser helps maintain more moisture in the heel skin.
Some products can use in baths and showers instead of soap.
Skincare products that contain fragrances, alcohols, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acids can sometimes be too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. Avoiding these products can protect the skin's natural oils.
Wearing Closed-Heeled Shoes
Wearing shoes or boots with closed heels can help repair and prevent cracks in the back of the foot. Shoes with closed heels with cushions support the problem area. People should avoid high-heeled shoes, thin-soled shoes, and unsuitable shoes.
Wearing cotton socks with shoes can also help reduce friction. They can also repel sweat and moisture, allow the skin to breathe, and help prevent the skin from drying out.
Conclusion
Cracked heels can easily and quickly be treated with moisturizers at home. To prevent cracked heels, people should apply moisturizer on their feet daily so that they do not become dry. Vince Cracked heel care cream is also highly recommended for cracked heels.
If the cracks are severe, it is essential to consult a specialist to prevent the wounds from becoming infected.
