How to Fix Cracked Heels Permanently: Expert Tips and Tricks
Are your cracked heels giving you sleepless nights and stopping you from flaunting your favorite sandals? Do you long for soft, smooth feet that you can confidently show off? Well, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide on “How to Fix Cracked Heels Permanently,” we will explore the root causes of cracked heels and explore effective, long-term solutions that will leave you with healthy, beautiful feet. Say goodbye to discomfort and embarrassment, and say hello to a lifetime of confident sandal-wearing!
If you’re exhausted from trying conventional treatments like lotions that are marketed as having miraculous effects on your cracked heels but ultimately proven to be ineffective, you may have overlooked the root cause of your condition. This oversight could result in recurring or worsening symptoms. Cracked feet can have multiple causes, so it’s important to understand these roots in order to address the issue effectively. Before we delve into potential solutions, let’s take a moment to examine some common underlying factors that can lead to cracked heels.
Understanding Cracked Heels:
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and begins to crack. As highlighted by Dr. Eric Berg, cracked heels are a vitamin B3 deficiency disease (Pellagra). This common condition can be caused by several factors, including:
- Lack of Moisture: Insufficient moisture in the skin, often due to prolonged exposure to dry air or inadequate hydration, can lead to dry and cracked heels.
- Excessive Pressure: Excessive body weight or prolonged standing or walking can put excessive pressure on the heels, causing the skin to crack.
- Improper Footwear: Ill-fitting shoes or open-back sandals that offer little support can contribute to cracked heels by causing friction and pressure on the heels.
- Poor Foot Hygiene: Neglecting proper foot care, such as infrequent exfoliation or moisturization, can lead to the accumulation of dry skin, making the heels more prone to cracking.
- Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing cracked feet. If cracked feet are prevalent among your family members, there is a higher probability that you may also experience the same condition.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like eczema, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Sjögren’s syndrome, juvenile plantar dermatosis, and infections such as athlete’s foot can contribute to dry skin and increase the likelihood of cracked heels.
- Menopause: Menopause can contribute to the occurrence of cracked heels due to hormonal changes and decreased production of natural oils in the skin.
How to Fix Cracked Heels Permanently at Home
Now that we understand the underlying causes, let’s explore some effective ways to fix cracked heels permanently:
Feet soaking and exfoliation
Regular exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin. Start by soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the skin. Then, gently scrub the affected areas with a pumice stone or a foot scrub brush to remove the dead skin. This helps to loosen dead skin and reduce calluses, the hard, dry patches that form around the heels.
Make sure to gently massage your feet afterward with a hydrating moisturizer for best results. Repeat this process once or twice a week for optimal results. To prevent skin damage, it is recommended to refrain from scrubbing your feet when they are dry.
Related: Natural Solutions for Smelly Feet
Moisturization
After exfoliation, it’s crucial to moisturize your feet to restore moisture and prevent further dryness. Look for moisturizers specifically designed for feet, containing ingredients like urea, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, saccharide isomerate, shea butter, or coconut oil. Apply the moisturizer generously to your feet, especially focusing on the cracked areas, and wear breathable socks overnight to lock in the moisture.
Hydration
Hydrating your body from the inside out is equally important. Drink adequate water daily to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Hydration not only flushes toxins from your body, but also maintains a glowing and healthy skin. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate your skin.
Honey
Honey may work as a natural remedy for cracked heels due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, according to a 2012 on medicinal and cosmetic uses of honey. Research has shown that honey can help cleanse and heal wounds while moisturizing skin. You can use honey as a foot scrub after a soak or apply it as a foot mask overnight to help treat cracked heels.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is often recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis, as it can help the skin retain moisture. Using coconut oil after a foot soak could be a good option for treating cracked heels. Additionally, coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help prevent infections and bleeding in cracked heels.
Footwear
Choosing appropriate footwear plays a vital role in preventing cracked heels. Opt for shoes that provide good support and cushioning to reduce pressure on the heels. Avoid open-back shoes or sandals that expose the heels and increase friction. Additionally, consider using silicone heel cups or shoe inserts to provide extra support and reduce pressure on the affected areas.
Avoid wearing too tight or loose shoes, as they can cause friction and pressure on your feet. Pick shoes that fit well and provide good support, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Additionally, avoid walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or tile, as it can cause dryness and cracking of the skin on your heels. To prevent cracked heels, always wear shoes or slippers, even when you’re at home. If you must walk barefoot, try to do so on soft surfaces like grass or carpet.
Healthy Diet
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can contribute to healthy skin, including your feet. Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, such as fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, to promote skin health and prevent dryness. Moreover, taking foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-3, and Vitamin E may help solve your feet problem.
Other Natural Treatments
Several other natural remedies can help with cracked heels, but they have yet to be scientifically proven to treat them. These remedies mainly aim at moisturizing and softening the skin. Some of these remedies are:
- Foot soaks with vinegar
- Moisturizing with olive or vegetable oil
- Using shea butter to moisturize
- Mashed bananas to moisturize
- Paraffin wax to seal in moisture
- Exfoliating with oatmeal mixed with coconut oil.
Medical Intervention if Necessary
If home remedies fail to resolve the issue, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist. They are better positioned to evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as prescription-strength moisturizers, topical creams, or in severe cases, professional debridement of the affected skin.
Bottom Line
Cracked heels can be a source of discomfort and self-consciousness, but with the right approach, they can be permanently fixed. You can achieve soft, smooth, and crack-free feet by exfoliating, moisturizing, hydrating, wearing appropriate footwear, and maintaining a healthy diet. Take the necessary steps today and say goodbye to cracked heels for good!
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Once you have successfully fixed your cracked heels, continue practicing good foot care routines to keep your feet healthy and happy. Your feet deserve the best care, and with a little effort, you can enjoy the confidence and comfort of beautiful, crack-free heels.