Cracked heels indicate lack of proper foot care rather than just being a result of overexposure or improper moisturization. Medical terminology describes cracked heels as heel fissures. This is, however, the most ignored problem in spite of being a serious one. Cracked heels not only make your feet ugly, but also cause extreme pain.
The problem of cracked heels occurs usually during spring and summer seasons. Although light in winter and autumn, cracked heels are a lot more than just a cosmetic problem that can get more serious without proper treatment. In fact, improper treatment can make these fissures even deeper, thereby increasing the pain as well.
Home Remedies To Get Rid of Cracked Heels
Following simple home remedies and taking proper care of your feet can help you get rid of cracked heels in an easy and effective way. Applying any effective remedy for cracked heels at the time of advent can prevent it from getting more severe and painful. Some easy home remedies for cracked heels include:
- Prepare a mixture of rosewater and glycerin. Apply this mixture regularly on the affected area. This would not only soothe your heels, but also aid quick healing.
- Soak your feet in warm water with some gentle liquid soap added to it. This would soften the tight and hard skin of the heels.
- As a treatment for cracked heels, you can also apply hydrogenated vegetable oil after cleaning your feet properly. Apply a thick coat onto the cracked and dry skin areas and cover with thick socks. Allow the application to work overnight. Repeat the procedure for a few days before you go to sleep to get desired results.
- Give a massage with coconut oil to the affected areas on your feet at night. Let the oil stay overnight. Scrub and rinse thoroughly in the morning for smooth heels.
- To get rid of cracked heels, bananas can work wonders. Apply the pulp of one whole ripe banana on the dry and cracked skin of heels. Allow the application to work for about 10 minutes and then rinse well and wipe with a clean cloth.
- Yet another effective way to combat cracked heels is applying Vaseline and lemon juice. This solution, when applied onto the affected areas, provides desired benefits in an effective way.
- Rub off the cracked skin with a pumice stone for smooth heels. Using pumice stone regularly will prevent your heels from cracking in the future, as well.
- Soak your feet in water with lemon juice added to it for about 10 minutes. Follow this helpful therapy once a week for desired results.
- This is probably the simplest one. Apply a regular moisturizing body lotion or petroleum jelly every night before sleeping to get rid of cracked heels.
Tips to Avoid Cracked Heels
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Apart from the above mentioned home remedies, here are some useful tips that can prevent the occurrence of cracked heels.
- Don’t Use Chemical Pads or Metal Objects – Don’t remove dead skin on heels with any sort of chemical pads or metal objects, including scissors, skin graters or blades. The only result you would get is an uneven surface, thus making more space for callus formation.
- Don’t Peel Or Pick The Hard And Rough Skin – Picking or peeling hard and rough skin might cut across layers and further lead to uneven patches on the skin. These patches and uneven surface act as a home for bacteria, thus making the condition worse.
- Don’t Ignore Fungal Infection – If cracked heels are a result of fungal infection, opt for effective foot care products with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is renowned for its anti-fungal, anti-viral and antiseptic properties and tends to work quickly and effectively.
- Use an effective Antiperspirant – If your feet are usually moist or damp, it is best to use a daily foot strength antiperspirant on the heels. The antiperspirant dries out the moisture to aid dry abrasion. The use of antiperspirant should, however, be avoided on already existing cracks.
- Moisturize With An Effective Heel Balm – Heel balms are loaded with urea that weakens the keratin bond to make room for penetration below the level of keratin thus making the skin soft and supple.
Cracked heels can be treated easily through an effective foot care regimen and maintaining proper hygiene.
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