Are you trying to hide cracked heels instead of finding a solution? Skin care products available in stores are not the only option to treat cracked heels that result from dry and thickened skin around the edge of the heel. Sometimes the cracks in the heels become very deep. They may bleed or hurt when you get up. That’s why we offer you ways to heal cracked heels at home.
Causes of cracked heels
Cracked heels or cracked heels can have various causes.
Here are some causes:
1. Dry skin
Cracked heels are mainly caused by dry skin, says Delhi-based cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal. The skin on the feet loses elasticity and flexibility when it becomes too dry, eventually leading to cracked heels.
2. Excessive pressure
Women who often wear open backs or high heels may feel more pressure on their feet, which can cause them to crack. So think twice before wearing your favorite stilettos.
3. Lack of moisture
Dry and cracked heels can be the result of not moisturizing your feet enough, especially after showering or bathing.
4. Aging
As we age, our skin loses both moisture and elasticity. It’s not just your face or neck that is affected, even your heels get cracks.
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5. Standing for long periods of time
Due to the increased stress on the feet, women can develop cracks in the heels in certain jobs that require them to stand or walk for long periods of time.
6. Health problems
Diabetes, thyroid problems and skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can increase the risk of cracked heels, says the expert.
7. Ill-fitting shoes
Wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes without adequate support can put strain on your feet and compress your heels, which can lead to cracked skin.
Ways to Heal Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are often caused by dry skin. So applying a good moisturizer to your heels every day, especially after bathing, can help get rid of cracked heels.
1. Wash your feet well
Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap and massage them gently. But Dr. Mittal says you shouldn’t soak your feet in water for too long, as this can damage the skin barrier and cause significant moisture loss.
2. Coconut oil
The pulp of the coconut is usually used to make coconut oil, which is used to provide long-lasting moisture to the skin. So it can also be applied to cracked heels. Virgin coconut oil in particular supports the rapid formation of new skin cells and helps with wound healing. As a natural remedy for cracked heels, you can rub coconut oil or pure coconut oil on your cracked heels.
3. Foot masks
Honey, yogurt, banana peels and aloe vera gel can be used to prepare a foot mask at home. Apply it on your feet and wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. These natural ingredients can moisturize your skin.
4. Wear socks
After soaking your feet in lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes, dry them gently. Then put on socks before going to bed to retain moisture after washing your feet.
5. Kokum butter
Kokum butter is often used in making soaps and lotions. As one of the home remedies for cracked heels, you can apply kokum butter directly to your heels or mix it with an oil of your choice. You can also apply kokum butter and then put on cotton socks, the expert suggests.
In addition to moisturizing your feet regularly and cutting back on your heels, you should also exfoliate your heels regularly to remove dead skin cells that can cause cracks. But don’t overdo it, as too much exfoliation can make the problem worse.