Do you try to hide cracked heels instead of finding a solution for it? Well, 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 get really deep. They can bleed or hurt when you stand up. So, we bring to you ways to heal cracked heels at home.
Causes of cracked heels
Heel fissures or cracked heels can occur due to many reasons.
Here are some of the causes:
1. Dry skin
Cracked heels are mainly caused by dry skin, says Delhi-based cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal. The skin of the feet loses elasticity and flexibility when it gets too dry, ultimately 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, before wearing your favourite stilettos, think twice.
3. Lack of moisture
Dry and cracked heels can be the result of not moisturising your feet enough, especially after taking a shower or bath.
4. Ageing
As we grow older, our skin loses moisture as well as elasticity. It’s not just your face or neck that get affected, even your heels end up with cracks.
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5. Prolonged standing
Due to increased stress on the feet, women may develop cracks in heels in certain jobs that involve standing or walking for long periods of time.
6. Health problems
Diabetes, thyroid problems and skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can increase the likelihood of cracked heels, says the expert.
7. Ill-fitting shoes
Wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes without enough support can put stress on your feet and compress your heels, leading to cracked skin.
Ways to heal cracked heels
Cracked heels are often caused by dry skin. So, applying a good moisturiser to your heels every day, especially after bathing, can help to 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 don’t soak your feet in water for too long, as this could damage the skin barrier and cause significant moisture loss.
2. Coconut oil
The pulp of the coconut is mostly used to make coconut oil, which has been used to moisturise skin for long. So, it can be applied on cracked heels as well. Virgin coconut oil in particular supports the rapid formation of new skin cells and aids in 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 after 20 to 30 minutes, wash it off. These natural ingredients can moisturise your skin.
4. Wear socks
After soaking your feet in lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes, gently dry them. Then put on socks before going to bed to seal in the 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, suggests the expert.
Apart from regularly moisturising your feet and wearing high heels less, you should also exfoliate your heels frequently to get rid of the dead skin cells that might cause cracking. But do not overdo it as too much exfoliation can make the issue worse.
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