Well, winter is here and along with dry skin we are also most likely to get cracked heels in this cold weather. Cracked heels, also called fissures, can be annoying, but if left untreated, they can occasionally cause more serious problems for us. So we need to pay more attention to our feet on a regular basis.
Here are 5 simple yet effective tips to treat your cracked heels:
1. Heel cream or thick moisturizer
The first treatment for cracked heels is to use heel cream. These type of balms contain ingredients that moisturize, soften and remove dead skin. Pay attention to the following ingredients: urea (Flexitol Heel Balm), salicylic acid (Kerasal), α-hydroxy acid (Amlactin), sugar isomers.
Techniques for treating cracked heels
- Apply heel cream in the morning before starting the day to increase skin elasticity
- Besides, moisturize your heels two to three times a day
- Apart from that, wear shoes that can protect your heels
Some heel creams may cause slight tingling sensation or irritation. this is normal. If the cream continues to bother you or cause a serious reaction, please consult your doctor. Severe cracked heels may require prescription. Strength balm or steroid cream can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
2. Soak your feet and exfoliate
The skin around cracked heels is usually thicker and drier than other skins. When you apply pressure, this skin tends to crack. Soaking and moisturizing your feet can help solve this problem. Here are some tips:
For a foot bath:
- Soak your feet in warm soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
- Use loofah, foot scrubber or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
- Pat your feet dry.
- Apply heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
- Then, apply petroleum jelly to your feet to lock in the moisture. Put on socks and avoid spreading any grease around.
- Avoid scrubbing your feet when they are dry. This increases the risk of skin damage.
- You can also try moisturizing heel sleeves. These have a similar effect to foot soaking. The sleeves are like socks, containing therapeutic oils and vitamins to help treat dry skin.
3. Applying Honey
Honey can be used as a natural medicine to treat cracked heels. Honey has antibacterial and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that honey can help heal and clean wounds and moisturize the skin. You can use honey as a foot scrub after soaking, or use it as a foot mask overnight.
4. Using Coconut oil
Coconut oil is usually recommended for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Besides, it can help your skin retain moisture. Coconut oil is also a good choice after soaking your feet. If you are prone to bleeding or infection, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut oil may crack your heels.
5. Some other natural remedies
There are many other home remedies for cracked heels, but none of them have been proven to treat crack healing specifically. Most of the ingredients focus on moisturizing and softening the skin.
These include: vinegar, used for foot soaking, olive or vegetable oil, shea butter & banana puree for moisturizing, paraffin wax to seal the moisture, oatmeal mixed with oil for exfoliating.
