
How to heal cracked heels?
We usually spend a lot of time taking care of our face and ignores our feet. This lack of care and hygiene can cause your heels to crack. Cracked heels also called as heel fissures are a common foot condition which can cause discomfort. Sometimes this gets worse and may lead to bleeding. The problem with cracked heels is not just the appearance of those cracks but also the condition if the cracks become infected.
Now you must be wondering what are the reasons which cause cracked heels
Well, dry skin is the major cause of cracked heels. When the skin lacks moisture it becomes stiff, less elastic and prone to cracking. Other factors which can cause cracked heels are:
1. Obesity
2. Standing for long hours
3. Open-back shoes
4. Poor-fitting shoes
5. Poor way of walking
6. Dry weather
Proper moisturisation is the first step to heal cracked heels. However, this is not enough so here are few foot care tips for healthy and beautiful feet.
Learn steps to heal cracked heels:
Using an emollient as a moisturiser
Emollients reduce water loss by penetrating into the skin. They fill the cracks and make skin feel smooth, soft and flexible.
Wear cotton socks to bed
After applying a good foot crack cream wear cotton socks it will help to keep the moisture intact. Avoid hot water.
Hot water tends to make your skin more dry try using warm water instead.
You can also try a few home remedies which work best for cracked heels. Some of them are:
Glycerine, salt and rosewater mask
Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve dry and irritated skin. Glycerine, on the other hand, is a humectant that helps your skin retain its natural moisture levels.
Now add salt, one tablespoon of glycerine, and one teaspoon of rosewater to a basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this mixture for about 15-20 minutes. Scrub your heels with a pumice stone or a foot scrubber.
Banana and avocado mask
Avocado is rich in vitamins A, E, and omega fatty acids that promote wound healing. Banana works as a moisturizer thus this mask may help to treat cracked heels.
Blend a ripe banana and a half avocado to make a creamy paste. Apply this paste to your heels and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has nourishing properties that make skin soft and supple. However, it might not be suitable for all skin types so it suggested doing a patch test before using it on the affected area.
Take a few drops of olive oil on a cotton ball and gently massage onto your feet in a circular motion for 10-15 minutes.
Wear a pair of cotton socks and wash off after an hour.
Oatmeal Remedy
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that help to get rid of dead skin cells and softens the skin.
Mix olive in oil in powdered oatmeal to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to your feet and leave for half an hour
Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
You can try all these home remedies or add a moisturizing foot cream to your foot care routine and it will definitely help in treating your cracked heels. To know more click here and check various other methods to treat cracked heels.