Heel cracks are a typical foot issue. According to a poll, 20 percent of American people have broken skin on their feet. Both adults and children can experience this, and it seems to afflict women more frequently than males.
Most people don’t take having cracked heels seriously. If you walk barefoot, it might hurt. Cracks in the heels can sometimes go very deep and hurt.
Fissures, which are often referred to as cracked heels, can occasionally cause more significant issues if left untreated. Pay a bit extra attention to your feet by moisturizing them at least twice per day to start. To get thick moisturizers, look for brands like Eucerin and Cetaphil. Some moisturizers include skin-softening ingredients that could aid in removing dead skin, like urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. They might sting or irritate you just a little.
What causes cracked heels?
According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, dry skin is not the sole factor contributing to cracked heels.
- overweight, which puts more strain on the heels
- Skin disorders include eczema, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot
- prolonged standing, particularly on hard surfaces
- putting on sandals or shoes with exposed backs
- I have calluses.
While some cracks are tiny, more serious ones can cause bleeding, discomfort, and pain, particularly if bacteria enters into the fissures. Therefore, it’s critical to address the issue quickly before it worsens.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels:
As mentioned above, a broken heel is a symptom that can happen for a number of causes. You can recognize a broken heel by, among other things, the following characteristics:
- Your feet’s skin gets dry and flaky.
- If the cracks are deep, you could also feel pain, and they might also bleed.
- Your heel’s bottom and outside edge harden
Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
To care for your heels and acquire smooth heels, try natural ingredients. The following list includes a few natural treatments you can try for cracked heels.Coconut Oil
The pulp of the coconut is used to make coconut oil. It has a long history of usage as a moisturizer for skin that is mildly to moderately dry. Consequently, it can be applied on cracked heels. It is safe to use because it is mineral oil. Virgin coconut oil, in particular, encourages the rapid creation of new skin cells, aiding in the healing of wounds. As a natural cure for a cracked heel, you can rub coconut oil or pure coconut oil onto your heels.Olive Oil
Olive oil can be effective in treating cracked heels. It is well recognized to have qualities like speeding up tissue restoration and making it easier to remove dead skin. Olive oil can therefore be applied on the feet. Olive oil used directly to skin can be beneficial. For additional benefits, combine olive oil with sesame oil and honey. This cracked heel cure may be one of the best because it incorporates several components that are helpful in treating heel cracks.Kokum Butter
Kokum butter is made from the kokum seed. Widely utilized in the creation of lotions and soaps is kokum butter. In order to treat fissures and excessively dry skin, it has the ability to moisturize the skin. It can be applied as a hand and foot moisturizer. It can therefore be used to treat cracked heels. As one of the home treatments for cracked heels, you can use kokum butter directly to your feet or mix it with an oil of your choice. To receive even more advantages, you can apply kokum butter to your feet before putting on cotton socks.Honey
One ingredient that is frequently used in kitchens all throughout the world is honey. Traditional practitioners also use it to treat various skin diseases, wounds, and cuts. According to studies, honey can also be used to treat atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, two skin disorders that can be brought on by immune system deficiencies.
As a result, it can also be used as a DIY treatment for cracked heels. You can apply honey directly on your feet, let it sit for a short while, and then wash it off. Additionally, you can make a pack out of honey, rice flour, and lemon juice that you can use as a pack on your cracked heels. Your heels may become smooth after washing it off with water, and it may be the at-home solution you’ve been seeking for.
Shea Butter
The healing of cracked heels can be helped with shea butter. Body creams and lotions include it. It has the ability to moisturize and soften skin. The nut of the African shea tree is used to make shea butter. It has been suggested for calming dry skin brought on by dermatitis (skin inflammation). It is also suggested for use as a hand and foot moisturizer.
As a result, it can be utilized as one of the natural treatments for a cracked heel. You may either apply it directly to your broken heel or you can first dilute it with your preferred oil.
Wearing Socks
Another method, like as wearing socks, can assist you in keeping the moisture on your feet. It can be a good idea to wear socks to bed after washing your feet to moisturize and trap in the moisture. You can try wearing socks to bed even if you’re not interested in wearing them all day. It might help with your cracked heel. Wearing cotton socks may be one of the simplest home remedies for cracked heels to implement because they aid to better lock in the moisture.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Moisturisation
After washing and properly drying your skin, you should moisturize. Use gentle creams and lotions on your feet and skin, massaging them in well. The moisturizer needs some time to absorb into your skin. In order to keep the moisture inside, you should use a sealant cream or occlusive ointment after a few minutes.Washing Feet
This is a rather simple solution and it may be exactly what you need. Although it might appear insignificant, if done properly, it can have a profound impact. Make sure the water you use to wash your feet is not excessively hot or cold. Wash your feet with warm water and light soap. This may work well as a home treatment for a broken heel. While it’s acceptable to soak your feet in water for a short while before washing them, avoid scrubbing them. Too much time spent submerging the feet in water might weaken the skin barrier and cause a significant moisture loss.Liquid bandage
Cracks can also be sealed off with liquid bandage to stop further cracking or infection. Since this product is a spray, you may go about your day without being concerned that the bandage will fall off. For the treatment of potentially bleeding severe heel cracks, liquid bandage is an excellent option.
On clean, dry skin, apply a liquid bandage. The covering is pushed to the skin’s surface as the fissure heals. This product is available without a prescription from a pharmacy or online.
Super glue has reportedly been effective for some people in sealing skin cracks. Ten participants were observed in a 1999 case study applying two to three drops of super glue to each crack. For 60 seconds, they held the crack together so that it might close. They stated that the fissures had closed and were no longer painful about a week later. But depending on the brand, commercial superglue can be poisonous. Before using this strategy, see your doctor.
When to Seek Medical Help?
You should see a dermatologist (skin and hair doctor) if you have tried to treat your cracked heels and they still do not improve. Your feet will be thoroughly examined by a dermatologist to identify the source of the issue. Consult your doctor if you have skin dryness, especially on your feet, if you are already aware that you have an underlying medical problem like diabetes. Therefore, if self-care doesn’t result in improvement of your heel cracks, schedule an appointment and have your heels examined.Bottom Line
Cracked heels are frequently not a cause for alarm. Home cures or over-the-counter medications may be able to ease the issue. If you have severely cracked heels or an underlying medical problem like diabetes, see a doctor. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to avoid any possibly dangerous complications.
It could take a few days or weeks for the cracks to heal, even though your skin might start to seem better after the initial treatment. Wear shoes that fit properly during and after this period, and take good care of your feet to help stop new heel cracks.
