Although Cracked Heels are frequently thought of as a minor inconvenience, they can potentially cause problems in your daily life. It can be unexpectedly painful to have these unsightly skin cracks, which are often caused by dryness and inappropriate footwear. Not only do they affect your comfort, but they also make your feet look less attractive. 

Oddly enough, despite diligent care for facial skincare regimens, we often disregard the skin on our Heels, putting it at risk of dryness and cracking. The good news is that there are many efficient treatments and DIY solutions that can give you smoother, healthier heels. In this article, we explore methods for tackling this problem.

5 Causes Of Cracked Heels

Understanding the root causes of cracked heels is crucial before moving on to treatments and cures / Image credit: Freepik

Common causes of this condition include the following:

• Dry skin: Your feet’s skin is naturally drier than the rest of your body. This can be a concern for people who have dry skin. Dry skin is more prone to cracking as it lacks adequate moisture. For this, you will need to look for dry and itchy skin solutions and specialised products to keep your skin nourished and moisturised at all times.
• Ill-Fitted Footwear: Wearing footwear with an open back regularly or poorly-fitting footwear exerts too much pressure on your heels, causing cracks.
• Prolonged Standing: The skin on your heels can become strained after extended durations of standing or walking.
• Lack of Proper Foot Care: Neglecting to moisturise and exfoliate your feet might result in cracked heels. Exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells and improve cellular turnover and moisturising ensures your skin does not get excessively dry. 
• Medical Conditions: Medical conditions, such as diabetes and psoriasis can increase the risk of developing cracked heels. Cracked feet are also common in pregnant women. Incorporating specially formulated pregnancy products can help you address these concerns.

How To Treat Cracked Heels

Exfoliate

The first step in repairing damaged heels is exfoliating your feet. Dead skin cells can be gently removed using a pumice stone or foot scrub, allowing the new skin underneath to breathe and recover. Being too aggressive with exfoliating could worsen the issue, so be gentle but consistent.

Regularly Moisturise

Apply a thick moisturiser or specific foot cream to your feet every day, especially after bathing, to keep them adequately nourished. In order to get more moisture, look for products that have urea, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid as components. Applying a moisturiser which includes urea or salicylic acid before bed and putting on cotton socks to retain moisture is additionally helpful.

Wear appropriate shoes

Make sure your feet are properly supported and cushioned by the footwear you choose. Avoid wearing shoes that put pressure or friction on your heels because they can make the issue worse. Moreover, you should wear open-back shoes with caution, particularly in dry, chilly weather.

Apply Overnight Foot Masks

Before going to bed, liberally use an almond oil or a rich natural foot mask. Wear socks to trap moisture overnight, and you’ll notice softer heels when you wake up. You can also make your own overnight mask and apply it to your heels before going to bed.

Stay Hydrated

To keep your body and skin moisturised from the inside out, drink plenty of water. The key to avoiding dryness is proper hydration. To prevent dehydration, aim for at least eight to 10 glasses of water each day and limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.

Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Make sure to keep your feet moisturised at all times and use nourishing ingredients / Image credit: Freepik

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural emollient. Its abundance in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E helps moisturise and restore dry skin. Apply it generously and consistently for noticeable results. You can combine shea butter with a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil for additional moisture.

Almond Oil

For Cracked heels, almond oil is a wonderful home treatment. Its high vitamin E content and emollient qualities help to soften the skin. All you have to do is massage almond oil into your heels every day. For further exfoliation and brightening effects, combine it with a few drops of lemon juice.

Argan Oil 

Argan oil is well-known for its nourishing qualities. The Moroccan oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and vital fatty acids, making it a fantastic choice for treating cracked heels. Massage some argan oil into your heels. Do this before going to bed for the best benefits, and wear socks to improve absorption.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil’s moisturising and antibacterial qualities make it a flexible treatment for cracked heels. Every day, massage extra virgin coconut oil into your foot, paying special attention to the heels. It not only offers moisture but also acts as an infection-prevention barrier.

Banana Mask

In addition to being a delightful fruit, bananas offer several advantageous effects on the skin. For about 20 minutes, apply a mixture made from mashed ripe bananas on your heels. Bananas include vitamins and minerals that are helpful in healing and moisturising your skin. You can combine banana, honey, and a few drops of lemon juice for extra moisturisation.

Instead of using all these ingredients individually, to make your work easier, especially if you have a busy schedule or you’re pregnant, you can consider trying The Moms Co.’s Natural Foot Cream as mentioned above. It includes all the above-mentioned kitchen ingredients in their natural form. This cream is free of alcohol and chemicals, enriched with a toxin-free combination of shea butter, almond oil, argan oil, peppermint and olive oil along with vitamin E to nurture your skin. 

To apply the product, take an adequate amount of The Moms Co. foot cream onto your palm. Next, massage the product gently, using circular strokes on your ankles, feet, and any other dry patches. For best results, try to apply the cream every night, before going to bed. Plus, for ultimate relaxation, you can also consider storing the cream in the refrigerator to get a cooling sensation when you use it on your feet. 

Although dealing with cracked heels can be difficult and annoying, you can get your feet back to being soft and healthy with the appropriate home remedies. To effectively prevent and treat cracked heels, always exfoliate gently, moisturise frequently, and take care of your feet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to heal cracked feet?

Using a variety of cracked feet products and efficient techniques together will help quicker healing. Start with a light exfoliation, then moisturise regularly, and finish with appropriate footwear. The healing process can also be accelerated by using moisturising oils or masks as overnight treatments. Always maintain consistency if you want to see quick improvements.

How can I permanently fix my cracked feet?

Keep up a daily foot care programme to cure cracked feet permanently. Exfoliation, moisturising, and wearing supportive, comfortable shoes should all be part of this. For long-term treatment from cracked heels, consistency in your foot care routine is essential.

How do you fix dry cracked feet overnight?

Start with a warm foot bath to soften the skin to treat dry, cracked feet overnight. Apply a heavy moisturiser or natural oil, such as coconut or almond oil, on your feet after drying them, and put on socks to keep the moisture in while you sleep. Your feet will be in much better shape the next morning.

Is coconut oil good for cracked heels?

Yes, coconut oil works wonders as a natural heel treatment. Its antibacterial qualities can stop infections in the damaged spots, and its moisturising characteristics help replenish lost natural oils.

What causes cracks on feet?

The main causes of foot cracks are dryness, pressure, improper footwear fit, and medical diseases like diabetes and psoriasis. Skin that is too dry loses its suppleness and is more likely to crack. Long periods of standing or walking, especially in uncomfortable shoes, can also cause cracks.

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com

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