Cracked heels are a very common problem and can happen to anyone. It basically means the visible cracks present on the heels. If proper precautions are not taken on time, it can even lead to bleeding and pain. Some of the reasons behind cracked heels are dry winds, lack of moisture, improper care of feet, unhealthy diet and wearing wrong types of shoes and so on.
Instead of visiting a doctor, you can try some cracked heel remedies that you can do right in the comfort of your own home.
Symptoms for Cracked Heels>
Most Common Symptoms of Dry, Cracked Heels and Feet:
Signs and symptoms that surface on the skin are simple indicators of a faulty internal activity or an external abuse. If one observes the body and its manifestations minutely one can avoid disease and disorders by treating them before they take on a destructive path. Similarly, feet care calls for a little attention and when the feet finds it lacking they indicate the following signs to show the feet could do well with some care.
Itchy Skin:
Itchy skin is caused by the abnormal shrinking of the upper layers of dry skin. This excessive shrinking causes the stretching of the skin below and around the affected areas and this results in general discomfort and itchiness. You will have to get rid of the upper layers of dead skin before you start any type of treatment for dry cracked heels.
Red or Flaky Patches:
This is often one of the first symptoms of dry cracked heels and if it is ignored, the condition may worsen in time. Dry skin is also vulnerable to dry skin infections and so it is important to treat the condition right away.
Bleeding or Discharge from Cracks:
Bleeding or discharge from cracks in your heels is a very serious problem as it indicates that the cracks not only affect the upper layers of the skin but also the lower layers of tissue. Deep cracks in the heels will also increase an individual’s risk of suffering from a skin infection in this area. Wearing closed shoes without socks while you have dry and cracked heels will only serve to further increase one’s risk of suffering from a dry and cracked heels fungus infection as closed shoes provide fungus and yeast infections with the perfect habitat to reproduce.
Peeling and Cracked Skin:
This symptom generally follows the first symptom of red or flaky skin. Peeling and cracked skin is a definite sign of dry cracked heels and immediate measures must be taken to remedy the condition. Make sure that you do not try to pull off the pieces of dry skin as this could damage the skin it is attached to. If you need to get rid of a long piece of dead sin you can use a small pair of scissors to slowly and carefully clip away the dead skin.
Causes for Cracked Heels>
Here is a compilation of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels:
• Naturally dry skin or thick dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to excessive feet activity.
• Prolonged standing at work or home .Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet.
• Being overweight may increase the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways and if the skin lacks flexibility the pressure on the feet lead to cracked heels.
• Back-open sandals or shoes allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the possibility of cracks on the heels.
• Disease and Disorders-Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.
• Continuous exposure to water- Water, especially running water, can rob the skin of its natural oils and this can leave the skin dry and rough. Standing for prolonged periods in a damp area such as a bathroom can cause dry and cracked heels.
Here is a list of some other reasons that may lead to cracked heels:
• Age - Thick dry scaly skin lose elasticity with age and thus cracks have higher incidence with age.
• Ill fitting shoes, standing for a long time or change in walking posture.
• Unhygienic circumstances or conditions
• Unhealthy, dry scaly skin due to climate or diseases
• Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc.
Some remedies for Cracked Heels........
Rosewater and Glycerin >
Glycerin and rose water is another way to treat cracked heels at home. Especially when you are going out you need to take special care of your feet. Take glycerin and rose water in equal amount and mix it properly. Before stepping out of your home, rub the mixture on your feet until the skin has absorbed it properly. This will keep your skin remain soft for long hours and the condition of the cracks under control. Repeat this remedy for several weeks until your heels become soft.
Warm Salt Water>
In case of cracked heels you need to make extra effort to keep the heel cleaned and well moisturized. Pamper your feet by soaking it in warm salty water for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Then put your feet in cold water so that the blood circulation in your feet gets better. It will also help in getting relief from the pain caused by cracked heels. Pat dry your feet and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to maintain the moisture. Also it is recommended to wear a pair of socks immediately.
Lemon>
The acidic property of a lemon can be of great use inbut you need to be sure the juice of the lemon is getting touch with the rough skin. Alternatively, you can soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes in a bucket of warm water with lemon juice added to it. Avoid using very hot water as it can take away the moisture from your feet. Finally wash your feet using pumice stone and soap and pat your feet dry with a towel.
Honey>
Honey can also be used to treat cracked heels as it has got both moisturizing as well as antibacterial properties. Honey can take care of both dry as well as cracked heels. For softer heels, mix one cup of honey to half a bucket of warm water. Now soak your feet in this water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Finally scrub your feet gently to enjoy soft and supple feet. With this natural cure, there will be no dryness also.
Rice Flour>
To exfoliate your feet you can make a natural scrub with honey, apple cider vinegar, and rice flour. To make the scrub take two to three tablespoon of ground rice, and then add a few spoons of honey and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste. If the condition of the cracks on your heels is extremely bad, add a spoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil. First soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes and then gently scrub it with this paste to remove the dead skin around your feet. Soon you will have soft heels minus the cracks.
Petroleum Jelly>
To avoid cracked heels, you must scrub the dead hard skin around your feet regularly and then apply some petroleum jelly covering the entire heel area. After applying petroleum jelly you must cover your feet with socks so that petroleum jelly can get soaked into the skin properly. This will prevent your heels from getting cracks and make it soft and well moisturized. Try to follow this cracked heel remedy daily before going to bed.
Paraffin Wax>
If the condition of the cracked heels are really bad and causing a lot of pain, paraffin wax is one such ingredient that can give you quick relief. Take paraffin wax and mix it with mustard oil or coconut oil and then heat it for some time so that the wax melts properly. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before applying it on your feet. For better result apply this mixture on the cracked heels before going to bed and wash it off properly in the morning. You must repeat this remedy for one to two weeks to notice positive results.
Indian Lilac>
Indian Lilac also known as margosa leaves or Neem can also be used to treat cracked heels. It contains fungicidal properties and this is why it is very effective in treating cracked heels. Take a handful of Indian Lilac leaves and crush it properly to make a fine paste and then add three teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix it well and then apply it on the cracks and leave it as it is for half an hour. Finally wash your feet with warm water and dry it out with a clean cloth. With this natural cure, there will never be the problem of cracked heels again.
Banana>
You can also cure cracked heels at home with ripe bananas. Take one ripe banana and mash it to make a smooth paste. First clean your feet properly and then apply this banana paste on your feet and allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes so that the dry skin of your feet can get the much required nourishment. Finally wash your feet nicely with some warm water and then soak your feet in cold water for some time. Follow this natural remedy daily for a few weeks to enjoy soft and smooth heels.
Instead of visiting a doctor, you can try some cracked heel remedies that you can do right in the comfort of your own home.
Symptoms for Cracked Heels>
Most Common Symptoms of Dry, Cracked Heels and Feet:
Signs and symptoms that surface on the skin are simple indicators of a faulty internal activity or an external abuse. If one observes the body and its manifestations minutely one can avoid disease and disorders by treating them before they take on a destructive path. Similarly, feet care calls for a little attention and when the feet finds it lacking they indicate the following signs to show the feet could do well with some care.
Itchy Skin:
Itchy skin is caused by the abnormal shrinking of the upper layers of dry skin. This excessive shrinking causes the stretching of the skin below and around the affected areas and this results in general discomfort and itchiness. You will have to get rid of the upper layers of dead skin before you start any type of treatment for dry cracked heels.
Red or Flaky Patches:
This is often one of the first symptoms of dry cracked heels and if it is ignored, the condition may worsen in time. Dry skin is also vulnerable to dry skin infections and so it is important to treat the condition right away.
Bleeding or Discharge from Cracks:
Bleeding or discharge from cracks in your heels is a very serious problem as it indicates that the cracks not only affect the upper layers of the skin but also the lower layers of tissue. Deep cracks in the heels will also increase an individual’s risk of suffering from a skin infection in this area. Wearing closed shoes without socks while you have dry and cracked heels will only serve to further increase one’s risk of suffering from a dry and cracked heels fungus infection as closed shoes provide fungus and yeast infections with the perfect habitat to reproduce.
Peeling and Cracked Skin:
This symptom generally follows the first symptom of red or flaky skin. Peeling and cracked skin is a definite sign of dry cracked heels and immediate measures must be taken to remedy the condition. Make sure that you do not try to pull off the pieces of dry skin as this could damage the skin it is attached to. If you need to get rid of a long piece of dead sin you can use a small pair of scissors to slowly and carefully clip away the dead skin.
Causes for Cracked Heels>
Here is a compilation of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels:
• Naturally dry skin or thick dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to excessive feet activity.
• Prolonged standing at work or home .Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet.
• Being overweight may increase the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways and if the skin lacks flexibility the pressure on the feet lead to cracked heels.
• Back-open sandals or shoes allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the possibility of cracks on the heels.
• Disease and Disorders-Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.
• Continuous exposure to water- Water, especially running water, can rob the skin of its natural oils and this can leave the skin dry and rough. Standing for prolonged periods in a damp area such as a bathroom can cause dry and cracked heels.
Here is a list of some other reasons that may lead to cracked heels:
• Age - Thick dry scaly skin lose elasticity with age and thus cracks have higher incidence with age.
• Ill fitting shoes, standing for a long time or change in walking posture.
• Unhygienic circumstances or conditions
• Unhealthy, dry scaly skin due to climate or diseases
• Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc.
Some remedies for Cracked Heels........
Rosewater and Glycerin >
Glycerin and rose water is another way to treat cracked heels at home. Especially when you are going out you need to take special care of your feet. Take glycerin and rose water in equal amount and mix it properly. Before stepping out of your home, rub the mixture on your feet until the skin has absorbed it properly. This will keep your skin remain soft for long hours and the condition of the cracks under control. Repeat this remedy for several weeks until your heels become soft.
Warm Salt Water>
In case of cracked heels you need to make extra effort to keep the heel cleaned and well moisturized. Pamper your feet by soaking it in warm salty water for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Then put your feet in cold water so that the blood circulation in your feet gets better. It will also help in getting relief from the pain caused by cracked heels. Pat dry your feet and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to maintain the moisture. Also it is recommended to wear a pair of socks immediately.
Lemon>
The acidic property of a lemon can be of great use inbut you need to be sure the juice of the lemon is getting touch with the rough skin. Alternatively, you can soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes in a bucket of warm water with lemon juice added to it. Avoid using very hot water as it can take away the moisture from your feet. Finally wash your feet using pumice stone and soap and pat your feet dry with a towel.
Honey>
Honey can also be used to treat cracked heels as it has got both moisturizing as well as antibacterial properties. Honey can take care of both dry as well as cracked heels. For softer heels, mix one cup of honey to half a bucket of warm water. Now soak your feet in this water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Finally scrub your feet gently to enjoy soft and supple feet. With this natural cure, there will be no dryness also.
Rice Flour>
To exfoliate your feet you can make a natural scrub with honey, apple cider vinegar, and rice flour. To make the scrub take two to three tablespoon of ground rice, and then add a few spoons of honey and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste. If the condition of the cracks on your heels is extremely bad, add a spoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil. First soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes and then gently scrub it with this paste to remove the dead skin around your feet. Soon you will have soft heels minus the cracks.
Petroleum Jelly>
To avoid cracked heels, you must scrub the dead hard skin around your feet regularly and then apply some petroleum jelly covering the entire heel area. After applying petroleum jelly you must cover your feet with socks so that petroleum jelly can get soaked into the skin properly. This will prevent your heels from getting cracks and make it soft and well moisturized. Try to follow this cracked heel remedy daily before going to bed.
Paraffin Wax>
If the condition of the cracked heels are really bad and causing a lot of pain, paraffin wax is one such ingredient that can give you quick relief. Take paraffin wax and mix it with mustard oil or coconut oil and then heat it for some time so that the wax melts properly. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before applying it on your feet. For better result apply this mixture on the cracked heels before going to bed and wash it off properly in the morning. You must repeat this remedy for one to two weeks to notice positive results.
Indian Lilac>
Indian Lilac also known as margosa leaves or Neem can also be used to treat cracked heels. It contains fungicidal properties and this is why it is very effective in treating cracked heels. Take a handful of Indian Lilac leaves and crush it properly to make a fine paste and then add three teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix it well and then apply it on the cracks and leave it as it is for half an hour. Finally wash your feet with warm water and dry it out with a clean cloth. With this natural cure, there will never be the problem of cracked heels again.
Banana>
You can also cure cracked heels at home with ripe bananas. Take one ripe banana and mash it to make a smooth paste. First clean your feet properly and then apply this banana paste on your feet and allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes so that the dry skin of your feet can get the much required nourishment. Finally wash your feet nicely with some warm water and then soak your feet in cold water for some time. Follow this natural remedy daily for a few weeks to enjoy soft and smooth heels.
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