What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are a condition where the skin around the edges of your heels becomes dry, thickened, and starts to split. These fissures can range from small, superficial cracks to deep, painful openings. Besides being a cosmetic concern, cracked heels can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection if left untreated.

Common Causes of Cracked Heels

1. Dry Skin:

Lack of moisture is a primary cause of cracked heels. The skin on your feet is naturally dry, and factors like climate, harsh soaps, and dehydration can exacerbate this dryness.

2. Excessive Pressure:

Prolonged standing or walking can put excessive pressure on the fat pad under your heel. Over time, this can cause the skin to crack.

3. Improper Footwear:

Wearing open-back or ill-fitting shoes can contribute to the development of cracked heels. These shoes offer little support to the heels, making them more prone to cracking. 

4. Aging:

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and ability to retain moisture. This makes older individuals more susceptible to cracked heels.

5. Medical Conditions:

Certain medical conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, and eczema can lead to dry skin and increase the risk of cracked heels.

6. Obesity:

Excess body weight puts added pressure on the feet, particularly the heels, which can lead to cracks in the skin.

Controls Obesity

7. Neglecting Foot Care:

Not moisturizing or exfoliating your feet regularly can make the skin on your heels more vulnerable to cracking.

Remedies for Cracked Heels

1. Hydration:

The most crucial step in preventing and treating cracked heels is to keep your feet well-hydrated. Apply a good-quality foot cream or moisturizer daily, especially after bathing.

Foot Care

2. Exfoliation:

Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove dead skin from your heels. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive scrubbing can worsen the condition.

3. Proper Footwear:

Invest in shoes that provide proper support and cushioning for your heels. Avoid open-back shoes, sandals, or high heels for extended periods.

4. Diet and Hydration:

Ensure you drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy skin.

Are There Risks Taking Multivitamins?

5. Regular Foot Checks:

If you have an underlying medical condition, consult a healthcare professional regularly and follow their advice.

6. Over-the-Counter Treatments:

Over-the-counter products like heel balms, silicone heel cups, and heel sleeves can help in the healing process.

7. Consult a Podiatrist:

If your cracked heels are severe, painful, or showing no improvement with home remedies, consult a podiatrist for professional guidance.

Conclusion

Cracked heels can be a pesky problem, but with the right care and attention, they can be prevented and treated effectively. Understanding the causes and taking proactive steps to maintain foot health can go a long way in ensuring your feet remain soft, smooth, and free from painful fissures. Don’t let cracked heels get in the way of your comfort and confidence; start implementing these remedies and lifestyle changes today.

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The winter season brings a lot of skin problems with it because of the cold winds and freezing temperatures. So, try these essential skincare remedies to maintain your skin healthy and glowing during winter.

Winter Season Skin Issues

The following are the most common Winter Skin Issues and their Remedies:

Dry Skin With Itchy Patches & Redness:

Scales, redness, rashes, and minor cracks in the skin are the most common signs of dry and itchy skin. When the skin is exposed too much cold air, destroy the protective layer of the skin, loses its natural hydration and oil, and begins to dry out. If left untreated, it can cause itchy patches and redness.

Dry Skin With Itchy Patches & Redness

REMEDIES

To calm the skin, use rich moisturizers all over it. Moisturizers are the most effective protection against winter dry skin and rash, which help trap moisture into your skin and keep it soft.

Moisturize frequently throughout the day, especially after bathing & hand washing and before bed at night. Instead of using harsh soap, choose a moisturising one.

Apply natural oils like coconut and almonds are effective moisturisers to seal the skin’s natural moisture. It absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin thoroughly.

Use a humidifier to keep the air in your house moist.

Chapped Lips:  

Chapped lips are another common condition in the winter. Lip skin is thinner than the rest of the face, and the lack of humidity in the air during the winter promotes chapped lips. If you have dry skin,  you may have a Chapped lips problem in the winter season.

Chapped Lips

REMEDIES

In cold weather, apply vitamin E, C, or natural oil to keep your lips moisturised.

Don’t lick your lip frequently, and use moisturiser all the time.

Another most simplistic approach to care for chapped lips is to use petroleum jelly such as Vaseline, lip balm, Boroline or glycerine throughout the day.

Cracked Heels:

People are frequently worried about the problem of cracked heels as soon as winter arrives. The deficiency of vitamin C, B, and E in the body causes the heels to crack more frequently.

Cracked Heels

REMEDIES

Before going to bed, use rich foot lotions, butter, natural oils, or moisturiser to take better care of your cracked heels. It enables the lotion to penetrate and moisturise the heels.

Gently scrub the dead cells or damaged heels with a loofah or pumice stone. After that, apply a moisturiser.

If your heels are more prone to cracking, apply a coating of raw glycerine to the area and keep it on overnight. To heal it faster, continue the process every night for up to a week.

 Hair Dandruff:

dandruff is the most common problem in hair typically caused by dry scalp conditions in the winter.

REMEDIES

To reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff, use Tea Tree oil or coconut oil on your hair and scalp in winter.

Applying aloe vera to your hair may also help you get rid of dandruff.

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to skin health and can aid in the reduction of inflammation with dry skin, hair, and dandruff.

 Dry And Itchy Nose:

One of the most irritating winter symptoms is a dry and itchy nose.

REMEDIES

Apply simple home remedies to alleviate the pain of a dry and inflamed nose.

Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated at all times.

Avoid sugary food because it can increase nasal dryness.

 Beard Dandruff:

Everyone likes a well-clean beard. In the winter season, though, using the improper razor and shaving lotion might cause dry skin with dandruff behind the beard.

REMEDIES

It best to use a skin-friendly razor in winter season.

You can use an electric trimmer if it is best for your skin.

Use a shaving product that contains tea tree oil as well. After shaving, don’t forget to apply beard oil or balm.

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