Reasons Behind Cracked Heels:
Cracked heels result from 'Callused', dry skin which is also referred to as 'fissures'. Lack of care and moisturizing are mainly responsible for this painful suffering. During the initial stage there is formation of thick, discolored and callus tissues and the fissures are linear cuts affecting the surface of the heels only.
If no attention is given immediately and the condition is allowed to persist the linear cut wounds go deep into the dermis and may cause bleeding and lead to severe pain. Unlike the young cracked heels ia a very common problem specially among aged persons when the skin lacks moisture.
It has also been observed the problem occurs mainly during winter than summer when the air becomes dry. Symptoms of cracked heels are - red or flaky patches, peeling and hard cracked skin, yellowing and itching skin on heels, growth of hard skin, callused, bleeding and patches accompanied with acute pain.
Reasons :
Open Heeled Shoes :
Open heeled shoes is another major factor responsible for 'cracked heels' as they aid the skin of the heels to expand and crack more quickly. Besides, cheap shoes with defective soles also add to this suffering.
Obesity : Overweight people are more susceptible to 'cracked heels' as the extra weight of the body puts more pressure on the heels to crack easily. Since there is an extra weight on the heel pad there is an added chance of having cracked heels as the dry skin is unable to cope with the extra pressure and crack easily. More persons are likely to have cracked heels during the winter months as the atmosphere tends to be dry. Having bath in winter with warm water somehow tends to reverse this tendency. Persons who neglect to moisturize their heels during winter tend to have cracked heels. Any oil based moistuizer may help the situation. Lack of water in the body and poor nutrition during winter also add to the woes.
Ageing : When we grow older our skin loses the feature to stretch and lack moisture and thus the heels crack more often. Age is a normal process and as we age all parts of our body age. However, the feet we stand on daily throughout our entire life are subjected to more negligence than other parts of our body. As the feet get older they lose their elasticity and tenderness due to the changes in the basic features of a healthy skin. The natural changes that take place to the feet as we age include :
- Wear and tear of the joints
- Thinning of the skin
- The skin becomes dry and prone to crack easily
- Reduced strength of the muscles of the feet
- As blood supply to the feet decreases the feet and the heels tend to swell
Diabetes : People suffering from Diabetes usually tend to have dry skin as the disease affects the body's oil producing capability and the heels become more prone to crack. Diabetic people are more prone to cracked heels than healthy people. Cracked heels are open to infection and those with diabetes run the additional risk of infection more easily. The germs are able to multiply themselves as high blood glucose level feed them. Therefore, should be more careful about cracked heels specially when they have started bleeding already. They must continue with proper observation of their heels soothe them to avoid further complications.
Thyroid, Eczema, Psoriasis : Patients suffering these diseases always have rough and severe dry skin and fall victim to cracked heels. They are also open to serious infections than normal people. Eczema and psoriasis make the skin of your hand and feet crack and bleed. Along with medications one should take care in moisten the skin to avoid suffering.
10 Popular Home Remedies To Heal Cracked Heels
#1. Rice Flour, Cider Vinegar and Honey :
- Take a few spoonful of rice flour in a bowl. Now add a few spoonful of Cider Vinegar and Honey to it. Make a thick creamy paste.
- Now clean your heels and scrub them with a foot scrubber or pumice stone.
- Take a few spoonful of the paste and apply evenly all over the cracked heels.
- Wear a pair of cotton socks and leave overnight.
- Wash off in the morning with warm water.
#2. Lemon Juice :
Lemons work amazingly well on cracked heels and softens the callus tissues and fissures relieving the pain.
- Make a lemon juice with warm water.
- Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes in it.
- Now clean the heels by rubbing your heel with a foot scrubber or pumice stone.
- Dry the feet with a soft towel and follow this procedure at night before you retire to bed.
#3. Banana With Avocado Therapy :
- Make a creamy paste with the pulp of a banana and a part of avocado.
- Scrub your heels well with warm water to remove all the dirt and toxins before applying the paste.
- Apply the paste evenly on both the heels.
- Leave for 15 minutes before wash off.
The pulp of these fruits may be used separately too.
#4. Oil Overnight Therapy :
Traditionally oils are the best sources for nourishing the cracked heels. Coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil are excellent for use on cracked heels.
- Scrubbing of the heels with warm water is essential before applying any of the oils.
- Bedtime is the best time to apply these oils as oil will get sufficient time to penetrate the deeps skin layer.
- The oils work well if mixed with a few drops of lemon or honey.
- Cover your feet with a pair of shocks through the night.
- See the result.
#5. Vaseline And Lemon Juice :
Applying vaseline is one of the oldest and popular ways to get rid of 'cracked heels' and dryness. However, it has to be left overnight to be more effective. The method works far better if vaseline is mixed with lemon juice.
- Wash off your heels with soap to remove all dirt and impurities.
- Dry the heels with a soft towel.
- Apply required quantity of vaseline on the heels with finger tips.
- Wear a pair of cotton socks and leave overnight for best result.
#6. Glycerine And Rose Water :
Glycerine is highly effective in treating dry skin and works as an excellent moisturiser for the heels.
- Pour warm water in a large bowl enough to soak your feet
- Add three fourth part of rose water into it
- Add one fourth part of glycerine
- Add one teaspoon of salt
- Half of a lemon juice may also be added
- Soak your feet in it for 30 minutes
- Now rub the heels with a pumice stone or a foot scrubber and remove the dry skin cells well
- Dry your feet and apply a Moisturiser like vaseline
#7. Milk With Honey :
Milk has natural healing properties and is capable of removing the dead skin cells.
- Prepare a creamy mixture of milk with honey
- Wash your feet with warm water
- Apply the mixture over the cracked heels well
- Leave for 30 minutes and thereafter rinse with warm water
#8. Vinegar Foot Bath :
Vinegar prevents infection and removes dry dead skin cells as it is mild acidic in nature.
- Add some vinegar to warm water and soak feet in it for 10 minutes
- Dry your feet and apply a moisturiser like vaseline
- Follow this procedure before bedtime so that vaseline gets enough time to penetrate the heels
#9. Awesome Turmeric Paste :
Turmeric has also got fantastic healing properties that prevents infection and itching. Application of turmeric paste has an amazing effect in the treatment of 'cracked heels' and also makes the skin soft and supple.
- Make a creamy turmeric paste
- Wash and clear the heels with a scrubber
- Apply the paste well and leave for an hour
#10. Neem :
Neem leaves are known to be a traditional healer and its medicinal values unquestionable. Neem oil not only soothes the cracked heels but also prevents itching and infection thus providing a natural relief.
- Wash feet with warm water and soap
- Clean the heels with a scrubber
- Dry the feet and apply neem oil on the cracked heels with finger tips with a circular massage
- Wear a pair of socks and leave to stay for the night
You need not to be afraid of 'Cracked Heels' any more.
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