What to choose for cracked heels?

What to choose for cracked heels? Some of us struggle with the problem of cracked heels. This is particularly troublesome for women who would like their feet to look beautiful in sandals in the summer. However, this problem also affects many men. Sometimes painful cracks are a great difficulty for us in walking, they also do not look aesthetically pleasing. We will tell you how to deal with this problem in the comfort of your home and what to choose for cracked heels.

Symptoms

Recognizing the early signs of cracked heels is important as a quick response can prevent this problem. Initially, we notice that the skin is less elastic under the influence of weight. This problem may also be evidenced by an increasingly thick layer of the epidermis, as well as changing the color of the heel to grey, yellow or brown. In addition, if we feel that our skin is more sensitive than usual, there is also itching of the skin and its excessive dryness, it is a sign that it is time to act.

If we do not notice the early symptoms or ignore them, then our skin, devoid of hydration, will turn white and begin to peel and crack. Sores on the heels are slow to heal, so it is important to act at the initial stage of the problem.

Causes of cracked heels

To deal with this problem, we first need to know its source. Only in this way will we know how to act to prevent it.

Our health

Many diabetics face the problem of cracked heels. Their skin is much more delicate and therefore more susceptible to all kinds of damage. This problem also affects obese people, because of the weight, the pressure on the feet increases, and if the skin is not elastic enough, it cracks. A deficiency of vitamins, especially B5, as well as iron and zinc can make wound healing more difficult.

Inappropriate footwear

Fitting footwear is important. Shoes that are too tight or too loose, impermeable to air, have a very bad effect on the condition of our feet. The same applies to socks, when choosing them we must be guided by the quality of the material and that it is as natural and breathable as possible.

Wearing shoes that expose the feet, especially the heels, causes the fat pad, deprived of support, to expand to the sides. Walking barefoot can also cause cracked heels. However, this is no reason to throw away your favorite summer shoes. On the contrary, we should simply take better care of the skin on our feet to give them elasticity.

Lack of water

It is not only in hot weather that we should remember about fluid intake. When our body lacks water, our skin dries out, and this also applies to our feet. It is important to remember about proper hydration of the body throughout the year, because external hydration may not be sufficient in this case.

Poor foot hygiene

Many people treat calloused epidermis on their feet only with a pumice stone. However, abrasion alone, usually too intense, will not solve our problem. Also, too strong washing agents and not maintaining proper hygiene can contribute to the problem of cracked heels. If you want to wipe the epidermis, remember to moisturize it as well.

Incorrect foot hygiene or even lack of it can lead to diseases such as mycosis. It is also the cause of cracked heels.

Lack of proper skin hydration

Dry skin is the most common cause of cracked heels. When smearing your face with cream and your body with lotion, remember to moisturize your feet as well. This is the basis for maintaining their good condition.

How to prevent?

If we already know the symptoms and we know what can cause cracked heels, it is worth implementing actions that can prevent this problem. It is not worth waiting until the last moment, because treatment can be time-consuming and expensive.

Washboard and pumice stone

Pumice and grater are not our enemy. We should use them when we notice that our skin is getting thicker. However, it is important not to overdo it and not to rub the skin too often and too hard. After such a procedure, it is mandatory to moisturize the skin of the feet.

Peeling and exfoliation of the epidermis

In drugstores and on websites with cosmetic articles, we can also find many products that will help exfoliate our epidermis. In addition to scrubs, exfoliating socks can be effective. They do not require mechanical abrasion of the epidermis, they exfoliate our skin through acids and other substances. We usually get this effect after about a week of application. You should also remember not to overdo it with this type of treatment, as it can cause the opposite effect. It is also important that if our skin has already had wounds or abrasions, then exfoliating socks should not be used, because it will cause pain and may even hinder wound healing.

Changing eating habits

Drinking more water and changing your diet to one rich in vitamins and minerals will support the condition of our skin, as well as ensure its elasticity and softness. Before making a drastic change in diet, we should consult a dietician. It will help us choose the right amount of calories and balance the amount of vitamins we should take.

Greasing

It is important not only to hydrate our body from the inside, but also to act on the outside. Just like the whole body, our feet need hydration. We can provide them by using creams. It is worth choosing creams with a large amount of urea, it must be listed first in the composition of the product. Thanks to it, the skin will be softened and the process of keratinization of the epidermis will be regulated. It also allows water to penetrate our skin. Creams with vitamin A will also be a good choice. Vitamin A regulates the growth of epithelial tissue and helps in its function.

When buying some creams, we get socks in the set. After the evening bath, it is therefore worth smearing your feet with a thick layer of cream and applying them. This will allow for optimal absorption of the cosmetic, without losing it by rubbing it into the material of our bedding.

Regularity

We often make the mistake of reacting too late to the problem or remembering about it only in the summer, when we want our exposed feet to look beautiful. We need to take care of their hygiene and hydration throughout the year. It is worth developing such habits through regular use of cosmetics. It may seem difficult at first, but after a while it will be done automatically.

How to treat cracked heels?

Unfortunately, the problem has already occurred and we were unable to prevent it in time. This does not mean that we are staying with this problem forever. There are several ways to treat cracked heels.

Natural ways

Many people praise the beneficial effects of herbs. A foot bath in flaxseed is often used. Flaxseed under the influence of hot water produces a substance similar to mucus, which has a very good effect on the skin of the feet. Thanks to such a bath, the feet will be moisturized and softened, and the skin will be more elastic. Herbal infusions also have a beneficial effect on the skin. Sage has an anti-inflammatory effect, sweet clover herb accelerates healing and fenugreek seeds soften the skin.

Care with cosmetics

Before applying cosmetics, we should first soak the feet thoroughly, then gently remove the callous epidermis, we can do it with a file or pumice stone, but choose a pumice stone that does not crumble. In the next step, we should apply the cream. It is good to choose a cream with urea, propolis or salicylic acid.

Podiatrist

If we are unable to deal with cracked heels on our own, it is worth considering visiting a podiatrist. He is a foot specialist. Practically in every city you will find a podiatry clinic, but it is worth choosing the one that uses professional cosmetics, such as Kerpro. The subologist will make a diagnosis and choose the best treatment methods for us. We must remember to follow his recommendations and cooperate with him.