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Cracked Heel

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Cracked Heel
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Cracked Heel

Think of your feet as your physical base; they're what keep you up and running. So if you're like most people, and don't think your feet need consistent care, think again. Cracked heels are one of the most common foot issues that can arise if you don't pay proper attention. But don't despair, baby soft foot skin is just one article away. Read on to learn more about how to get rid of annoying cracked skin around the heels.

1
Notice your skin's elasticity. The skin around your heels is prone to dryness which can be exacerbated by improper care. When the skin becomes too dry, it loses much of its elasticity. This can result in cracked heels, and other ailments, over time[1].
Dry, flaky skin can be a result of climate, such as very dry summers and/or cold winters.

2
Beware of excess weight. Being overweight, or pregnancy, can cause severe calluses. Increased weight intensifies pressure on the feet, particularly on the heels, and this frequently results in one or more calluses.
Keep in mind that the extra weight requires more expansion of the heel, which usually results in cracking or splitting of the skin through the callus.

3
Avoid certain types of shoes to prevent foot pain and problems. Sticking with certain kinds of footwear, or no footwear at all, can dry out the skin around the heel[2].
Thongs, open backed or sling sandals are frequently the culprits.
High heels can also cause heel discomfort and dryness.

4
Try to avoid standing at work, or at home, for extended periods of time. This can cause harm to your heels and feet in general[3].
Hard floors can be detrimental your foot's health so try to wear orthopedic footwear.

5
Know about your genes. Your genetics have a rather large impact on your skin, including the skin on your feet. Dry skin, and wrong footwear, won't necessarily result in cracked heels for everyone. But it might happen rather quickly if you're genetically predisposed[4].

6
Be aware of your general health. Diabetes, for example, can decrease the moisture supply to the body, therewith resulting in more overall dryness.
Thyroid problems have also been known to cause cracked heels.
1 
Look for dry skin on and around your heels. The skin will look dry (much like the skin on the rest of your body), but it can also show signs of yellow and/or brown discoloration.The dryness and different skin color will be particularly obvious along the inside border of the heel[5].
Your heel's skin will be quite to very rough to the touch, and might even become sharp. In other words, you skin might have lost so much moisture that it could rip light textures apart.

2
Pay attention to any pain or discomfort in your feet. Your feet, and especially heels, might hurt a little to a lot when you stand, walk, or run. The pain usually subsides when the weight is taken off of the feet.

3
Be aware of calluses forming on your heels. In some cases, you might notice a callus forming around the inside border of the heel. A callus is basically an accumulation of dry skin, which manifests as thickening of the skin.

4
Look out for blood or bleeding around your heels. In advanced cases, you might notice blood around the heel area or in your socks. Examine your heels for signs of dry skin and cracking[6].
If you know you suffer of diabetes or thyroid diseases, consult your physician right away.

1. Heel balms or thick moisturizers
The first line of treatment for cracked heels is using a heel balm. These balms contain ingredients to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dead skin. Look out for the following ingredients:

urea (Flexitol Heel Balm)
salicylic acid (Kerasal)
alpha-hydroxy acids (Amlactin)
saccharide isomerate
You can find these heel balms over the counter at a drug store or online.

Tips for treating cracked heels
apply heel balm in the morning to increase skin elasticity before you start your day
moisturize your heel two to three times a day
wear shoes that protect your heel
Some heel balms may cause minor stinging or irritation. This is normal. Consult your doctor if the balm continues to bother you or causes severe reactions. Severe cases of cracked heels may require a prescription-strength balm or steroid cream to help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

2. Soak and exfoliate your feet
The skin around cracked heels is often thicker and drier than the rest of your skin. This skin tends to split when you apply pressure. Soaking and moisturizing your feet can help with this. Here are some tips.

For a foot soak:

Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
Gently pat your feet dry.
Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture. Put on socks to avoid spreading any grease around.
Avoid scrubbing your feet when they’re dry. This increases your risk for damaged skin.

You can also try moisturizing heel sleeves. These have a similar effect to foot soaks. The sleeves are like socks that contain therapeutic oils and vitamins to help treat your dry skin. You can find them on Amazon here.

3. Liquid bandage
You can also apply liquid bandage to cracks to seal the wound and prevent infections or further cracking. This product comes as a spray, which means you can go about your day without worrying about the bandage coming off. Liquid bandage is a good option for treating deep heel cracks that may bleed.

Apply liquid bandage to clean, dry skin. As the crack heals, the coating is forced to the skin’s surface. You can buy this product without a prescription at a drug store or online on Amazon.

Some people report success using super glue to close skin cracks. One 1999 case study observed ten people who used two to three drops of super glue along each crack. They held the crack together for 60 seconds to allow it to seal. About a week later, they reported the cracks to be closed and pain-free. But commercial super glue can be toxic, depending on the brand. Talk to your doctor before trying this approach.

4. Honey
Honey may work as a natural remedy for cracked heels. According to a 2012 review, honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Research shows that honey can help heal and cleanse wounds, and moisturize the skin. You can use honey as a foot scrub after a soak, or apply it as a foot mask overnight.

5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is often recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help your skin retain moisture. Using coconut oil after a foot soak could be a good option, too. Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may your cracked heels if they’re prone to bleeding or infections.
https://www.wikihow.com
https://www.healthline.com

Cracked Heel

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