Dry and cracked heels are a common foot problem. Here’s how you can treat them!
Dry, cracked heels are a common foot problem. You might be embarrassed by the dry, flaky skin on your feet, but you don’t have to be! Use these tips to treat dry and cracked heels in order to get the smooth, soft feet you deserve.
1. Exfoliate your feet regularly
Dry skin can build up on your feet and make the problem worse. Exfoliating removes that dry skin so that moisturizer can penetrate your skin and keep it moisturized. Use a scrub several times a week in order to get rid of the dry, dead skin on your feet.
2. Moisturize daily
Moisturizing daily keeps your feet moisturized so that they won’t crack or become ashy in appearance. I recommend applying lotion right after taking a shower or washing your hands and drying off. This is because your skin is still damp, so it allows for better absorption of the moisturizer into your skin. If you’re looking for an extra boost of moisture, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or shea butter before bedtime, then cover with socks overnight. The socks will help lock in the moisture
You can treat dry and cracked heels with an exfoliating cream or foot scrub. These products gently remove dead skin from the area. Once you’ve removed the dead skin, you should immediately apply a moisturizing cream to the area. Moisturizing cream will prevent your skin from cracking again. You should try to use exfoliating cream or foot scrub at least once each week.
If you want to exfoliate your feet naturally, you can use a pumice stone. Pumice stones are made of volcanic rock and they’re usually rough and abrasive. To use a pumice stone, soak your feet in warm water for at least five minutes. Then, gently rub the pumice stone over the affected area. Rub until all of the hard, dead skin has been removed. Then rinse your feet with warm water and pat them dry with a towel.
Another natural solution for dry and cracked heels is olive oil. Olive oil contains a lot of fatty acids that are great for treating dry and cracked heels. To use olive oil on your heels, simply massage it into the area after you’ve taken a shower or bath.*
Dry and cracked heels can be embarrassing and painful. In fact, there is a medical term for it: heel fissures. Cracked heels are common, especially in the winter when the air is dry. The cracks on your heels are also known as heel fissures.
In most cases, dry, cracked heels are not a serious medical condition. But they can be uncomfortable, and sometimes they look unsightly. Dry feet can also be a sign of a medical condition that may require treatment by your doctor or dermatologist. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take at home to treat your dry, cracked heels.
Dry feet can affect anyone of any age or gender. They often don’t cause any pain unless they get deep enough that the skin begins to bleed.
Dry feet may seem like a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated, they can lead to more serious conditions like eczema and athlete’s foot. If you have diabetes or another disease that affects blood circulation, cracked skin can also make it easier for bacteria to enter your body and cause infection.*
Dry and cracked heels can be extremely embarrassing and are a common problem. In medical terms it is known as heel fissures. Cracked heels are often caused by dry skin (xerosis), and made more complicated if the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus). Sometimes cracks in the skin of the heel can become infected, especially if the skin is very dry.
Dry and cracked heels can also occur in people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or diseases that affect nerves and circulation, including Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral arterial disease, as well as obesity.
If you have diabetes or other medical conditions that cause poor blood flow to your feet or nerve damage, don’t attempt to treat cracked heels on your own. See your doctor for advice and treatment to prevent complications.
Dry and cracked heels are a result of moisture loss from the skin. This lack of moisture causes the skin on the feet to become hard, dry and flaky. The cracks that develop deepen over time and can lead to bleeding.
Dryness is also caused by excessive washing, exposure to heat or cold, aging and certain medical conditions. There are a number of home remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms associated with dry and cracked heels. These include:
The use of petroleum jelly, coconut oil or olive oil at night before bed can help to keep the skin on the feet moist. The best way to use these is to apply them to clean, slightly damp feet and cover them with socks. The use of vitamin E oil can also be beneficial as it promotes skin repair.
What causes dry, cracked heels?
Dry, cracked heels are most commonly caused by neglect and wearing open-back shoes. Dry skin is more prone to cracking than moisturised skin, and the heel area is particularly susceptible due to the pressure put upon it when walking.
How can you treat dry, cracked heels?
The best way to treat dry, cracked heels is by exfoliating the skin with a foot scrub or pumice stone. This removes any dead skin that may be exacerbating the problem. Follow this with a rich body lotion – we recommend The Sanctuary Spa Body Lotion – for immediate relief from symptoms. If your heels are too painful to walk on without discomfort, try applying a thick layer of moisturiser before going to bed and covering your feet with socks overnight.
How can you prevent dry, cracked heels?
To prevent dry, cracked heels from recurring and causing discomfort, ensure you follow up exfoliation with moisturising to keep your feet hydrated and soft. An intensive treatment such as our Heel Genius Foot Cream will provide an instant moisture kick for sore feet and calloused areas.
Dry, cracked heels are a common foot problem. Learn about what causes them and how to treat them here.