Cracked heels or feet fissures are a sign of improper foot care. The soles of our feet are more prone to dryness and cracking due to the lack of oil glands in this region. Cracked heels can be caused by lack of moisture, medical condition and over exposure. Cracked heels can appear in any person, but people that suffer from diabetes and athlete’s foot are more prone to it. We are also more prone to cracking feet as we age. The cracks on our feet injures the epidermis of the skin and at times can cause deeper damage in the dermis, this can cause irritation and severe pain.
Excessive amounts of pressure on the foot pad will affect the sole of the feet since this part is dry. It is more prone to damage and cracking. People who suffer from omega 3 fatty acids and zinc deficiency is more prone to cracked heels.
This skin problem is common in both genders, it varies in severity. Some cracked heels can be of a cosmetic issue to something that causes severe pain.
Cracked heels can be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, inflammation, peeling of the skin and redness. Taking the right precautions will help prevent cracked heels and stop it from causing further damage that may lead to pain and bleeding.
There are several ways to remove cracked heels, below are some you can try at home.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil can help moisturize the skin on the feet, removing the rough and cracked patches. Massage your heel using vegetable oil before you go to sleep and use an exfoliator in the morning. This will remove the dead skin while locking in the moisture on your feet. Do this every day until you get your desired result. You can use different vegetable oil such as sesame oil, olive oil and coconut oil. You can prevent the oil from spreading on your bed sheet by wearing socks.
Rice Flour
The key to removing cracked heels is to exfoliate the skin and remove the dead skin cells that are causing the cracks. Rice flour is a great ingredient for a homemade exfoliating scrub. Create the scrub by mixing the ground rice flour with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and honey. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. If the crack on your heels are causing you pain, add olive oil to the mixture. Soak your feet in a foot basin filled with warm water for ten minutes. Remove your feet and pat it dry before massaging the rice flour mixture on your feet. Scrub it for about 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Do this remedy every other day until you are happy with the results.
Lemons
The strong acid content of lemons can help soften the skin and reduce cracking of the heels. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes or more. Add lemon juice to your water and scrub the fruit on your feet to exfoliate the skin. You can also use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
Rosewater and Glycerin
Glycerin can moisturize and soften the skin, while rose water improves the skin’s health. Rose water contains antioxidants, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial in severe cases of cracked heels. It also contains vitamin A, D, E, B3 and C that are essential to healthy skin. Mix equal amounts of rose water and glycerin and rub this mixture on your heal every night until you get the desired result.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax will reduce the pain and irritation from cracked heels. It acts as an emollient that softens the skin. You can buy paraffin wax in beauty stores. Melt a block of paraffin wax and add a tablespoon of coconut oil. Allow the mixture to cool, once a thin layer of wax appears on the top try to dip in your toe. If the temperature is bearable, dip your feet in the mixture and raise it, wait for 5 to 10 minutes then repeat. Once your feet are completely covered with paraffin, cover it with plastic and leave it on for 30 minutes. Peel off the wax from your feet and you’ll notice softer and smoother skin
Some of the other causes of cracked heels are an unhealthy diet, lengthy standing on hard floors, wearing shoes that are too tight or have the wrong texture, eczema, corns and calluses, thyroid disease and psoriasis. If the above remedies show no improvement to your cracked heels, it is best to consult a dermatologist. They can help determine the cause of your cracked heels and give you the right medication and treatment to remove it.
