Where do heel cracks come from and what to do with them

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Diabetes may be one of the reasons.

Why do cracks appear on the heels

The main reason is dry skin. There are no sebaceous glands on the feet, only sweat glands. Therefore, our feet need additional moisture.

If there is not enough moisture, the skin becomes dry and rough, seals form on it - calluses. Due to the stress during walking, the skin bursts and cracks appear.

There are several factors that contribute to the appearance of cracks.

1. You don't drink enough water, your body is dehydrated.
2. You wash with too hot water. It washes off a thin protective film from the skin, which causes dryness and flaking.
3. Spend a lot of time on your feet.
4. Wash your feet with harsh soap, which dries your skin a lot.
5. Do not moisturize your feet with cream or special oils.
6. Wear uncomfortable shoes: they press or chafe.
7. You live in a cold climate. Dry winter air and cold temperatures are bad for the skin.

8. Are you sick:

   • diabetes - high blood sugar can disrupt the work of the sweat glands and the water balance of the skin;
   • obesity - the load on the legs increases;
   • vitamin deficiency - there is not enough vitamins necessary for the regeneration of epidermal cells;
   • eczema or psoriasis - these chronic diseases manifest themselves in irritation and dryness of the skin, provoking the appearance of cracks;
   • fungal infection - when the fungus infects the skin, it becomes dry.

When to see a doctor

You need medical attention if:

1. The cracks are red, sore, itchy, or bleeding. This happens when you ignore the problem for a long time and run it.
2. It hurts you to stand and walk.
3. You have diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, vitamin deficiency, or obesity. In this case, home remedies may lessen the problem, but are unlikely to completely eliminate it.
4. Fungus has appeared on the feet or nails. Self-medication in this case is dangerous: scrubs and masks can spread the infection to the skin.
5. You take good care of your skin, but nothing helps, the heels still crack.

The doctor will ask you to take tests and prescribe treatment for the disease that caused the cracks. He will also write out funds that you can definitely use.

How to get rid of cracked heels at home

These methods will help if the cracks in the heels are small, do not cause you suffering and are not caused by disease.

1. Exfoliate dead skin cells

Wash your feet in lukewarm water, then lightly rub your feet with a pumice stone or scrub. Be careful not to try to peel off the stratum corneum. Do not cut dry calluses with a razor or scissors. This will only make things worse, the cracks will become larger and begin to hurt.

You need to start with 1-2 times a week, but you can exfoliate more often. But if the skin turns red and inflamed, the procedure must be stopped.

2. Make compresses or masks

Natural remedies can be used to soften and moisturize rough skin.

Coconut oil

It has antimicrobial properties and helps to retain moisture.

Lubricate your skin with oil every day, let it soak a little, and put on your socks. It is advisable to do this before bed and leave the oil on overnight. But you can also shorten the exposure time: just apply a gauze soaked in oil to your feet for 20-30 minutes, and then wipe the skin with a damp cloth.

Shea Butter

It contains vitamins A and E, fatty acids and antioxidants and accelerates the healing and regeneration of the skin. Shea butter should be used in the same way as coconut butter.

Honey

It has antibacterial properties and helps fight cracks.

Apply honey to clean skin, massage and rinse with warm water. Or spread it evenly over clean, dry skin and rinse off after 15-20 minutes. Do this at least a couple of times a week, or more often.

Banana puree

Softens and nourishes the skin, has anti-fungal properties.

Before going to bed, apply the puree to your heels for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week.

3. Moisturize your skin

After the mask or compress, when your skin feels a little softer, apply a thick moisturizer to your feet. It forms a thin film that prevents moisture from evaporating.

Ordinary petroleum jelly is considered one of the most effective and budgetary means. It should be applied to clean and dry skin, and then put on socks and do not take them off until morning.

4. Wear cotton socks

In such socks, the legs breathe and sweat less. Plus cotton retains the moisture that the skin has received from masks and creams.

Hide synthetic socks further in the closet so as not to inhibit the healing of cracks.

5. Use a professional remedy for corns and cracks

These can be creams or gels that contain urea, saccharide isomerate, lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid. They will help remove dead skin cells and soften the skin.

You can find such keratolytic agents at any pharmacy or store. The preparations should be rubbed in 1-3 times a day and dressings should be applied for the best effect.

Well, before using it is better to consult a doctor.

6. Apply liquid bandage to cracks regularly

Cracked heels can become inflamed, sore, and bleed if trapped in dirt and germs. A liquid bandage in the form of a spray will help prevent this.

It should be applied on clean and dry skin and renewed as soon as the bandage begins to wear off.

There are many different sprays in pharmacies and they are sold without a prescription. But before buying them, you should still consult with a dermatologist or orthopedist. Some substances in the composition can cause allergies.

Can cracks be prevented?

There is only one way - to take care of your feet, to undergo regular medical examinations and tests so as not to miss the disease. The WebMD experts provide some simple daily grooming tips.

1. Check your feet for inflammation, cuts and other sores to start treatment on time and prevent infection.
2. Wash your feet in warm water, but not for too long. Long-term water treatments dry the skin.
3. After washing, moisturize your skin with cream or lotion.
4. Choose shoes by size. She shouldn't press.
5. Try to wear less flip-flops and any open-heeled shoes because they don't protect your skin from dust, dirt and UV rays.
6. Don't wear the same shoe every day; give it time to air out. A humid environment is ideal for the development of fungal infections.