Cracked heels. Picture: X
Summer is a stone’s throw away, and the last thing you want is to wear heavy old sneakers on a hot day simply because you are embarrassed about the condition of your heels.
With a few months to spare until the festive season, the best time to start your restorative journey is now.
What are cracked heels?
Cracked heels, also commonly referred to as “heel fissures” occur when the bottom skin of your heel becomes dry. This later causes the tissue of that area to thicken and ultimately harden.
In addition to this, it leads to the formation of calluses that then begin to split due to the constant pressure caused by walking and standing. In severe instances, this can be quite sore and painful, but in minor cases, the only thing you may experience is discomfort.
According to the Australian wellness publication, The Feet People, other common symptoms include:
- Itchiness in the area
- Bleeding from the cracks
- Flaky skin
- Warmth, redness & swelling may be present if there is an infection
The causes?
The health and wellness publication Healthline further notes that there may be several factors that lead to one’s heels being in this awful state, most of which are influenced by lifestyle choices.
These may include:
- Standing for long hours
- Walking around barefoot, or with open-back sandals
- Taking long, hot showers
- Using harsh soaps that can strip your skin of natural oils
- Shoes that don’t fit properly or support your heels
- Dry skin due to climate, such as cold temperatures or low humidity
Fortunately, as with most cases, there are ways through which you can counter these effects.
Below is a list of simple remedies that have been known to do wonders and help restore the condition of your heels to what it was originally intended to be.
- Rest your feet in soapy water for 20 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a loofah or pumice stone to remove the thick, hard skin on your heels.
- Dry your feet thoroughly.
- Apply a heavy moisturizer, such as petroleum jelly, to your dry feet.
- Put on a pair of thick socks to keep the moisturizer in place.
Also see: How to use rice water for skin care