Remedies for Dry and Cracked Heels
Dealing with dry and cracked heels is not only physically a troublesome experience, but it’s also something that isn’t visually pleasing. This painful issue affects many people and shouldn’t be underestimated. Left untreated can lead to other, more serious health problems. So if you’re battling dry skin on your heels, read on, to find more about ways to treat your feet.
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What leads to dry and cracked heels?
Your heels can become cracked as a result of callused epidermis, which becomes thick and hard due to the lack of proper care. If you notice that your heels have become rough, it’s probably time to give them some extra love and care. If home remedies such as removing dead skin, peeling, and the use of moisturizers are no longer effective, it may be high time to visit a beauty salon or a podologist.
Having cracked heels definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. Cracked skin is an easy target for bacteria and viruses. From there, it’s a short road to infections and inflammation. If you’re in a situation where you’re taking proper care of your feet and yet you’re still dealing with cracked heels, you shouldn’t wait any longer and book a consultation with a specialist.
Why does the skin on your heels crack?
Cracked skin on the heels is not only an embarrassing issue, at times it can mean health problems. There are several factors that can directly cause this skin condition:
- Seasonality
- Atmospheric conditions
- Your immune system
- Dehydration
- Putting too much strain on your feet
Some of us can also be more susceptible to this issue. Having one or more of these things can make you more prone to having cracked heels:
- Genetic susceptivity
- A weakened immune system
- Wearing wrong shoes
- Not providing proper care to your skin
- Having thyroid issues
- Suffering from diabetes
- After a surgery or invasive medical procedure
Are there magical treatments?
Unfortunately, we have yet to discover one magical way to cure dry and cracked heels. You should always take into account the sheer multitude of factors that can affect the condition of your skin.
So what contributes to the problem of dry and cracked heels, and more importantly how to deal with an already existing issue? We recommend starting with visiting your nearest podiatry clinic. There, during a detailed interview and examination, you can find out what may be the reason for your problem. A podiatrist can help you start a proper treatment that will soothe your skin and restore its health.
Treatments for dry and cracked heels
At a beauty salon
When dry heels are accompanied by an excessively calloused epidermis (hard skin around the heels), it’s worth considering a therapeutic pedicure. During this treatment, you will get rid of unnecessary dead skin and gain skin elasticity. This will also allow your skin to absorb the active ingredients contained in the moisturizing products you use.
Another treatment you can consider is a paraffin wax treatment. This type of skincare is both safe and effective. The temperature of the paraffin wax allows for better penetration of active ingredients into the epidermis. It also improves microcirculation, which means better nourishment of the skin from within the body.
At home
First, we need to underline that home remedies may not be enough in case of severely cracked skin. They can be an additional form of therapy, but visiting a specialist first is highly recommended.
In the case of home treatments, doing them regularly is key. Basically, you’ll want to take a look at your day-to-day habits, what socks and shoes you wear, and what your moisturizing regimen contains. So look at this checklist below to see what you need to do:
- Choose comfortable shoes
- Opt for cotton socks
- Change your shoes during the day
- Allow your feet to breathe whenever you can
- Exercise
- Use dedicated insoles
- Visit your podologist for check-ups
Remember, if you ever need to find a podologist or beauty salon near you, all you’ll need to do is visit Booksy. By going to our website or opening our app you can also easily book your next appointment!