What are the causes for dry feet or cracked heels? How to treat it

We have all seen our mothers with cracked heels and also seen doing all those home remedies. They might help in reducing those cracked heels but more than that it is important to follow preventive tips to reduce the chances of having dry or cracked heels.

Not many people are aware of following a good routine or habits to maintain those smooth crack-free heels. Thankfully, you are on the right platform to learn it, keep reading to know the secret to maintain healthy heels.

What are Dry or Cracked Feet?

Cracked feet are just a common problem where the skin around the heels becomes thick and dry. Mostly, the cases of cracked heels are minor but are easily noticeable.

But when these cracks become deep then they are known as fissures and are quite painful while walking. If not taken care of it might become infected causing more problems.

What are the causes of having Dry or Cracked Feet?

When enough moisture is provided to the feet it starts to appear dry, flaky and cracked. Since our heels have fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, they produce less oil.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes or slippers while standing for longer periods of time.his constant action can cause irritation and pressure on the feet resulting in calloused heels.
Using harsh chemicals and soaps on the feet can strip away moisture. The excessive use of soap on the feet can easily lead to cracked heels.
Wearing tight shoes all ths time can cause an unsuitable environment for the feet. This could cause the heat and humidity to collect in the feet while drawing away the moisture. Leading your skin to become dry and cracked as well.
Aging is also one of the common causes of cracked heels as the skin starts to lose its ability to retain water as you age. The skin around the heels becomes thinner and resulting in cracked heels.

There are other medical conditions resulting in cracked or dry heels including:-

Eczema is one of the common conditions resulting in dry and crusty patches on the feet. This skin problem is caused due to skin inflammation and is an auto-immune disorder.
A fungal infection called "athlete's foot" can cause your feet to become dry and scaly.
Psoriasis is one of the autoimmune disorders which causes the building up of skin cells and hence resulting in dry patches.

What are the ways to treat Cracked or Dry Feet?

How To Heal Cracked Feet Overnight

Applying a good foot cream

Foot creams are great ways to moisturize the heels. It helps in covering the heels with a good thick layer which will lock in the needed moisture. According to the studies applying a good foot cream moisturizer can reduce water loss by up to 98%.

Massaging the heels with foot cream can also help you to calm the nervous system by increasing blood circulation. Additionally, it aids in enhancing the softness and smoothness of feet's texture.

Oil Application

Gently massaging the foot with a suitable oil is also another option to help your feet to heal. Using olive oil or coconut oil can help you improve circulation and also stimulates the muscle.

Rub the oil gently on the feet and massage it gently from top to bottom which will help you to relax. Olive oil will help you to give a soft texture and prevent cracked heels.

Learn more benefits of using Olive Oil.

Exfoliating the feet

The skin present around our heels is much thicker as compared to the other parts of our body. This is what makes it more prone to getting dry and cracked when applying pressure. Exfoliation of the feet with a help of a foot scrubber or pumice stone can effectively help in removing thick skin.

After scrubbing the feet, clean them properly and apply a good moisturizer when it's fully dried out.

Liquid Bandage

Liquid bandage is also one of the popular ways to heal the cracks and prevent them from getting infected. They also come in a form of spray if you are worried that the bandage might slip off.

It is one of the most suitable options to stop the bleeding from cracked heels. Along with that, it is a greater option to heal the cracked heels fast.

Home Remedies

Home Remedies For Dry Feet

Soaking in Epsom Salt

Soaking the feet in salt water can in softening the heels and reduce cracked heels. Washing the feet with salted water will also help in treating infection and rashes on the feet.

Simply add Epsom salt to the warm water and let it soak in the same water for 20 minutes. This helps you to remove the hard skin easily with the help of pumice stone leaving your feet soft. This helps in reducing the chances of having cracked heels.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants which is what makes it effective in healing dry feet. It is regarded as one of the best methods for keeping feet hydrated.

Simply apply shea butter all over your foot and leave it overnight. You'll start to see changes after a few weeks, and your feet will feel silky smooth once more.

Conclusion

Best Crack Cream For Feet India

It is common to have cracked heels as it could be caused due to wearing tight shoes, washing feet extreme, and many more. If dry skin or cracked heels are left without treatment then it might leave the skin with infection.

Cracked heels can be managed through some preventive tips like regularly moisturizing the foot, wearing comfortable shoes, and many more. There are certain other medical skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis that could cause dry or cracked heels.

FAQs

Q. It is possible to heal the cracked feet through coconut oil?

Ans. Yes, Coconut oil is one of the greatest ways to reduce cracked heels as it helps in providing the heels with its needed moisture.

Q. How is it possible to treat dry feet?

Ans. It can be easily done through exfoliating the feet or using pumice stone to remove the dead cells around the feet.

Q. Which oil are the best to prevent the heels from getting dry or cracked?

Ans. There are several oils present in the market that are effective for dry and cracked heels but the most suggested ones are olive oil, castor oil and tea tree oil.