How to Heal Cracked Heels

Taking care of cracked heels is essential for maintaining comfort and mobility in daily life. Taking proactive steps can help you maintain healthy, comfortable feet year-round.

It's common for the feet to become dry and cracked, particularly during winter. While often just a nuisance and unsightly, deep cracks can make standing, walking, or any pressure on the heel painful. If left untreated, this can worsen and interfere with daily activities. Fortunately, there are many ways to heal cracked heels. Read on to discover some of the most effective tips for treating cracked heels.

Causes of Cracked Heels

Dry skin is common and can be a result of various factors, often a combination of several. These factors include:

Age: As you get older, your skin undergoes changes. Accumulated sun damage, reduced skin thickness, and decreased oil production, all contribute to dryness on your feet and other areas.

Lack of Maintenance:

Neglecting to moisturise your feet, even if you moisturise the rest of your body, can lead to dry skin.

Trauma:

Repeated friction from rubbing and prolonged exposure to harsh environments, like dry climates, can dry out your skin.

Sometimes, dry skin may indicate a serious underlying condition. Dry, flaky skin can be caused by a fungal infection, atopic dermatitis (eczema), or nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, dry, cracked skin on the heels could indicate diabetes. If an underlying condition is causing your dry skin, it’s best to seek treatment from a healthcare provider rather than attempting to treat it on your own.

Treatment for Cracked Heels

If your problem is caused by a lack of care rather than an underlying condition, there are several steps you can take to improve the condition of your heels. Here are some tips:

1. Moisturise

The first step for the treatment of cracked heels is the use of a thick moisturiser twice every day. Look for a product that contains ingredients to soften, hydrate, and exfoliate dead skin. Emolene Cream , for example, is a potent moisturiser that offers immediate relief from irritated and dry skin. Its primary active ingredient, propylene glycol, aids in restoring the natural balance of skin moisture, leaving your skin soft and hydrated. At Apollo Pharmacy, Emolene Cream price is just ₹318. In severe cases, a prescription-strength heel balm or steroid cream may be required to help treat inflammation and eliminate itching.

2. Soak and Exfoliate

The skin surrounding cracked heels is typically drier and thicker than other areas, which makes it prone to splitting under pressure. Soaking and moisturising your feet can help alleviate this condition. Here are some tips:

1) Soak your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.

2) Use a loofah, pumice stone, or foot scrubber to gently remove any hard, thick skin.

3) Pat your feet dry with a towel.

4) Apply a heel balm or thick moisturiser to the affected area.

5) Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture.

6) Avoid scrubbing your feet when they’re dry, as this increases the risk of damaging your skin.

3. Apply Liquid Bandage

A liquid bandage can be applied to heel cracks to seal the wound and prevent further cracking or infections. This product, which usually comes as a spray, allows you to go about your day without worrying about the bandage coming off. It serves as a protective barrier and can help relieve pain, stop germs from penetrating your skin, and accelerate healing. It is particularly effective for treating deep heel cracks that may bleed. To use, apply liquid bandage to clean, dry skin. As your cracks heal, the coating will naturally come to the surface of your skin. You can purchase liquid bandages at a pharmacy or online without a prescription.

4. Wear Proper Shoes

If you are experiencing dry, cracked heels, it's advisable to avoid open-heeled shoes like slingbacks or flip flops, as well as worn-down or ill-fitting shoes. These can increase friction on the heels, exacerbating dryness and cracking. Instead, opt for supportive, well-fitted closed shoes and socks. This choice can help alleviate symptoms by reducing friction and providing better support to the heels.

If self-care methods, like using Emolene Cream or regular exfoliation, aren't effective, or if you notice swelling or inflammation in your heels, it's important to consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe a stronger moisturising ointment or a steroid cream to reduce inflammation. Your healthcare provider might also recommend special bandages or tissue glue to protect the skin and help the cracks heal by holding their edges together. In cases where dry and cracked skin persists, it could indicate a more serious health issue such as nerve damage or diabetes. If you suspect an underlying condition, it's crucial to discuss this with your doctor to determine if further evaluation is necessary.