Standing for long periods of time Being overweight Open backed shoes Medical condition which causes drying of the skin, prevalent in diabetes Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
Common Treatment for Cracked Heels
Clean and moisturize your feet daily. Before going to bed, soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes, wash and dab it dry. Take one teaspoon Vaseline, add lemon juice extracted from one lemon. Rub this mixture on your feet mainly the cracked areas. Let the skin absorb this mixture. Do this daily to get maximum benefits.
Mixture of glycerin and rosewater applied on daily basis helps heal the cracked feet.
Exfoliating and scrubbing your feet is very important. The accumulation of dead skin can worsen the problem. Use of pumice stone or a loofah to remove the dead skin is recommended.
Apply oil based moisturizer on your feet, twice daily if possible.
Pamper your feet by giving it a pedicure either at home or at a parlor. If you are too lazy to go to the parlor wash your feet in sea salt water and scrub it. Apply hand and body cream on your feet.
In 100 gms of coconut oil add 3 teaspoon camphor and 3 tablespoon paraffin wax melted. Apply this daily on your cracked heels before going to bed. After washing it in the morning apply hand and body cream.
Exfoliation with the help of strawberry. Crush 6-8 strawberries; mix two tablespoons of olive or almond oil and one teaspoon of sea salt. Apply this paste on your feet and use vigorous movements to improve blood circulation. Leave it for 10-15 minutes; rinse using with warm water then cold water. You could do the same thing using almonds instead of strawberries. Other scrubs can be prepared by grinding corncobs and walnut sheet (very useful for tough skin and hardened heels). The juices and oil from the different fruits and nuts helps to nourish your feet.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Cracked heels are often referred to as fissures and are usually caused by dry skin. For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures are deep, the skin bleeds easily and is can be very painful. The heels appear yellow or dark brown depending on the skin type and are normally accompanied by dry skin. Symptoms include a hard growth of skin, usually on the outer edge of the heel. Patients may experience pain while walking and increased discomfort in thin soles or open back shoes.
Cracked heels are very common. They can be painful, unattractive, and very upsetting - especially to those of us who love sandals.
Debridement cutting away hard thick skin (this should not be attempted at home using scissors or razor blade as there is a risk of removing too much skin and infection occurring).
To remove the dry and thick skin we found a great battery operated tool - the Artemis Woman Heel Smoother. This revolutionary pedicure appliance smoothes callouses and removes dry skin on heels and toes in seconds, without the use of harsh chemicals or dangerous blades.
The perfect form of treatment for cracked heels is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Avoid wearing open backed shoes or light soled shoes. A twice-daily application of any good oil based moisturizing cream is very effectual in preventing dry, cracked heels. Never try to shear down the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors. Wear shoes with a good shock absorbing sole. Keep feet clean and dirt free.
Cracked skin can also indicate a fungal infection. Try alternating the use of an antifungal foot cream like Avon Foot Works Antifungal Foot Cream with an exfoliating product. If you need a more accessible antifungal treatment, you can opt for no-frills drugstore versions of athlete's foot treatments.
Removing the hard thick skin by debriding it (often the splits will not heal if the skin is not removed). This may need to be done on a regular basis. Regular maintenance may be the best way to prevent the problem.
External applications like germicidal or bactericidal or antiseptic or steroids are also commonly prescribed. These applications also clear the complaint very temporarily i.e. while in use.
Take about three tablespoons of bees wax and mix one teaspoonful sesame oil in it. Warm it a little and apply on the affected areas.
The most important step in treating and preventing cracked heels is to establish a regular morning and evening regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. In the morning cleanse your feet with an antibacterial soap then exfoliate them using something like a natural fiber washcloth such as an ayate washcloth or a pumice stone. Dry your feet well then apply a deep penetrating foot balm to the effected areas. When possible don a pair of 100% cotton socks for the day.
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Kevin Pederson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Nutrition, Fibromyalgia and Yoga Practice. Kevin Pederson looks after websites which are similar to home cure treatment, giving out tips and remedies to fight them.