Cracked Heel Prevention & Care

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot problem that can cause pain and discomfort. They occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry and thick, and then splits or cracks.

There are many causes of cracked heels, some are

• Dry skin: When the skin on the heels becomes dry, it can become thick and crack.

• Standing or walking for long periods of time: When you put a lot of pressure on your heels, the skin can become dry and crack.

• Wearing open-backed shoes or sandals: When you wear shoes that don't fully cover your heels, the skin can dry out and crack.

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, can make the skin on your heels more prone to cracking.

To prevent cracked heels, it's important to keep your feet moisturized. Use a thick, fragrance-free cream or lotion on your feet, especially on the heels, and massage it in gently. Avoid taking long, hot showers or baths, which can dry out your skin, and use lukewarm water instead.

If you already have cracked heels, it's important to keep the affected area clean and moisturized. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the skin, and then gently remove any dead skin using a pumice stone or foot file. Apply a thick moisturizer to the area and cover it with a bandage to keep the moisturizer in place.

If your cracked heels are severe or painful, or if they're accompanied by other symptoms such as redness or swelling, you should see a podiatrist or other foot specialist. They may recommend other treatments, such as medicated creams, arthotics, or special shoe inserts.

In conclusion, Cracked heels can be caused by dry skin, standing or walking for long periods of time, wearing open-backed shoes or sandals, or medical conditions. To prevent cracked heels, it's important to keep your feet moisturized and to avoid long, hot showers or baths. If you already have cracked heels, it's important to keep the affected area clean and moisturized, and to see a podiatrist if they're severe or painful.

● DIY cream for cracked heel

There are several DIY cream recipes you can use to treat cracked heels. Here are a few:

• Coconut oil and beeswax

 Mix equal parts coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir until the beeswax is fully melted, then remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then apply to your cracked heels and cover with a pair of clean socks. Leave on overnight for best results.

• Shea butter and honey

Mix equal parts shea butter and honey in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your cracked heels and cover with a pair of clean socks. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing off with warm water.

• Olive oil and sugar

Mix equal parts olive oil and sugar in a small bowl. Gently massage the mixture onto your cracked heels, focusing on the rough, cracked areas. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry feet with towel.

• Vitamin E oil and Aloe vera gel

Mix equal parts Vitamin E oil and Aloe vera gel in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your cracked heels and cover with a pair of clean socks. Leave on overnight for best results.

These DIY creams can be very effective in moisturizing and healing cracked heels, but you should also keep in mind that it's important to keep the affected area clean and to avoid long, hot showers or baths, which can dry out your skin. If your cracked heels are severe or painful, or if they're accompanied by other symptoms such as redness or swelling, you should see a podiatrist or other foot specialist for treatment.