How to Heal Dry, Cracked Heels, According to the Dermatologist
“Heels are at their worst in winter,” says Solomon.
A long winter and spring stuck inside in the dry air may have made the super dry skin like a fault line on feet, especially heels. Self isolation associated with COVID scenario may tempt to keep feet hidden, and thus cracks in heels can fracture into deep cuts, or fissures, that can be pretty painful and even get infected. The expert and renowned skin specialist, Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya, provides in essence regarding the causes of cracked heels and how to heal them safely.
What causes dry cracked heels?
In everyday life, many factors blame for the formation of cracked heels are: lack of moisture in the skin of feet; exposing footwear; deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and zinc; genetics; keratoderma climactericum (implies as changes in foot pores and skin during the menopausal period); pressure on heels; ageing skin; and some disorders like Athlete’s foot, psoriasis, eczema, thyroid disease, diabetes, and obesity.
What are the symptoms of dry cracked heels?
The symptoms of dry and cracked heels are as follows:
- Dryness around the heel area and in the area on the underside of your feet, just below the toes
- Red and scaly patches of skin
- Skin peeling in thin strands
- Cracks and lines in the skin
- Itchiness
- Bleeding or discharge from crack heels due to a developed infection
How can you treat dry and cracked heels?
As it is uncomfortable to walk on hardened heels, many people demand effective treatments. These treatments aid to scrub off the thick dead skin cells that make feet dry and cracked. Urea and lactic acid are the most preferred products prescribed by dermatologists to eliminate such thick dead skin cells.
6 tips to prevent dry and cracked heels
- Keep your feet clean and moisturized
- Exfoliate your heels regularly with pumice stone and soak your feet in warm salt water or water with few drops of lemon juices mixed in it
- Relax feet with natural-oil based foot massages
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate skin of feet
- Relax feet with properly fitted shoes, stop excessive walking/standing, and refrain overexposure to pollutants
- Always consume a balanced diet enriched with vitamins (e.g. more of citrus fruits and green vegetables, milk, and egg), zinc (e.g. poultry products, whole grains and seafood), and omega-3 fatty acid (e.g. flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts).
How Long Until I See Results?
Your feet will not look better in overnight, but they will look better soon. If any complaints related to cracked heels persist even after precautions, consult a dermatologist to identify potential causes or underlying health problems and get proper treatment.
“Healthy feet are the happy feet”. Always keep your feet healthy and wealthy with regular consultation of dermatologists and proper care. Then, your feet will thank you and they will charm your personality!