Cracked heels are far from being just an aesthetic problem. Dry skin on the soles that turns into deep, painful cracks often leads to significant discomfort and pain.
The main causes of cracked heels are:
Dehydration;
Using abrasive soap;
Using hot water in the shower;
Exfoliating the skin when it is already dry;
Lack of certain minerals in the body;
Uncomfortable footwear;
Standing for long periods;
Walking;
Certain conditions such as diabetes, obesity, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, atopic dermatitis, or fungal infections.
Tips:
You will need:
4-5 liters of warm water
3 tablespoons of baking soda
Pumice stone
Thick vegetable oil (almond, coconut, olive, etc.)
Mix the water well until the baking soda dissolves and soak your feet in this mixture for 20 minutes. Gently rub the heels with a pumice stone, then apply the moisturizing oil. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week, and the results will not be long in coming!
Make it a habit to soak your feet in warm water in the evening before bed. Gently exfoliate with a pumice stone. After this process, apply argan or almond oil.
In the evening, soak your feet in warm water to which you can add lemon juice or a little apple cider vinegar.
Stay hydrated! Dehydration can also lead to cracked heels.
After bathing, massage your feet with olive, coconut, or sesame oil. These have beneficial effects, especially if you let the oil act overnight on the skin of your heels. Additionally, coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for cracked heels that are often prone to bleeding or infections.
Mix equal parts of glycerin and rose water; this mixture helps both to hydrate the skin and to prevent bacterial infections. Massage the obtained mixture onto the cracked heels and let it act overnight. Repeat until healed.
Honey is also an effective and accessible remedy, having emollient and antibacterial properties. Mix two tablespoons of brown sugar, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one tablespoon of honey, and apply the obtained mixture to your heels after bathing. Let it act for 5 minutes, then rinse. This mixture is recommended after the lesions have healed.
