Where do the cracks on the heels come from and what to do about them

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One of the reasons may be diabetes.

Why do cracks in the heels appear

The main reason is dry skin. There are no sebaceous glands on the feet, only sweat glands. Therefore, our feet need additional hydration.

If there is not enough moisture, the skin becomes dry and rough, and calluses form on it. Due to the load during walking, the skin bursts and cracks appear.

Here are some factors that affect the appearance of cracks.

1. You drink little water, the body is dehydrated.
2. You wash with too hot water. It washes away the thin protective film from the skin, which causes dryness and peeling.
3. You spend a lot of time on your feet.
4. Wash your feet with harsh soap, which dries the skin out.
5. Do not moisturize your feet with cream or special oil.
6. You wear uncomfortable shoes: they press or rub.
7. You live in a cold climate. Dry winter air and low temperatures have a bad effect on the skin.
8. You are sick:

• diabetes – high blood sugar levels can disrupt the work of sweat glands and the water balance of the skin;
• obesity – the load on the feet increases;
• vitamin deficiency – there is a lack of vitamins necessary for the regeneration of epidermal cells;
• eczema or psoriasis – these chronic diseases are manifested in irritation and dryness of the skin, provoke the appearance of cracks;
• fungal infection – when the fungus affects the skin, and it becomes dry.

When to see a doctor

You need medical help if:

1. The cracks are red, painful, itchy, or bleed This happens when you ignore a problem for a long time and trigger it.
2. It hurts to stand and walk.
3. You have diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, vitamin deficiency or obesity. In this case, home remedies can reduce the problem, but are unlikely to completely eliminate it.
4. A fungus has appeared on your feet or nails. Self-medication in this case is dangerous: scrubs and masks can spread the infection throughout the skin.
5. You carefully take care of your skin, but nothing helps, your heels still crack.

The doctor will ask you to take tests and prescribe treatment for the disease that caused the cracks. He will also prescribe medications that you can definitely use.

How to get rid of cracked heels at home

These methods will help if the cracked heels are small, do not cause you suffering and are not caused by diseases.

1. Exfoliate dead skin cells

Wash your feet in warm water, and then gently walk over them with a pumice stone or scrub. Be careful not to try to peel off the dead layer. Do not cut dry corns with a razor or scissors. This way you will only make it worse, the cracks will become bigger and will start to hurt.

You need to start with 1-2 times a week, but you can exfoliate more often. But if the skin is red and inflamed, the procedures should be stopped.

2. Make compresses or masks

To soften and moisturize rough skin, you can use natural remedies.

Coconut oil

< p>It has antimicrobial properties and helps retain moisture.

Every day, lubricate the skin with oil, let it absorb a little and put on socks. It is advisable to do this before going to bed and leave the oil on all night. But you can also reduce the exposure time: simply apply gauze soaked in oil to your feet for 20-30 minutes, and then wipe the skin with a damp cloth.

Shea oil

It contains vitamins A and E, fatty acids and antioxidants and accelerates the healing and regeneration of the skin. Shea oil should be applied in the same way as coconut oil.

Honey

It has antibacterial properties and helps fight cracks.

Apply honey to clean skin, massage and rinse with warm water. Or evenly distribute it over clean and dry skin, and rinse after 15-20 minutes. Do this at least a couple of times a week, and better – more often.

Banana puree

Softens and nourishes the skin, has antifungal properties.

Apply the puree to your heels for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week before going to bed.

3. Moisturize your skin

After the mask or compress, when the skin becomes a little softer, apply a thick moisturizing foot cream. It forms a thin film that will not allow moisture to evaporate.

One of the most effective and budget-friendly means is considered to be ordinary Vaseline. It should be applied to clean and dry skin, and then put on socks and do not take them off until the morning.

4. Wear cotton socks

In such socks, your feet breathe and sweat less. Plus, cotton retains the moisture that the skin has received from masks and creams.

Hide synthetic socks away in the closet so as not to slow down the healing of cracks.

5. Use a professional remedy for calluses and cracks

These can be creams or gels that contain urea, saccharide isomerate, lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid. They will help remove dead epidermal cells and soften the skin.

You can find such keratolytic agents in any pharmacy or store. The drugs should be rubbed in 1-3 times a day and bandaged for the best effect.

Well, it is better to consult a doctor before use.

6. Regularly apply a liquid bandage to the cracks

Cracks on the heels can become inflamed, painful and bleed if dirt and germs get into them. A liquid bandage in the form of a spray will help prevent this.

It should be applied to clean and dry skin and renewed as soon as the bandage begins to wear off.

There are many different sprays in pharmacies, they are sold without a prescription. But before buying them, you should still consult a dermatologist or orthopedist. Some substances in the composition can cause allergies.

Is it possible to prevent cracks?

There is only one way – to take care of your feet, regularly undergo medical examinations and take tests so as not to miss the disease. Experts give some simple tips for daily care.

1. Check your feet for inflammation, cuts and other sores in order to start treatment in time and prevent infection.
2. Wash your feet in warm water, but not for too long. Long water procedures dry the skin.
3. After washing, moisturize the skin with cream or lotion.
4. Choose shoes according to size. It should not be tight.
5. Try to wear less flip-flops and any open-heeled shoes, as they do not protect your skin from dust, dirt and UV rays.
6. Don't wear the same shoes every day, give them time to air out. A moist environment is ideal for fungal infections.