Cracked heels aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can be painful, uncomfortable, and even lead to infections if not treated properly and timely. While dry, split skin on your heels may seem like a minor issue at first, neglecting it can make walking difficult and compromise your overall comfort.
Fortunately, once you understand what causes cracked heels, it becomes much easier to prevent and treat them effectively. Let’s read in brief detail about it!
Why Do Heels Crack?
The skin on your heels is naturally thicker than on other parts of your body. It needs to withstand pressure from walking and standing for a long time. However, this also means it’s more prone to dryness and callus formation.
Cracked heels often happen when this thick skin becomes too dry or loses its elasticity. As a result, pressure on the feet causes the skin to split. Factors like walking barefoot, wearing open-backed shoes, standing on hard surfaces, or having certain skin conditions (like eczema or psoriasis) can make this worse.
Even cold weather, hot showers, and low humidity levels can rob your skin of moisture, leading to dryness and cracking.
The Role of Moisture
One of the biggest contributors to cracked heels is a lack of moisture. When your feet are dry and dehydrated, the skin becomes rough and brittle, making it easier for cracks to form.
That’s why hydration is key. Applying a rich, targeted heel balm can make a world of difference. Unlike regular moisturizers, heel balms are specially formulated with ingredients like urea, shea butter, and glycerin, which help soften thick skin and deeply moisturize the affected area. Regular use of a heel balm can not only soothe existing cracks but also help prevent them from recurring.
How to Prevent Cracked Heels
Prevention starts with simple daily habits. First, wear comfortable, closed-back shoes that support your feet and cushion your heels. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods, as this increases the risk of calluses and cracking.
Next, keep your feet clean and exfoliated. Use a gentle foot scrub or pumice stone to remove dead skin once or twice a week. Then apply heel balm on the surface. Doing this will help the heel balm absorb more effectively. Always follow up with a moisturizing product while your feet are still slightly damp to lock in hydration.
Make Heel Care Part of Your Routine
Just like you moisturize your face or hands, your feet need regular care too. A quick daily routine of cleansing, exfoliating, and applying heel balm can keep cracked heels at bay. For best results, apply the balm before bed and wear socks overnight to maximize absorption and healing.
Don’t wait until your feet start to hurt. Being proactive about heel care is much easier than treating painful, deep cracks later on.
When to See a Specialist
If your cracked heels are severely painful, bleeding, or not improving with home care, it might be time to consult a podiatrist. In some cases, cracked heels can be a sign of an underlying health condition like diabetes or a fungal infection that requires professional treatment.
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