Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures or fissures are a common problem. Affecting millions of people all over the world. Most people get cracked heels due to the impact their feet have on the ground. Causing the skin to rub together and cause a fissure.
Cracked heels are areas in which the skin on the bottom of your foot get cracks and tend to splitting. The skin in this area is often red and tender. Cracks can be small but sometimes they are big enough that can be seen by normal eyes. Many people said that they can feel the pain immediately if they expose their cracked heels to the air.
If not properly cared for and treated. This can develop to a medical condition that can not be cured on its own. And it will seriously affect people’ health.
What causes cracked heels?
There are many factors that cause cracked heels which include external causes and internal causes as follows
External causes
The person who stays many hours in extreme weather conditions like too cold, or too hot. They don’t wear shoes to protect their feet or simply they go barefoot or wearing open-heeled sandals.
The person who use too strong soaps or long hot shower, washing off the natural oil which protect skin
Internal causes
This happen for the person who has medical problem like diabetes or high blood sugar. Which due to poor blood circulation ,nerve damage can lead to dry, cracked and painful heels
Other conditions that can lead to dry skin and cracked heels include: Vitamin deficiency, fungal infections, hypothyroidism, atopic dermatitis, juvenile dermatosis, psoriasis, plantar keratosis , obesity, pregnancy and ageing.
Symptoms
The first sign of cracked heels is that they are dry, the skin on this area becomes thicker. And the phenomenon of broken skin cells can occur. In severe cases bleeding can be seen on there areas
Other symptoms can include: burning hot and pain, itching, bleeding,severe pain, red and inflamed skin
In some severe cases, you can develop complications of cracked heels, especially if the cause is medical. Complications may include:
Eczema hyperkeratosis, Loss of sensation in the heel.
Cellulitis, which is a serious infection.
Diabetic foot ulcers.
Symptoms of an infection include pain, heat, redness, and swelling. When you have these signs, you need to immediately go to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
Home treatment for cracked heels
At early stages, with light and external causes. Cracked heels can be treated at home.
By wearing suitable shocks and shoes, supporting your feet and having enough space for heels. Wearing good-quality shoes is one of the best things you can do for your cracked heels. If you can’t avoid being on your feet. It’s a good idea to wear a good pair of shock-absorbing shoes in the evenings. Particularly, if you have a tendency to walk barefoot in the house. This will help to distribute your body weight more evenly than being on your feet all the time. Which is a good thing for your heels. It will also help to reduce the amount of pressure you put on your heels. When you’re barefoot, which is good for your skin.
Apply natural oil like olive oil or vegetable oil for moisturizing. If you have a cracked heel, try using a natural oil. Oils like coconut oil, olive oil and castor oil are great for cracked heels. As they both heal and nourish your skin at the same time. Simply apply a small amount of oil to the affected area, making sure to rub it in completely. The best time to apply the oil is in the evening. When the skin is mostly dry and can handle the treatment better.
Soak your feet in warm Epsom salt water to exfoliate the death skin in 20 minutes. Then dry them and apply Vaseline on affected areas
Do a lot of massage on your feet to help blood circulate better
Medical treatment
In severe cases, you need to book an appointment with your doctor. In order to have correct diagnose for your medical condition and have a proper treatment.
Food for cracked heels
You may have heard that the best way to keep your heels from cracking is to give them extra moisture. That’s because food is often the best way to hydrate your body. One of the best ways to give your feet extra moisture is through diet. Foods such as watermelon, cucumber, and lettuce are all high in water content. And will help to keep your feet well hydrated.
Nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent your heels from creaking. Eating a balanced diet will ensure that your body has the nutrients .It helps to keep your skin soft and supple. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. You may also want to consider adding supplements to your diet, such as fish oil or vitamin E. These can help to keep your skin soft and supple.
Another way to ensure healthy heels is to control your weight and sugar blood. This will help prevent cracked heels, which are a symptom of the disease. While you can’t completely prevent fissures, controlling your weight and sugar blood is the best way to avoid further complications. Your doctor can help you manage your weight and sugar levels. And will also be able to prescribe medication to help with your cracked heels.
Conclusion
Healing cracked heels can be not hard if you give your feet good care and good source of nutrition. So you can do this at home.
In case, the condition of cracked heels becomes severe due to a specific medical condition. Please contact your doctor to have a better support.
Sources Wikipedia, Mayo clinic
Images Pixels mob
