The cracks in heel is a major foot concern which affect people of all groups. The skin around the heel area becomes dry, thick, and rough which obviously leads to cracks on the skin. In majority of the cases, the cracks on the heel might be uncomfortable which will also lead to pain, bleeding, and even making your walk uncomfortable over time.
In the majority of the cases, the cracks on the heel will be majorly treated at home with proper care and right skincare routine. In this blog, you will know in detail about the ways to treat cracks on the heels and prevent them from recurring again.
How To Cure Cracked Heels
Curing the cracks on the heels can occur when improving the moisture levels, removing the dead skin cells, and also protecting the skin barrier.
1. Feet Soak Regularly
Soaking the heel area in warm water helps in softening the harder skin area while also preparing for skin exfoliation.
Here is a simple step to help:
2. Exfoliate Dead Skin
The dead skin cells get enhanced over the thicker and rougher skin. Removing them helps in better absorption of the creams and butters better.
Best exfoliation methods include pumice stone, foot scrub, or even foot file. When you have open cracks, ensure to scrub gently.
Signs Which Define Cracks Needing Treatments
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Symptom
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What It Indicates
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Dry / rough heels
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Early stage dryness
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White, flaky skin
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Lack of moisture
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Thick, yellow skin
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Callus buildup
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Visible cracks
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Skin splitting
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Pain while walking
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Deep fissures
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Bleeding cracks
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Severe heel damage
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Redness or swelling
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Possible infection
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Best Moisturizers For Cracked Heels
Keeping the heel area moisturized is essential for healing cracked heels. SSome of the ingredients which helps in healing the cracks include:
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Ingredient
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Benefits
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Shea Butter
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Deeply nourishes dryness in the skin
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Coconut Oil
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Softens and heels while hydrating
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Glycerin
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Locks the moisture
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Aloe Vera
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Soothes irritation
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Urea
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Softens thick and cracked skin
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Honey
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Helps repair damaged skin
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Cocoa Butter
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Improves skin smoothness
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Lactic Acid
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Gently exfoliates rough skin
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Here is a simple way to moisturize for best results:
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Apply moisturizer immediately after you shower.
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Use thick creams or foot balms to seal back the hydration
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Reapply before bedtime
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Wear cotton socks overnight
Home Remedies To Cure Cracked Heels
Some of the simple remedies to cure cracked heels includes:
1. Coconut Oil
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Helps in softening the heel dryness and roughness gradually.
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Just take a few drops of extra virgin coconut oil, rub between your palms, and apply over your feet while massaging gently.
2. Honey Foot Mask
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A natural moisturizer which works on healing skin and retains its moisture level.
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Mix honey with water, and soak the feet for 15 - 20mins minimum.
3. Banana Foot Pack
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The natural moisturizing property in bananas helps in deeply hydrating the cracked heel area.
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Mash a banana, and apply on the cracked heel area. Let them sit for 20mins and wash off and layer with oils or butter.
Causes Of Cracked Heels
Understanding the causes helps in making you prevent the rrecurrance. Some of the common causes include:
Medical Conditions and Cracked Heels - How They Relate Each Other
The cracks in the heels might be because of various concerns, including internal health. Know about their relation in detail below:
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Condition
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How It Affects Heels
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Diabetes
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Reduces skin healing ability
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Eczema
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Causes dry inflamed skin
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Psoriasis
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Leads to thick scaling
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Hypothyroidism
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Causes excessive dryness
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Fungal infections
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Damages skin barrier
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Obesity
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Increases pressure on heels
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Best Foot Care Routine - AM and PM For Cracked Heels
Morning Routine
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Wash feet gently while taking shower
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Dry properly especially between toes, and apply moisturizer
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Wear soft footwear if you are stepping out.
Night Routine
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Soak feet if needed; But this will help you feel better while also making the heel area softer.
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Exfoliate 2 to 3 times every week, using natural scrubs.
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Apply thick foot butter in PM routine before bedtime, for locking and keeping the feet area well moisturized.
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Wear cotton socks overnight
Nutrients for Healing Dry, Cracked Heels
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Nutrient
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Benefits For Skin
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Vitamin E
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Supports skin repair
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Vitamin C
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Helps collagen production
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Omega-3
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Improves skin hydration
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Zinc
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Supports healing
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Protein
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Repairs damaged tissue
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Footwear Tips To Prevent Cracked Heels
Choose footwear which:
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Supports the heel properly
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Has cushions on the soles
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Covers the heel area completely
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Fits comfortably
How Long Does It Take To Heal Cracked Heels?
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Severity
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Approximate Healing Time
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Mild dryness
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3–7 days
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Moderate cracks
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1–2 weeks
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Deep painful cracks
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Several weeks
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Severe fissures with infection
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Medical treatment may be needed
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Difference Between Dry Heels And Cracked Heels
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Dry Heels
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Cracked Heels
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Mild roughness
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Deep skin splits
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Usually painless
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Can become painful
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Early stage dryness
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Advanced skin damage
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Easy to treat
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Requires consistent care
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No bleeding
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May bleed in severe cases
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Best Natural Oils For Cracked Heels
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Oil
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Benefits
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Coconut Oil
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Deep hydration
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Olive Oil
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Softens rough skin
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Almond Oil
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Nourishes dry heels
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Castor Oil
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Thick moisturizing effect
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Sesame Oil
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Helps repair damaged skin
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Can Cracked Heels Become Infected?
Yes, when you ignore the signs and allow the bacteria and fungi to enter the skin.
Signs of infection:
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Redness
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Swelling
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Warm skin
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Pus
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Severe pain
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Bad smell
Why Consistency Matters In Heel Care
In treating any concern from hair to skin, being consistent is important. A proper and disciplined care helps in maintaining your heel area, while also preventing the recurrence better. The small everyday habits like extra 2 min cleansing, moisturizing, and outing for proper foot ware will be a major help.
Conclusion
The cracks on the heel area is normal, but not managing the condition at the right time will surely affect and cause pain over a period of time.
Ignoring heel cracks at times worsen the condition leading to infection especially on people who have skin conditions like diabetes or eczema.