Unpleasant and sometimes painful cracked heels can occur in any of us.
It is important not only to identify the reasons for their appearance, but also to find effective methods of treatment.
Let's take a closer look at what to do if you encounter such a problem.
The main factors causing cracks
Lack of moisture in the skin
This phenomenon is directly related to the general lack of water in the body.
The skin quickly responds to a lack of fluid, even if a person does not feel very thirsty. This deceptive sensation can lead to us drinking less water than our body requires.
Not drinking enough water can lead to poor health, headaches, fatigue and indifference. Our hair and skin are especially sensitive to this.
In such conditions, the formation of hardened skin on the feet is a protective function.
The skin creates a kind of barrier that helps retain moisture and prevents its excessive evaporation, thereby maintaining water balance.
Insufficient removal of dead cells
The process of exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells, in this case, from the feet. If the dead cells form a thin layer, they can be easily removed with a special pedicure file or a piece of pumice.
It is best to do this procedure every two to three days while taking a shower or bath. As long as there are few dry areas on the feet, this method will be effective.
However, if you neglect regular exfoliation, dead skin cells begin to accumulate and stick together, forming hard spots.
Over time, this can lead to the formation of calluses and corns, which are no longer removed by simple steaming and will require more intensive care. Large areas of thickened skin increase the risk of cracking, as the skin becomes less elastic and dries out.
Constant pressure on certain areas of the skin
Wearing ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on certain parts of your feet can lead to calluses over time.
This is a protective mechanism of the skin, which makes it rougher and thus reduces the risk of injury. However, when the dry layer of skin thickens, it can crack under the influence of another load, which leads to the appearance of unwanted cracks.
The influence of high temperatures
This aspect is especially relevant for residents of warm countries or for those who prefer active recreation in sunny places.
In hot weather, you often want to wear open shoes and spend the whole day in them. However, intense sun rays can dry out the skin of your feet, and sand getting under your feet aggravates the situation. As a result, dry skin, calluses and cracks are a logical result of such exposure.
Overweight
Pressure on the feet plays a major role in the formation of calluses and corns, which can develop into cracks over time.
Therefore, excess weight should not be ignored either. The more body weight, the higher the likelihood of problems with the legs, because they bear the main load.
Avitaminosis and various diseases
Cracks in the feet can be the result of various diseases, such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and others. When a person is diagnosed with such diseases, it becomes easier to understand the cause of cracks.
In case of diseases, it is important to realize that it is impossible to eliminate cracks on the feet solely by external means. Their number and severity often depend on the general state of health and how well the disease is controlled.
Methods for combating cracked heels
It is important to first find out the reasons for the cracks, and then eliminate the main provoking factors: choose suitable shoes, increase water consumption, undergo an examination as recommended by an endocrinologist. In addition to this, you should take care of the skin of your feet.
Use keratolytic agents
Cracks in the heels can be deep and hard, so simple steaming will not help - more powerful products are required. Keratolytics are pedicure products that can effectively soften calluses, corns and cracks without using hot water.
These products act quickly, breaking down the chemical bonds in the structure of calluses, which makes their use extremely effective. With their help, even very neglected feet can be restored, after which it is necessary to continue regular care.
Don't neglect foot creams
Apply moisturizing creams, lotions, serums or other specialized foot care products to your feet daily. Carefully study the ingredients, choose products that not only moisturize but also nourish the skin, helping it to recover.
Choose comfortable shoes
Your shoes should be comfortable, not squeeze or create excessive pressure, and also prevent excessive sweating of the feet. In hot weather, give preference to open models with a soft inner layer.
If you are often outdoors, it is better to choose closed shoes with ventilation holes for breathability. If you wear socks, let them be made of natural materials that absorb moisture well.
Treating cracked heels requires a comprehensive approach. But even in difficult cases, a solution can be found. You will need an effective keratolytic, a revision of your foot care, and a quality moisturizer.
If there are diseases, the task becomes more complicated, but here too everything can be solved: a combination of treatment and proper care of the skin of the feet will lead to the desired result.
Earlier we wrote about how to make hair thick.
