Cracked heels or cracked feet are such a problem that we women are more affected by. We wear beautiful heels under a saree, dress, or salwar-kameez and if such dirty feet are visible from it then we feel even more embarrassed. Some of us women have cracked feet for the entire 12 months. No matter how hard we try, the feet start looking very bad.

Board-certified dermatologist DrJayshree Sharad has told through her Instagram post that there can be many reasons for this. For this, she also blames ageing skin and walking barefoot. After all, what are the reasons for cracked heels; he has explained them all in detail. Along with this, she also tells Remedies of Cracked Feet. Let us know both the causes and treatment of cracked feet in this article.

What are the causes of cracked heels?

Heel cracks can occur when the skin around the rim of your heel becomes dry and thick, and increased pressure on the fat pad under the heel causes the skin to crack. Let us know about some of the many reasons for this here-

Causes of skin ageing-

Cracked heels have many causes—some may be ageing, skin conditions, and vitamin deficiencies. As you age, the ability of the skin to stretch decreases, which can lead to cracks in the skin.

Because of walking barefoot

Walking barefoot or wearing flip-flops, sandals, or other open-toed shoes increases friction between the soles of your feet and the ground. This friction can cause calluses and cracks on the soles of your feet.

Due to prolonged standing

Standing for long periods at work or home, especially if the floor is hard, also puts pressure on the feet. Standing for long periods can also cause constant friction, which can lead to cracks and open sores.

Causes of obesity

If your weight is too much, then it can also lead to the problem of torn feet. There may be increased pressure on the fat pad under the heel. This can cause the area to spread to the side, causing the heel skin to crack. That's why it is advised that you control your weight. This will not only reduce the crack in your heels but also reduce the risk of various health problems like diabetes.

Due to poor hygiene-

Don't you clean your feet? This can also tear the feet. Exfoliate your feet to remove dead skin cells from your feet. Keep feet moisturized especially during winter.

Apart from this, other reasons are as follows-

  • Wrong sandals, flip-flops, open-toe sandals and high heels
  • Due to any kind of medical condition like diabetes, arthritis, psoriasis or fungal infection
  • due to dry feet
  • Due to excessive contact with water, detergent or soap
  • Due to iron, calcium, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc

What is the treatment for cracked heels?

The way you take care of your face and hands, you should also take care of your feet. There are some remedies for this which you can try at home-

Pedicure

Pedicure must be done once a week. For this, you do not need to rub your feet too much. Soak them in warm water for some time and clean them with a soft loofah, so that dead skin cells are removed.

Wear soft and cushion shoes-

Always wear good quality shoes and slippers. If the sole of your shoes is hard, then your feet will also have the same pressure and feet will crack. So try to wear soft and snuggly-soled shoes that will not put pressure on your ankles.

Do not wear high heel sandals

You must also be wearing high heels and sandals for fashion. But do you know how much pressure it puts on your ankles? This causes your heels to crack, so wear high heels sparingly.

Take healthy supplements

Vitamin C, E and B3 are essential supplements to maintain skin health. Iron, zinc, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are some of the essential vitamins and minerals whose deficiency can lead to cracked heels. Make sure to include these vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Moisturize your feet

If proper hydration and moisturization are not done, the skin can become dry, due to which the heels crack. If you are unable to understand how to moisturize your feet, then you can apply coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil on your feet.

Also, lose weight, don't soak your feet in water for too long, avoid wearing open-backed shoes, and don't peel the skin off your cracked heels.

Dr Sharad advises that if you have a more serious foot condition, consult your dermatologist before trying these remedies.

Image Credit: Freepik

DISCLAIMER

Your skin and body are as different as you are. We endeavour to bring you correct, safe and expert-verified information through our articles and social media handles, but still, you must consult your doctor before trying any home remedy, hack or fitness tip.