Our feet hold a big amount of weight every day as we walk. That’s why they need to be taken care of. A sign that we might’ve neglected our feet is cracked heels. Cracked heels can be a sign of insufficient moisture. Aside from its unpleasant appearance, it may become worse by swelling and even bleeding. Cracked heels can be a result of cold weather, poorly moisturized feet, and using harsh soaps.
What factors cause Cracked Heels?
The presence of callouses, or patches of rough, thickened skin around the surface of your heel, is the first symptom of cracked heels. The fat pad under your heel expands as you walk. Your callouses will crack as a result of this.
The following factors can also cause cracked heels:
- Taking long, hot showers while standing for long periods barefoot or in open-back sandals
- using harsh soaps that deplete your skin’s natural oils
- shoes that don’t match or hold your heels properly
- climate-related dryness, such as cold temperatures or low humidity
They’ll dry out quickly if you don’t moisturize your feet regularly.
For Medical Causes
Diabetes-related high blood sugar and poor circulation are common causes of dry skin. You may not be aware that your feet are dry, cracked, and painful due to nerve damage.
The following conditions can also cause dry skin and broken heels:
- A lack of vitamins
- hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland.
- atopic dermatitis is a form of dermatitis that affects the skin
- Psoriasis palmoplantar keratoderma is a form of juvenile plantar dermatosis that causes irregular skin thickening on the soles and palms.
- Obesity is a condition in
- aging during pregnancy
Once you’ve cracked heels, your usual lotion can’t treat it, but there are simple solutions. Like the all-natural miracle worker, coconut oil, there are many remedies for cracked heels.
It can be an excellent natural moisturizer for those who suffer from cracked heels.
How does Coconut Oil help Cracked Heels?
Coconut oil consists of small molecules, which make it an excellent moisturizer. It can penetrate deeply and quickly into the skin. The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil contain nutrients that help nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin from harm.
Aside from giving enough moisture and nutrition, coconut oil can also remove dead skin cells on the feet. To top of coconut oil’s benefits for cracked heels, it also helps strengthen the tissues underneath the epidermis. Plus, it has a tropical smell you’ll surely love!
Coconut Oil for Cracked Heels Application
You can directly apply coconut oil to your cracked heels. The great thing about coconut oil is you can use it as a regular lotion, even on your whole body. Use coconut oil before bedtime and cover it with clean socks to seal the nutrients and moisture. You’ll have smoother and healthier heels in the morning.
There are other ways to use coconut oil for your feet with cracked heels for faster healing if you want. Try them!
Coconut Oil Foot Soak
You’ll need:
- foot soak tub
- warm water
- 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup Epsom salts
- pumice stone
How:
- Fill the foot soak tub with hot water.
- Mix in the castile soap, lemon juice, coconut oil, and Epsom salt.
- Stir all the ingredients well.
- Immerse and soak your feet for about 15 minutes.
- Soap up your feet and use a pumice stone to scrub your heels.
- Rinse and pat it dry with a towel.
Coconut Oil Soothing and Healing Heel Cream
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 tbsp lavender hydrosol
- blender
- clean container (4 oz.)
How:
- Mix the coconut oil, honey, and lavender hydrosol using a blender.
- Continue mixing until it becomes a creamy white mixture.
- Please keep it in a clean container.
- Apply it daily to your cracked heels.
That’s it! Use coconut oil solely, or make your foot soak and heel cream. It depends on your preference.
Other causes for cracked heels include:
Various causes and conditions can cause dry, broken skin on your feet. Some possible causes are listed below.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin disease that causes itchiness and flakiness on the skin.
It has the potential to influence people of all ages.
Blisters and itching are common if it occurs on the soles of your feet.
A doctor can recommend cream or lotion to treat your Eczema.
Athlete’s foot
An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that spreads rapidly. If your feet are damp or moist for an extended period, they are more likely to grow. You can also get it by walking barefoot on damp locker room floors or showers, where the fungus thrives.
Athletes’ foot produces dry, itchy skin that can become cracked or blistered if left untreated.
Walking barefoot
Walking around barefoot exposes your feet’ skin to various environmental hazards, including bacteria, toxins, allergens, and insects that can bite or sting your feet.
Aging
Your broken heels may be the result of the normal aging process. Your skin loses moisture more quickly when you grow older, making it more vulnerable to drying out.
Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
If your broken heels aren’t too bad, you can try the following home remedies to soothe your feet:
- Use a specially formulated heel balm to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dry, dead skin.
- Soak your feet in lukewarm water for 20 minutes, then scrape dry skin with a pumice stone, foot scrubber, or loofah.
- To help close cracks and avoid infection, add a liquid bandage. Since this product is a mist, there’s less chance of it falling off during the day.
- Honey has been shown in studies to help heal and cleanse wounds as well as moisturize skin. Honey can be used as a foot scrub or an overnight foot mask after soaking your feet.
One thing’s for sure. Coconut oil can help heal your cracked heels. In no time, you’ll get to flaunt sexier feet with smooth heels minus the cracks!