Fact Checked
Cracked feet or heel fissures form due to lack of moisture in the area. Cracked feet happens when the bottom of the skin or outer part of heel becomes hard, flaky and dry and sometimes causing the formation of deep fissures that result to severe pain or bleeding.
Causes
- Lack of moisture which causes drying out of the skin
- Severe pressure or friction on the feet such as standing for long periods of time.
- Taking long hot baths or showers
- Harsh weather conditions
- Using harsh and drying soaps
- Wearing high heeled shoes that are ill-fitting
- Shoes with thin soles or open backs
- Unhealthy diet
Stretch warm muscles regularly to lengthen the fibers of muscles so they can contract and tighten more during exercise and lessen the muscle spasms.
Symptoms
- Peeling skin
- Red and flaky patches
- Itchiness
- Pain
- Bleeding from the cracks
Treatment for cracked feet
- Soak the feet in warm soapy water for at least 20 minutes and scrub using a pumice stone. Wash the feet and dry properly. Moisturize the area by applying any vegetable oil on the heels and soles. Put on clean socks and leave them overnight while sleeping. Repeat this procedure for several days until the cracked feet eventually heals.
- Avoid using harsh soaps, scented or those that contain strong chemicals that can cause dry skin. Use gentle fragrance-free or unscented and non-irritating soap variants.
- Avoid rubbing the skin on the cracked feet to prevent the condition from getting worse. Apply an occlusive moisturizer to restore moisture of the affected area.
- Apply a mentholated rub on clean and dry feet before sleeping. Put on socks and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash it off using warm water. Repeat this every day until rough skin on the cracked feet peels off.
- In a basin filled with warm water, add a ½ cup of Epsom salt. Mix well until the salt is totally dissolved. Soak the affected area in the mixture for at least 10 minutes. Gently rub the feet using a pumice stone for a few minutes. Put the feet again in the mixture for another 10 minutes. Finally, dry the feet properly and apply moisturizer or petroleum jelly. Repeat this everyday for 2-3 days. Epsom salt promotes blood circulation, fast healing of the condition and eliminates toxins from the area.
- Prepare a paste by combining a tablespoon of powdered oatmeal and jojoba oil. Mix until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste on the cracked feet and leave in place for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off using cold water and pat dry the area. Repeat this process every other day until cracked feet is totally healed.
Tips
- Wear socks when wearing shoes to lessen the friction. Use cotton socks since they absorb sweat and moisture which lessens the rubbing and prevents feet from becoming dry. Avoid socks made of wool or synthetic materials to prevent irritation in the skin that result to dryness.
- If susceptible to cracked heels, avoid wearing backless shoes and flip-flops to prevent making the condition worse.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/cracked-heel-heal
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316572.php
https://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health/cracked-heels.aspx