Cracked heels can be quite annoying, especially during the peaks of the winter months. However, there are a lot of different home remedies and clinical treatments available nowadays so that it becomes easier for you to treat them and get rid of the pain caused due to the cracks. Some of the most popular remedies when you have cracked heels are exfoliating your heels on a regular basis, and applying moisturisers or any other hydrating elements.
However, if you are someone with diagnosed hyperglycemia or diabetes, it is quite important for you to seek the help of an expert medical professional to deal with the issue. In this article, we will be discussing some of the most effective treatments and techniques that you can try in the comfort of your home and still have significant relief from the pain of the cracks.
Tips To Treat Cracked Heels In The winter
1. Apply moisturisers
When it comes to moisturisers, make sure you are applying products that are high in lipid content so that they can effectively cure the dryness and hardness irritating the heels of your feet. It is also important to check the thickness of the moisturisers that you are applying.
Do not make the mistake of applying your regular body moisturiser to the hard areas of your cracked heels. Rather than, go for the varieties of heel balms available in plenty in the market. Apart from that, you can also search for chemical ingredients in the formulation of these heel balms that are potent enough to exfoliate the dry and dead skin accumulated in the heels of your feet.
There are also balms that can effectively soften the skin of your feet and thus give a calming effect to the affected area. If you are noticing any heel balms with ingredients such as urea, salicylic acids, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), you can go for them for a better result.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is another important way through which you can save your feet from cracks that intensify during the winter season. However, it is never a good idea to exfoliate your cracked heels when your heels are in a dry condition. Hence soaking your feet before exfoliation is an inevitable step in the process. It is advised to soak your feet for at least 15-20 min in lukewarm water before the process.
You may also add any mild shampoos into the water in order to maximise the benefits of exfoliation. Adding a slice of lemon and using it as a scrub can also help you significantly. Exfoliation can be done with the help of a pumice stone, or any of your used body loofah or scrubbing tools made particularly for the dry and hard skin in your heels.
After exfoliation, it is also important to gently pat dry the skin over there and apply any heel balm of the thick consistency to your choice. Apart from that, you may also apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly in order to make it more effective.
Also Check: How To Lose Calf Fat? 5 Best Exercises To Lose Calf Fat
3. Heel sleeves
Heel sleeves are one of the convenient ways through which you can protect your heels and prevent cracks during the months of winter. All you need is to buy some pairs of heel sleeves from any nearby store or online. Heel sleeves would appear similar to your regular socks, but it is more than that. You can wear these after the process of soaking and exfoliation and they can immensely help you in locking the moisture and nourishing balms that we have applied after the process.
Apart from that, these heel sleeves may also have many infused oils and vitamin oils that can be extremely nourishing and hydrating to the skin of your cracked heels. Since this does not take much of your time and effort, it becomes one of the most handy remedies you may try if you are having a hectic schedule on a daily basis.
Even if you are not doing any exfoliation in the day, you can also try putting on these sleeves, in order to provide the right nourishment for your feet every day.
4. Liquid bandages
Liquid bandages are also a perfect option if you would like to seal moisture and nourishment in your heels without fail. It is also one of the less time-consuming ways through which you can care for your cracked heels. All you need to do is apply the product all over your cracked heel and then go out for your daily chores.
This product comes in the package of a spray bottle. Once applied, the liquid solidifies and forms and thick layer all over your feet protecting them from any further infections and cracks. If you are someone working in environments that are dirty, and prone to pollution and infections, this is one of the best options you may try your hand on.
5. Apply super glue
Applying super glue to the cracks can also be an effective remedy if you are suffering from intense cracks in your heels. There are a lot of testimonials from people across the world, stating that they have experienced a significant improvement in the cracks and the pain caused by the same, after applying 3-4 drops of super glue into the cracks of their heels.
However, the commercial super glues available in the market can be toxic to your feet. Hence make sure you are buying the right brands made specifically for the purpose. It is also advised to take the opinion from your dermat before venturing out to try this remedy since it has no scientific backup other than the testimonials of the public.
Read More: Effective Strategies For Curing Dry Eyes In Winter
Conclusion
Now you know how to deal with cracked heels, especially during the winter months of the year. Apart from that, it is also important to understand the fact that, it is not a rare condition, but something that is experienced by people across the world, due to various reasons such as skin conditions, skin types, variations in climate, and so on.
It can be embarrassing to go barefoot with such heels, however, make sure you are taking the right treatment and addressing the concern. You may also seek professional help if the mentioned home remedies do not seem to work.
References
- Canada Post Corporation Canada Post Social Responsibility Report 2008. 2008 https://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mr/assets/pdf/aboutus/csr/2008_csrreport_en.pdf
- Bentley T. A., Haslam R. A. Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents Occurring during the Delivery of Mail. Ergonomics. 1998;41(12):1859–1872. doi: 10.1080/001401398186027. [PubMed]
