How to Avoid Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a common ailment in both men and women. It generally affects people who have very dry skin, are overweight, have to stand for long hours at a stretch or walk barefoot. Cracked heals must be treated immediately for protection against ulcers and infections. Here we list for you the ways and means to avoid cracked heels.

Use Moisturizer – Apply moisturizing creams and lotions on each heel regularly after bath and before going to bed. Make sure that the moisturizer is oil based so that it stays on skin for prolonged hours and provides extra hydration.

Use Pumice Stone – Brush the soles of your feet regularly with a pumice stone or a foot filer. This helps to reduce the calluses and thick skin on the feet. Do this especially when the skin of the feet gets dry.

Use Sea Salt Scrubs – Add sea salt to the scrub you are using for your feet. For best results use only oil based salt scrubs. While the salt will remove the dead and dry skin cells, the oil will keep feet moisturized.

Wear Correct Shoes – Wearing the proper shoe is very important. Make sure that your shoes have heel support. Add insoles once the shoe gets old and starts wearing out to give extra support. Try to wear socks every time.

Never Walk Barefoot – Your feet need protection; do not expose them to the harsh grounds you walk on. Especially avoid walking barefoot on concrete, tiled and wooden surfaces.

Get Pedicures – Visit your nearest salon and enroll for a pedicure session at least once a month. This advice is especially meant for aging people who are diabetic. Medical studies prove that diabetes patients stand a higher risk of catching infection through cracked heels.

Home Spa Treatment – Collect lukewarm water in a tub. Add shampoo to the water. Soak your feet for 20 minutes while gently rubbing heels with pumice stone when the skin gets soft. Do not use razors even if the skin is too thick on your feet. Allow dry skin to slough off. Wash and dry feet and apply body butter for softer and smoother heels.

Water Treatment – Most often, dehydration or dry skin are the causes of cracked heels. Drink plenty of water, increasing the intake during summers to make skin moist and keep the natural moisture in the body locked. Also use humidifiers at home if drinking water does not help to prevent drying up of skin in very arid areas.

Use Fruit Masks – Prepare pulps from fruits such as papaya and pineapple and apply on feet. These fruits contain organic alpha hydroxy enzyme that can cure cracked heels effectively.

Seek Medical Help – Visit a podiatrist if all the above methods fail to cure cracked heels.

Creams to Cure Cracked Heels and Their Prices
TRIND Cracked Heel Repair Cream – $48
Gilden Tree Nourishing Foot Cream – $18
Aloe Foot Cream – $7
HEEL Foot Care Cream – $12
Horseman Vet Cream – $14