Dry and cracked heels are not only an aesthetic problem. We often forget about the proper care of this part of the body. The problem becomes troublesome especially in the summer, when we want to put on open shoes, and our heels do not allow it. Corns and wounds are easily formed on calloused skin, where infection can develop.
Why do heels crack?
The skin on the heels is twice as thick as in other places, but it can also be damaged. This problem is not uncommon, and there can be many causes.
- ill-chosen footwear – oppressive, too small or made of synthetic materials
- overweight, malnutrition, poor diet or lack of adequate vitamins
- lack of hygiene, poorly performed cosmetic procedures
Your feet warn of disease
The condition of our feet can tell a lot about the state of our body. A large group of people affected by this problem are diabetics. Diabetes causes the skin to dry out faster. Cracked heels can also be a sign about skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema or atopic dermatitis. Another reason may be hypothyroidism or anemia, which cause slower blood flow, which leads to the formation of roughness.
How to prevent keratinization of the epidermis?
First of all, it is worth getting the right footwear. It should be the perfect size and fit the shape of our foot. Due to the fact that we use them all the time, it is worth providing them with adequate comfort.
It’s also a good idea to make changes to your daily diet. Introduce products with vitamin A content, such as dairy products, fish or animal offal. As well as fresh fruits and vegetables such as tomato, spinach and carrots, which will provide the body with the right minerals.
What care to use?
In order to eliminate cracked heels, you need to restore their proper elasticity. A good way is foot baths in water with herbal extracts, e.g. lavender, mint, sage or chamomile. You should also ensure proper blood supply to the skin, which will be helped by alternating baths in hot and cold water.
The next important step is proper exfoliation of the epidermis. However, experts advise against using pumice for this purpose. Why? It is a habitat for bacteria that can easily get under the surface of dry skin, leading to the development of dangerous infections. Therefore, it is worth using exfoliating socks available in drugstores. The liquid contained in them will properly remove callous epidermis and ensure proper hydration.
Source: Gazeta
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
