How to Heal Dry, Cracked Feet and Remove Dead Skin
Cracked heels can be a problem and a nuisance for many. They can develop on the soles of a person’s foot or appear on both feet. This is a common health problem that can happen to men and women and often occurs more often with the elderly. This health condition usually occurs during dry and cold months and can worsen if pressure on the soles of a person's feet is continuous over a long period of time.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels
Symptoms of this foot disorder are various and sometimes disturbing. Some of the main symptoms are dryness and itching. One of the first signs of this health condition is flaky and peeling skin. When the skin becomes very dry, it causes the skin to become white and then turn a reddish color.
Some people have also noticed itching around the rim of the heel. If the dryness and itching continue, small cracks may appear around the edge of the heel. In addition, sometimes when walking, the lesions that develop from the dryness may cause the skin to split and that can be painful.
Causes of This Health Condition
Causes of dry heels are:
- being overweight or obese
- improper hygiene around the heel
- poor circulation of the feet
- standing or walking too long
- skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis
- footwear that is too light or too tight
- wearing shoes that expose the heels
Crusty feet are not only uncomfortable, but they can also lead to other health problems.
Home Remedies for Dry Heels
There are home remedies that can ease the pain and give an attractive look to the feet such as soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will soften your skin. However, the first step to improving your dry heels is to get rid of dry skin and then apply a moisturizer or cream on your dry cracked heels twice a day.
Another method is to gently use a pumice stone. In addition, another method is to wear some thick socks when you sleep or leave them on for a couple of hours during the day.
Another home remedy is to take a ripe banana, mash it thoroughly, and apply it as a paste to your dry, cracked feet—make sure that you cover all of the cracked skin completely. Leave the banana pulp on your skin for about 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
You can squeeze the juice of a lemon in a bowl and add some warm water, a teaspoon of petroleum jelly, and a dab of shampoo. Soak your feet in the solution for about 15 minutes and then rinse and dry your feet.
It takes time and effort to heal and cure this foot disorder.
Your Diet Is Important
Some have also found that a diet that is rich in nuts, apricots, and green olives can help ease the dryness that comes with this foot disorder. Spinach and other vegetables such as broccoli and taro can also add moisture to your dry heels. Yogurt, cheese, sesame seeds, and kale have also been known to help.
Other Natural Ways
Other natural ways that help ease dry and rough heels include moisturizing your skin twice a day, exercising regularly each day to help improve your circulation in your body, not wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, and keeping your feet clean throughout the day.
Vegetable oil is another home remedy that has worked for some. If you use this method, you can also use olive oil or sesame oil.
The first step in this method is to scrub your feet with a pumice stone, wash after the scrubbing, and then apply the oil to your heels. After you have applied the oil, put on a pair of clean socks and then go to bed. This will allow the oil to reach deep into the skin. Do this for several days or until your heels are soft and healed.
Paraffin wax can also be an effective way to treat this health disorder, especially if the pain is high and the heels are in bad shape.
To use this method, take the wax and mix it with coconut or mustard oil and then heat it so that the ingredients melt. Then, cool the mixture until it becomes comfortable to the touch and then apply it to your feet. The best way to do this is to apply it before going to bed and then wash it off in the morning. This procedure should be done for one or more weeks for best results.
To conclude, it is best to get rid of dead skin before proceeding with any home remedy solution. By applying one or more of the above remedies, your feet and heel dryness can be healed and cured.
Pumice stone removes dead skin from feet
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Comments
pathakaditya on June 08, 2016:
You can try Baby Foot Easy Pack which is a foot exfoliant which removes all your dead skin and gives you baby soft feet.
You can buy it on amazon.in, flipkart
I'm going to try on June 24, 2014:
I am going to try
