Cracked heels are common, especially when the skin around your feet becomes dry, thick and less flexible. If left untreated, the cracks can become deeper and painful. Fortunately, simple daily care can help restore the skin and prevent the problem from coming back.
1. Dry skin
One of the most common causes of cracked heels is extremely dry skin. When the skin loses moisture, it becomes hard and less flexible, making it easier to split under pressure. Applying a thick moisturising cream or petroleum jelly to your heels regularly can help keep the skin soft.
2. Standing for too long
Spending many hours standing or walking can put constant pressure on your heels. This pressure can cause the skin to spread outward and eventually crack, especially when the skin is already dry or thick.
3. Open-back footwear
Wearing slippers, sandals or other open-back shoes frequently can expose your heels and increase pressure on the skin. Wearing properly fitting footwear that supports and covers the heel can help reduce the problem.
4. Hot baths and harsh soaps
Very hot water and strong soaps can remove natural oils from the skin and make dryness worse. Use lukewarm water, avoid harsh products and gently moisturise your feet after bathing.
5. Thick dead skin
A buildup of hard, dead skin around the heels can make cracking more likely. After soaking your feet in warm water, gently use a pumice stone to remove some of the thickened skin. Do not cut the skin with a blade or razor because this can cause injury and infection.
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