How to Take Care of Your Cracked Heels

With winter around the corner, there are lots of things we need to take care of.  Many of us would want to be under the warm blanket and chill all the day, but the same is not possible. We have to go on with our daily routines. In fact, during this season, we not only have to take that extra care of our health but also the health of the skin.

During winters many of us face skin problems like dryness, cracked heels, dandruff, stretching of skin, lines etc. Cracked heels are one of the very common problems faced by many!

There are many reasons for getting cracked heels such as:

1. Dry and cold weather.
2. Moisture loss in skin especially the feet areas.
3. External factors like pollutants, heat, dirt or dust.
4. Excessive soaking of feet in hot water.
5. Putting ill-fitted shoes or footwear.
6. By putting too much stress on your feet, like standing all day or then exercising.
7. Due to some illness, like diabetes etc.

Now that you know the exact reason behind those cracked heels it is important that you start taking care of them.

Be it our face or tthan our feet, in-order to keep them healthy and intact you just need to follow some simple tips:  

• Follow a daily care routine for your feet:

Make sure to wash your feet properly with lukewarm water daily especially before going to bed. While washing your feet use a pumice stone to scrub off the dry skin.? Pat them dry and apply a good foot cream or some petroleum jelly. If needed wear socks (clean cotton socks) in order to cover your feet and keep them warm.

• Exfoliate the skin on your feet:

When you step out your feet is exposed to external factors like dirt, dust, pollutants which enters your cracks and gaps on the foot. A layer of dead skin cells is formed over these areas of the skin which you need to get rid of. The easiest way to do so is exfoliated your feet depending on the condition of the cracks of your skin.

• Water Soak:

The best way to do so is by tipping your feet under lukewarm water for some time. This will help making the skin on your feet moist and soft.

• Scrubbing:

You can then scrub your feet with a pumice stone which will help remove the dead skin layer. After scrubbing off the dead skin layer wash off your feet properly, wipe them with clean cloth and apply some moisturizer or foot cream.

• Keep your feet well moisturized:

Moisturizing your skin be it on the face or then the feet is quite essential, especially during the dry weather. There many alternatives available to you to keep your skin moisturized. Like a good foot cream or then a petroleum jelly or then even oil, preferably olive oil. After moisturizing your feet be sure to cover your feet so that external irritants do not stick to your skin and they remain warm and moist.

• Hydration:

Hydration is very important in order to keep your skin intact. Be it soaking your feet in the lukewarm water or then drinking lots of water, both are essential to wash off the harmful toxins and dead cells from the skin.

• Wear proper footwear:

Wear footwear which properly covers your feet. Most importantly wear the one which properly fit you and keeps your skin moist. Also, keep in mind the footwear is of reasonable quality and is not harmful to your skin. So here are some easy ways by which you can keep your feet soft, moist and beautiful.

In case the cracks on your feet are bleeding or getting worse consult a skin doctor or a dermatologist immediately. You might need some medical assistance which only these specialists can help you with.