Perfect heels are a source of pride for any woman. Smooth, delicate leather on the heels allows you to appear barefoot on the beach and wear open shoes without embarrassment. In addition to aesthetic pleasure, the skin of the feet is a kind of indicator of health.
The appearance of calluses, corns, cracks, hyperkeratosis and, as a result, dry heels indicate disturbances in the functioning of the body.
Rough and dry skin on the heels is in most cases a cosmetic problem that develops as a result of poor foot care or wearing poor-quality tight shoes. Pathological conditions develop in the following diseases:
- diabetes mellitus;
- lack of vitamins;
- dermatoses of an allergic nature;
- psoriasis;
- hormonal disorders in women during menopause.
To achieve successful results from foot care, it is necessary to eliminate the likelihood of painful skin conditions. By contacting a dermatologist, a histological examination of the rough skin will be performed.
If a pathology is detected, the doctor will identify the cause and prescribe treatment. While adhering to the doctor’s recommendations, you also need to take careful care of your feet. Without appropriate therapy, rough skin due to diseases will reappear.
If ugly skin on your heels is the result of a careless attitude towards yourself, cleansing procedures will quickly give a good effect. To do this, it is not necessary to go to specialized salons; careful care at home is enough.
Method number 1: hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an affordable, inexpensive product that can be sold at any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. It is mainly used to disinfect damaged skin. Antiseptic and exfoliating properties in combination give excellent results when cleaning the skin of the feet.
For a cosmetic procedure, it is necessary to prepare a special solution, which includes 5 tbsp. spoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 liters of hot water. For ease of use, you can choose rubbing or foot baths.
In any case, before the procedure, it is advisable to steam dry skin on the heels to achieve maximum effect. For rubbing, you can take a cotton pad or cotton cloth and, moisten it in a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide, clean the entire skin of the feet on both legs.
To do this, you need to pour the resulting mixture into a clean bowl and place your feet there for 10 minutes. At the end, the skin of the feet is cleaned with a pumice stone or a file, and then lubricated with a rich nourishing cream.
The number of procedures will depend on the condition of the feet; usually the full course can take up to one and a half months. Once every 3 days is the optimal frequency to achieve good results; more intensive use will only dry out the skin.
Having achieved smooth skin on the feet, the ideal condition must be maintained regularly. The skin of the feet is subject to constant pressure and friction while walking under the weight of its own weight, so it is more vulnerable than other areas of the body.
Hydrogen peroxide will become an indispensable assistant in the fight for healthy heels.
Method number 2: Epsom salt
Epsom salts are great for removing rough skin on your heels. Bitter salt can be purchased at a pharmacy; its other name is magnesium sulfate. A unique chemical compound of sulfur and magnesium gives the skin a radiant appearance and nails a strong structure.
Epsom salt, interacting with the skin of the feet, cleanses, softens and has an antibacterial effect.
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, magnesium sulfate relieves swelling and fatigue after a long day on your feet. Sulfur with magnesium is effectively used to combat unpleasant foot odor.
Cleansing procedures for dry heels are carried out in the form of warm evening treatments or Epsom salt crystals are used as a scrub. A handful of bitter salt is rubbed into the surface of rough heels for several minutes into pre-steamed skin. After the procedure, the skin is washed with warm water and generously lubricated with nourishing cream.
Cleaning rough heels with a salt solution at home is easy and pleasant. Algorithm of actions:
- Add a pinch of Epsom salt to hot, clean water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Place your feet in the solution and steam your heels for half an hour, keeping the mixture hot.
- After finishing, remove the thickened skin mechanically with a pumice stone or brush.
- We wash our feet with fresh water and dry them with a clean towel.
- Lubricate the skin of the feet with cream. To enhance the nutritional effect, you can add 3 drops of an oil solution of vitamins A and E to the cream.
In just a few days, a good result will be noticeable. The course is completed when the desired result is achieved, on average it lasts from 1 to 2 months.
Method No. 3: onions
How to clean rough skin using onions? There are onions in every home. Not everyone knows that it can be used not only for cooking, but also for cosmetic procedures.
Fresh onions are a source of calcium, fluoride, zinc, magnesium, as well as essential oils. The high content of these elements makes ordinary onions a bactericidal agent that improves the condition of the skin epithelium and has a cleansing effect.
When applied topically, onion regulates the activity of sweat glands and eliminates unpleasant odor.
To remove rough and dry skin on the heels, cut a large onion in half and place it on top. Then, on top of the onion, you can wrap your feet with cling film and put on socks made from natural materials.
Another method is to use chopped onions. The mushy mass is applied to gauze folded in several layers. The bandage is applied to the heels; the time of contact with the bow should be no more than 30 minutes.
Onions, as a means to remove rough skin, are suitable for everyone. Try not to overdo it and perform manipulations no more than once every 3 days.
Daily use can lead to inflammatory processes as a result of irritation of the sweat glands. For the fastest effect, try to choose shoes made from natural materials that can allow air to pass through.
Method number 4: baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate has long been known for its unique skin cleansing properties. The softening effect will prepare rough skin to remove unwanted growths.
Antiseptic properties will remove pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which cause not only changes in the skin, but also an unpleasant odor. The anti-inflammatory effect will promote healing and regeneration of the skin of the feet.
How to properly clean your heels from rough skin using baking soda at home? There are several folk recipes:
- Dry mixture of soda and soap. A small amount of soap should be grated on a coarse grater. Add a teaspoon of soda to the crushed soap and apply to the skin in the heel area. Wrap in film, put on socks and leave the compress for 20 minutes, then clean your feet with pumice and lubricate with nourishing cream.
- Foot. Add a little soda to hot water and take baths for 15 minutes until the solution remains warm. After steaming, wash your feet with clean water and mechanically remove the rough skin on the heels. After softening with cream, be sure to wear warm socks.
- Soda with milk. An excellent effect can be achieved by using milk instead of water. The use of dairy products to nourish and soften the skin has been known since the ancient times of Egyptian beauties. with milk are carried out according to the same scheme.
- Olive oil and soda: mix 15 grams of soda with 5 ml of olive oil and rub into rough skin. The abrasive properties of soda in dry form act like a scrub, and the oil softens the skin and makes the cleansing process more gentle.
Method number 5: natural honey
How to get rid of rough skin on your heels using honey. Honey is a natural antiseptic that combines an emollient and nourishing cosmetic to improve the condition of the skin of the face and body.
When cleansing the skin of the feet, to speed up the effect, use not pure honey, but a mixture of it with viburnum or prunes. When exposed to honey, rough keratinized layers noticeably peel off, releasing clean epithelium and eliminating inflammatory processes from the skin. Viburnum is a real storehouse of microelements that stimulate the growth of young layers of epithelial tissue.
How to easily and quickly remove rough skin from your heels using a compress:
- Crush 50 g of viburnum berries, after removing the seeds, and mix with half a glass of honey;
- Before applying, the paste should be heated in a water bath until warm;
- the mixture is applied to a bandage or natural fabric and applied to the heels;
- To obtain a compress effect, the legs are wrapped in cellophane and wrapped in a blanket for 30 minutes.
In a similar way, it is useful to use prunes instead of viburnum. A mixture of honey and prunes breaks down the thick dead skin layers of damaged skin, and acts as a chemical peel to remove rough skin on the heels. The skin begins to come off in large pieces, leaving the smooth surface of the feet free.
The advantage of this method is absolute safety and painlessness. Compresses with honey can be applied daily without harm to the feet. The duration of the course is extended until the desired effect is achieved.
Prevention of corns, calluses and rough skin of the feet
Having done a tremendous amount of work, you can achieve an amazing result. Smooth and healthy feet will delight and delight, but many people face the problem of rough skin appearing again and again. Having achieved the desired result, it is necessary to maintain the effect with preventive procedures.
Daily foot care allows you not to think about how to clean your heels of rough skin again. Mandatory evening dress includes:
- with medicinal herbs and essential oils;
- regular use of scrubs and fine-grained foot files;
- daily use of foot creams with vitamins A and E;
- using a personal towel to dry your feet.
Increased demands must be placed on shoes. Ideally, it will be made of natural materials and an anatomically correct last. In this case, the feet will be provided with air circulation, and the orthopedic padding will ensure proper distribution of the load on the foot when walking, eliminating the appearance of corns.
It should be added that daily work in caring for your feet will be rewarded with admiring glances from others when they see your feet.
Cracked heels: causes
Cracked heels are a serious problem that can be quite difficult to eliminate. This is not just a cosmetic defect, but a problem associated with diseases in the body. Cracks present the possibility of penetration of various infections, as well as pathogens. Even minor damage to the skin should be treated, since it is at the very beginning of the development of the disease that it is easier to cope with it.
There are many causes of cracked heels. Some of them can be easily and without problems eliminated with the help of a lubricating cream, others need to be treated more seriously and for a long time. The causes of cracked heels deserve special consideration.
Causes of cracked heels
Exogenous causes of cracked heels should be considered:
- The main exogenous cause of cracked heels is fungus. There are a variety of possible ways for a fungal infection to enter the body, both from the surrounding air and after staying in a sauna, bathhouse, or swimming pool. Injured skin is a source of spores entering the body; the spread of infection is accompanied by decreased immunity and impaired blood circulation.
- Cracks occur due to the development of vitamin deficiency, developing due to poor nutrition.
- Violations of the rules of personal hygiene, manifested in carrying out only routine washing of feet. Proper foot care involves taking foot baths, exfoliating, and lubricating your feet with moisturizing and nourishing creams.
- Also, cracks in the legs can occur as a result of overly careful care of them. With frequent peeling, the skin of the legs does not have time to recover well, as a result of which it becomes thinner and cracks form in it.
These are only the main reasons for the occurrence of cracks in the legs; in fact, there are many more reasons and it is very difficult to describe them all.
Deep cracks in the heels, causes
There are the following main causes of deep cracks in the heels.
- The most common cause of deep cracks in the heels is a disruption of the normal functioning of the endocrine gland. This can happen as a result of diabetes or problems with the thyroid gland.
- Deep cracks in the heels can occur as a result of hereditary diseases. If parents have cracked heels, most likely their children will have them too.
- Quite deep cracks in the heels appear in people suffering from gastritis, vitamin deficiency, and other skin diseases.
If you find deep cracks in the skin, you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Only a timely diagnosis and timely treatment can guarantee relief from the problem.
How to get rid of cracked heels?
Methods for getting rid of cracked heels can be very different, and when choosing any of them, the nature of the skin damage should be taken into account.
Cream for cracked heels
Creams are widely used in cosmetology; they also help, if necessary, to treat cracked heels. For example, the Super Heels cream contains extracts of medicinal plants, as well as Shostakovsky balm. The cream effectively removes corns and rough skin. High-quality softening of the skin occurs, cracks in the skin heal and the formation of new cracks is prevented. The good antibacterial effect of the cream is explained by the presence of aspen extract and Piroctonalamine in its composition. The cream should be applied with massaging movements twice a day until complete recovery and the disappearance of all cracks.
Cream Healer for cracked heels
Cream Healer is relatively inexpensive and at the same time very effective in treating cracked heels. It is also recommended to use it to eliminate keratinized skin on the legs.
The main active component of the Lekar cream is urea. It does not damage healthy skin, while it softens keratinized skin well. It is the presence of urea that makes Lekar cream an effective remedy for treating cracked heels. The effect of its action is enhanced by the presence of oak bark extract and tea tree oil in the cream. The action of such components helps to accelerate skin regeneration and also eliminates severe pain from deep cracks.
Emergency cream for cracked heels
Cream for cracked heels First Aid belongs to the category of relatively inexpensive and at the same time quite effective drugs. The cream contains glycerin, stearic acid, petroleum jelly and water. The cream also contains components that promote the speedy healing of wounds received by a person.
You can purchase Emergency cream almost without problems at any city pharmacy. No special medical prescriptions are required for this; the cream is freely available. It can help well with calluses, and it is also successfully used in the treatment of foot and heel fungus.
Gevol cream for cracked heels
Gevol cream is specially designed to restore the skin to its normal state. The use of the cream helps restore the hydro-lipid balance; after using the cream, the skin again acquires previously lost freshness and elasticity, and its dryness is eliminated.
The cream contains sea buckthorn, chestnut, avocado, algae extract and other natural ingredients. This cream is used exclusively externally.
In addition to eliminating cracked heels, the cream can be used to treat fungal diseases, to remove unpleasant odor from the feet, with increased sweating, as a means of combating inflammation in the feet, and also to care for the skin after a patient has suffered from diabetes. The cream is freely available in tubes of 75 and 125 milliliters; you can buy it in a pharmacy or order it online.
Cream Shol for cracked heels
Cream Shol is an excellent restorative cream for the skin of the heels. To eliminate cracked heels, it is recommended to smear the skin with it every day. In this case, a month will be enough to completely eliminate the problem. The cream has a good wound-healing and disinfectant effect, eliminates microbes that have penetrated skin cracks and prevents the development of new infectious diseases. It moisturizes the skin well and soothes it, so the cream is recommended to be used after baths, before going to bed. The use of Shol cream provides a good healing effect for skin cracks on the heels. A prerequisite for achieving good results from using the cream is its daily use.
Pine cream for cracked heels
Pine cream for cracked heels promotes high-quality regeneration of skin cells. The cream contains mountain pine oil, allantoin, which renews the cells of the upper skin layer, turpentine, which improves blood circulation and blood supply to the legs, as well as chamomile extract, which prevents the development of the inflammatory process. The cream should be used regularly to moisturize the surface of the feet and heels, as well as to give them additional elasticity. Among the various varieties of such creams, Allga San cream can be distinguished as the most effective.
Ointment for cracked heels
Salicylic ointment with a concentration of 20% helps very well for cracked heels. You should prepare a compress from this ointment and place it on your heels overnight. As a rule, a single application of a compress is sufficient to achieve the desired effect.
For the treatment of cracked heels, the use of Radevit ointment is effective. In addition to eliminating cracked heels, this ointment shows sufficient effectiveness as a treatment for burns, skin lesions due to infectious diseases, as well as dermatitis of varying degrees. The ointment contains vitamins of almost all known groups, so it can be used to treat cracks that have formed as a result of the lack of vitamins.
Calendula ointment for cracked heels
Calendula ointment can effectively heal wounds on the skin, relieve inflammation and destroy harmful bacteria. Also, this ointment destroys fungus on the skin, makes the skin softer and has a good disinfecting effect. Due to the above circumstances, calendula ointment is widely used to treat various skin diseases.
To treat cracked heels, this recipe for preparing calendula ointment is recommended. You should select a container with a lid and mix 20 grams of calendula ointment and 10 grams of vitamin A in it. The composition should be stored in the refrigerator. You should apply the ointment to your feet every day after the skin on the heels has softened. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Zinc ointment for cracked heels
Zinc ointment is widely used in the treatment of fungi on the feet, nails, as well as in the treatment of various inflammations. The basis of the drug's action is the use of zinc oxide. It qualitatively restores damage to the integrity of the skin, and also eliminates dry skin, itching in certain areas and unpleasant odor from inflammation. Zinc ointment is known for its antiseptic properties and can perfectly resist inflammation, which makes it very effective in treating cracked heels.
Zinc ointment is available for free sale in aluminum tubes weighing 30 grams, the cost of one tube is approximately 35 rubles. This product is relatively inexpensive; its analogue is Zorka, a cream for cracked heels, which costs about 85 rubles per tube.
Salicylic ointment for cracked heels
Salicylic ointment for cracked heels is applied only externally. The drug contains in its composition, in pharmacies in large cities you can also purchase other varieties of this drug: zinc-salicylic paste and sulfur-salicylic ointment.
The effective effect of salicylic ointment in the treatment of cracked heels is explained by its good anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In addition, external application of salicylic ointment guarantees a softening effect on the skin of the feet, followed by peeling of the skin on the heels.
The concentration of salicylic acid in the drug ranges from 1 to 10%. Do not allow the drug to come into contact with mucous membranes. The ointment can not only eliminate cracks in the heels, but also reliably protects against their subsequent occurrence.
Other medical products
In the event that the occurrence of cracked heels is caused by one of the list of concomitant diseases, such as disturbances in the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalances, it is necessary to ensure the use of certain medications, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the consequences of the disease.
If cracked heels are caused by fungal infections, their elimination is ensured by the use of topical antimicotic agents, such as Mycoterbin, Terbizil and Nizoral creams. In some cases, the problem is caused by a violation of the circulatory process; in such cases, it is recommended to use means to bring the veins into the necessary tone, such as Venoruton and Troxevasin.
In other cases, it is recommended to use topical preparations that have a calming effect, maintain the elasticity of the skin, moisturize the skin, soften damage and heal cracks. If the cracks in the heels are deep enough, they should be treated with ointments that contain antibiotics.
Vitamins for cracked heels
Lack of sufficient vitamins in the human body can also be one of the causes of cracked heels. To eliminate this cause, vitamins should be included in the nutritional diet, for which it is recommended to eat greens in sufficient quantities, and add variety to the nutritional menu with fresh vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to take vitamins for cracked heels as part of vitamin complexes; special dietary supplements are also recommended, which are taken for several months. In some cases, the desired result can be achieved by using special creams with vitamin supplements.
Calluses on the heels and cracks are often caused by a lack of vitamin A in the body. In order to have enough of it, it is recommended to eat pork and beef liver, carrots, butter, as well as beets and apricots.
Plaster for cracked heels
Before using a patch for cracked heels, disinfect the cracks and then cover the wounds with the patch. This will prevent various infections from entering the wound. The Compid patch is recommended as an effective remedy for calluses and cracks. There are several advantages of its use:
- cracks in the skin of the heels are protected from infection;
- the patch remains on the skin for a sufficiently long period of time;
- a special breathable formula ensures the fastest healing of cracked heels;
- When there is severe pain in the heels, it decreases almost instantly.
It is recommended to keep the patch on the skin until the wound is completely healed. After the wound is completely protected from all external influences, you can think about the cause of the cracks; perhaps it’s all about the need to moisturize the skin or eliminate a fungal infection.
Socks for cracked heels
If sufficiently deep cracks appear on the heels, it is recommended to lubricate the heels with a special cream to moisturize the skin, and then put silicone socks on the feet. They provide good skin hydration, relieve dryness, and enhance the effect of lavender oil, which softens dead skin areas.
Socks for cracked heels can be quite effective; they can provide good results after just three uses within a week. This saves time and effort, but if you wear socks for cracked heels every night for two weeks, you can forget about their appearance for a long time.
Cracked heels can be treated at home; there are a sufficient number of treatment options for this.
Mask for cracked heels
It is recommended to use maxi for cracked heels, prepared from aloe juice and apple pulp. It should be applied in a thick layer to the heels, after which the mask should be covered with cling film for half an hour. After removing the mask, it is recommended to treat the heels with foot cream. Excellent results are obtained by using a mask prepared from one egg yolk, with the addition of a tablespoon of starch, as well as lemon juice squeezed from half a lemon. The mixture prepared in this way should be applied to the heels in a continuous thick layer, left for half an hour, then rinsed off and lubricated the heels with a mixture of vegetable lemon essence and olive oil overnight.
At home, you can prepare a heel mask from banana and honey, if you mix them in arbitrary volumes. The presence of honey in the mask will help soften the skin on the heels and eliminate minor cracks and irritations.
Baths for cracked heels
Baths have long been successfully used as a remedy for cracked heels and are a very effective method of treating them, as they have good antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Ultimately, the success of using baths is determined by certain components that are used in baths to treat cracks. The systematic use of baths for medicinal purposes guarantees the achievement of maximum results.
- St. John's wort and sage;
- calendula and oak bark;
- elecampane, string and chamomile.
When preparing a bath, a tablespoon of dry prepared raw materials is used for one liter of water. The grass is poured in, after which it is placed on the fire and boiled for half an hour. Then the resulting decoction is diluted with cold water and a bath is then formed in which you can hold your feet. The procedure takes from half an hour to forty minutes. After completing the procedure, your feet should be wiped dry with a towel.
Compress for cracked heels
Before going to bed, it is recommended to steam your feet in a bowl of water with a teaspoon of soda for twenty minutes. After this, onions, previously chopped and wrapped in cotton cloth, should be applied to the heels. It is recommended to bandage this fabric, wrap it in film or paper. The compress is kept for one night, after which it is removed, the heel is washed and lubricated with cream, and pre-wiped with pumice. It is recommended to apply such a compress to cracked heels at least three times a week.
Folk remedies for cracked heels
There are enough proven folk remedies for treating cracked heels.
Glycerin for cracked heels
Glycerin is useful as a treatment for cracked heels due to its ability to extract water molecules from the air. By absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, glycerin moisturizes the skin of the heels, disinfects the feet, and prevents the spread of harmful bacteria. The result is healing of small wounds and cracks in the skin. High-quality and effective glycerin must be almost completely purified and made from natural ingredients.
Glycerin is effective in combination with vinegar or vinegar essence. Depending on how deep the cracks in the heels are, the duration of treatment courses is selected. After each procedure, the heels are treated with a nourishing cream. Glycerin is not used in its pure form; the addition of vinegar or other components is required.
Cracked heels: treatment with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as a treatment for cracked heels. I can recommend this recipe for its use.
Hydrogen peroxide is used in a volume of 200 milliliters, as well as water in a volume of 1200 milliliters. A solution of hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% is added to the water, after which the liquid is thoroughly mixed. A bath is prepared from this composition, in which you should soak your feet for five minutes. Then the soles of the feet and heels can be cleaned using pumice or a brush of sufficient hardness. After this, to soften the skin, you should treat your feet with a cream using glycerin.
Aspirin for cracked heels
Aspirin is an inexpensive and accessible treatment that is found in almost every medicine cabinet. It softens dead skin areas well, which makes it useful for treating cracked heels at home.
Ten aspirin tablets should be ground into powder, then filled with vodka in a volume of 150 grams. Add two teaspoons of an alcohol solution of iodine. After two days of infusion, the composition can be used to treat cracked heels.
The heel should be treated with the solution twice a day; it is applied for half an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water. You should not apply the solution at night, as this can damage the skin of your feet.
Wax for cracked heels
There is a home recipe for using wax as a treatment for cracked heels. The wax is melted in a water bath, after which a little licorice root is added to it. Thorough mixing is carried out. The warm composition is applied to the skin of the foot in a dense, thick layer. The mask is kept on the heel for a quarter of an hour. Then the maxa is removed and the surface is treated with spermaceti cream.
Oil for cracked heels
The use of various oils gives a good effect in the treatment of cracked heels. The use of castor, flaxseed, sunflower and almond oil is recommended. All of these oils can effectively moisturize the skin, heal wounds, and also have good antimicrobial properties. You can lubricate problem areas of the skin with oils, and also use them as a means to prepare compresses.
Honey for cracked heels
To treat cracked heels, it is recommended to use fresh linden honey. It should be rubbed into problem areas at night, and then washed off in the morning with warm water. To secure the honey overnight, place a plastic bag or sock on the foot. In the morning, after washing off the honey, the heel is treated with moisturizing cream. The total duration of treatment takes no more than a week.
Bow for cracked heels
Onions have properties that are widely used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. Onion juice has been successfully used to treat cracked heels, eliminating pain and healing cracks.
The onion compress is placed on the heel for two parts, after which it is removed and the feet are washed in warm water. Immediately after washing, the heels are treated with pumice and lubricated with a high-fat moisturizer.
Aloe for cracked heels
Fresh aloe leaves can be successfully used to treat cracked heels. A freshly cut leaf should be washed well, dried and the spines should be cut off. The aloe leaf should be applied to the cracked heel with the inner mucous side, and then bandaged thoroughly. Thanks to its good wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe juice can quickly and effectively heal cracked heels.
Everyone knows what cracked heels are. Rough and dry skin bursts, creating aesthetic and physical discomfort. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, for example, not using ointment for cracked heels, then the development of events may become unexpected. The cracks will begin to bleed, cause severe pain, and make movement difficult. And it is also dangerous to health.
Features of foot disease
Cracked heels can be cured in a short time. But if the underlying cause is not dealt with, the disease will appear in the future, and the situation will get worse each time.
Causes of the disease
The causes of foot diseases can be different. This problem occurs in the following cases:
You need to try to establish the cause of the heel problem and rule it out.
The skin on the heels should be the same as on the palms, but only on the legs it is thick and consists of 100 layers of cells that are divided into groups and play their role. The main layer is the epidermis, all the others are needed to protect it, retain moisture and protect it from the negative effects of the environment. If one layer fails, then there is a problem.
Preventive foot care
Nowadays, stores sell a lot of foot care products, for example, ointment for cracked heels, lotions, scrubs, creams, scrapers, deodorants, bath bases, special moisturizing socks and much more. The use of cosmetics affects the upper layer of the epidermis. And if cracks appear on the legs, then the problem is much deeper. Therefore, there is no need to rush to purchase expensive creams and ointments in cosmetic stores.
Cracks are a disease that can be overcome with the help of special pharmaceutical medications. Usually these are creams and ointments that have a complex effect, exfoliating, nourishing and moisturizing dead cells, stimulating regeneration processes. Before use, you need to read the instructions, but the algorithm for using the products is approximately the same:
- Feet are washed thoroughly. This is done without the use of cosmetics and soap.
- Then they are steamed in a bath. It shouldn't be overly hot. 20 minutes in warm water is enough. In this case, tincture of plantain or chamomile is used.
- The feet are dried with a towel or napkin made of natural fabric.
- Ointment is applied. If the instructions do not prohibit, then wrap your feet in cellophane and put on socks.
The procedure is performed at night. You need to know how to properly store the cream and its expiration date. An expensive product does not always help. Before using the drug, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor. The main thing is that the treatment principle is chosen correctly. If the cause of cracks is a fungus, then a cream for healing wounds caused by hormonal imbalance will not help.
Review of medicinal products
There is no universal remedy for cracked heels. Ointment or cream should be selected individually.
Basic drugs
To choose the right product, you need to know what basic drugs are available in cosmetic stores and pharmacies. Let's look at them in more detail:
Balm Rescuer and calendula ointment
The natural elements of the Rescuer balm promote rapid healing of cracks, have an antimicrobial effect, relieve itching and pain, and eliminate inflammation. The balm is used not only for heels, but also for the entire skin of the feet. Suitable for fighting fungus. There are no contraindications, except for personal intolerance to the elements of the drug.
The wound healing ability of the calendula plant has been known for a long time. An ointment prepared on the basis of calendula is very effective; it heals wounds well, provides the skin with the necessary nutrition, and also relieves pain. Despite its apparent safety, the ointment has contraindications. It should not be used by nursing women and pregnant girls, as well as children and the elderly.
Treatment with ointment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Heel cream Calendula and vitamin A, which are often used together, are applied 3 times a day; you cannot use more products, otherwise an allergy will appear. Expiration dates and storage conditions must be observed. High-quality ointment has a yellow-green color and a characteristic aroma.
Products for healing microcracks
Ointment Radevit. This remedy is indispensable in cases where cracks are caused by a lack of vitamins. Radevit moisturizes, has an antipruritic effect, starts the regeneration process and nourishes. The drug is prohibited for pregnant and lactating women. Elderly people need to use the ointment under the constant supervision of a doctor. The product should not be used for severe inflammation, so as not to intensify the symptoms of the disease.
Heel ointment. The plant base heals microcracks on the heels, nourishes and moisturizes damaged skin. A distinctive feature is the formation of a protective barrier that protects against infections. Heel ointment is not a drug, but it is better to purchase it at a pharmacy so as not to buy a fake.
Sometimes dermatologists recommend using it to heal microcracks. medical glue BF-6. Before this, the feet are washed, wiped dry with a towel, then glue is applied. You need to wait until it is completely dry. Then do not touch the damaged area for a week, then carefully remove the glue. Then baths are performed regularly to soften and remove the keratinized epidermis. Creams with lactic or salicylic acid, as well as Vaseline, are good against cracks.
Traditional medicine recipes
Our ancestors were familiar with the problem of cracks, so traditional medicine has an arsenal of means to combat the disease; all that remains is to choose the most suitable option for yourself.
Pork and badger fat
The use of fat for homemade ointments is mandatory, because it is the main component that restores its firmness and elasticity. Pork and badger fat are useful in themselves, as they have antibacterial properties, eliminate cracks, and accelerate wound healing. Damaged skin can be lubricated only with fat or diluted with medicinal herbs. For this purpose, it is better to use celandine or calendula. Method for preparing the ointment:
- The fat is melted in a water bath, mixed in proportions 2:1:1 with calendula and celandine.
- The composition is cooked for 30 minutes.
- The mixture must be carefully monitored so that it does not boil.
- The hot ointment is strained through a fine sieve to remove any remaining herbs.
- The product is stored in the refrigerator.
The drug is applied to the legs once a day. Before this, the skin is steamed. Dried or fresh herbs are used to prepare the ointment. If the dry version is used, the herb is pre-steamed with hot water.
Ointment for the elderly with vitamin A
The healing mixture is very simple to prepare. The cream is considered an excellent solution for older people. Recipe:
- Take 1 part of vitamin A and 2 parts of Calendula ointment.
- The two components are thoroughly mixed in a container. Then the mixture must be placed in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Calendula ointment can be prepared at home or purchased at a pharmacy. But you can make the ointment yourself at home:
- Take 65 g of calendula oil and 5 g of beeswax. The mixture is left in a water bath until the wax is completely dissolved.
- The composition is constantly mixed.
- If it is thick, you can add oil and continue heating in a water bath.
When the desired consistency is obtained, the product is poured into a small container for subsequent storage in a cool place.
The pain of a crack, severe discomfort when walking, the tearing of stockings on rough skin - all this can bother you if your heel is cracked. This article will help you figure out what to do at home to quickly and effectively combat the problem.
There are a number of factors that lead to the occurrence of cracks. These are symptoms of various diseases and reactions to environmental influences.
The reasons leading to the appearance of cracks include:
- regularly wearing tight shoes;
- shoes and underwear made of synthetic material;
- disruptions in the circulatory system;
- complete ignorance or incorrectly selected system of care for the skin of the feet;
- frequent use of peeling;
- Low level of humidity in the apartment;
- inattention to foot hygiene: possible error in the selection of detergent;
- lack of certain vitamins.
Diseases that cause cracks include:
- failure in the metabolic system;
- hormonal disbalance;
- exacerbation of diabetes (with dry mouth, sharp fluctuations in body weight, regular hunger, frequent urination, you should think not only about treating heels, but also the possibility of having this disease);
- fungal disease of the skin of the feet;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including exacerbation of gastritis;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- excess weight;
- skin lesions with dermatosis.
Common factors that cause cracks include:
- the process of standing on your feet for a long time without changing position;
- age threshold (the older a person is, all processes in the body are more unstable, including the process of skin regeneration);
- carrying severe stress;
- wearing shoes with thin soles;
- heel more than 5 cm.
What are the dangers of cracked heels if left untreated?
If the formation of cracks is ignored and no measures are taken to eliminate them, then, over time, the cracks cause discomfort while walking, and bruising is possible.
The biggest danger is not the cracks themselves, but the possibility of infections getting into them, which can become the causative agent of a fungal skin disease.
Basic rules for treating cracked heels
Dermatologists have long identified the formation of cracks in the skin of the heels as a separate pathology. But besides this, cracks may indicate the presence of a metabolic, immune or endocrine disease in the body.
- taking a general and biochemical blood test (to identify or exclude anemia);
- passing a glucose tolerance test (to identify or exclude diabetes mellitus in its various stages);
- microscopy of the skin at the site of the problem area (analysis allows you to exclude or detect fungal skin damage).
The next important rule is to get rid of cracks at the initial stage of their formation, i.e. at the time of skin peeling. If you do not ignore or neglect the condition of the epithelium, and do not allow it to become severely coarsened, the regeneration process will quickly begin with the help of cosmetics and daily care.
At the first sign of discomfort on the skin of your feet, you should immediately review your shoes and analyze their quality and comfort. You should opt for leather shoes.
Applying ointment is the first thing to do at home if your heel is cracked. What to do at homeif your heel is cracked:
- Wash damaged skin daily with a mild cleanser;
- do foot baths several times a week;
- after cleansing the skin, use a medicated cream;
- During treatment, switch to more comfortable shoes.
Therapeutic healing creams for cracked heels
When your heel is cracked, what to do at home to treat it is the number one question. Healthy skin on the feet is one of the indicators of a person’s overall well-groomed appearance. Healing creams will help you quickly restore your healthy appearance.
Doctor Biocon balm for rough and cracked skin of the feet
The first thing you need to do at home if your heel is cracked is to gently clean the epithelium and use a pharmaceutical preparation.
Doctor Biocon
The top products that do an excellent job of treating cracks include balm "Doctor Biocorn."
The main components in the form of salicylic acid, triclocarban, methyluracil, shea butter and calendula extract soften the skin of rough heels and gently exfoliate the rough dermis, have a healing effect, help reduce the depth of cracks in the heels and prevent their new formation.
The balm has an antibacterial and antifungal effect. Despite the stated name “gel,” it has a relatively thick and dense texture. It has a moisturizing and nourishing effect on the skin when used 4 times a day.
Contraindicated for persons with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The average price for the drug is 120 rubles.
Foot cream - Super Heels
Due to Shestakovsky essence, peppermint oil, plant extracts, fish oil and beeswax, the “Super Heels” product has a fast-acting heel healing effect and helps prevent the formation of recurrent cracks. Additional properties include reduced fatigue and reduced foot sweating.
Cream “Super Heel” The composition nourishes, protects the dermis of the feet, and is antimicrobial. It has a light texture with a pleasant aroma. Recommended for use every 12 hours, in the morning and evening.
Contraindicated strictly in case of personal intolerance to individual components of the drug.
The average price for the drug is 115 rubles.
Healing foot cream against cracked feet (Green Pharmacy)
Due to the presence of natural ingredients in the form of beeswax and almond ether, it has a moisturizing and softening effect on the epithelium and will accelerate the process of epithelial regeneration.
Foot cream from the company "Green Pharmacy" It has a dense, thick consistency. It shows itself as a remedy against fungus.
The average price for the drug is 80 rubles.
Foot baths for the treatment of cracked heels
Besides the fact that a cracked heel looks unhygienic, it also causes discomfort while walking.
Dermatologists recommend regularly doing foot baths at home, since treatment and prevention of crack formation must be comprehensive.
Wine bath
It has long been known that wine has unique properties. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to introduce wine into the diet to obtain healing properties. A great effect can be achieved from external use by adding wine to baths.
The procedure must be done within 15 minutes. To prepare the bath, you need to mix 3 glasses of water with 1 glass of wine.
Tea bath
Perfectly tones and strengthens the skin of the feet. To achieve maximum effect, it is recommended to use green tea leaves.
To prepare a bath, you need to dilute 0.5 liters of green tea with 3 liters of warm water. You need to steam your feet for 20 minutes.
Bath with contrast water
The main goal of the procedure is to increase the speed of blood circulation. A contrast foot bath is carried out in the following way: before the procedure, the feet are well warmed with a heating pad, blanket and socks. Then they should be immersed in warm water, and after 5 seconds the feet are transferred to a container of cold water.
To achieve maximum results from the procedure, the described approach must be repeated at least 5 times.
Traditional recipes for cracked heels
What to do at home if your heel is cracked, using folk recipes, it is passed down through the female line from one generation to the next. In folk medicine, there are many treatment options; the most effective of them will be discussed below.
Therapeutic compresses
Using fir balsam. Before starting the procedure, the feet must be steamed and dried with a towel. Then fir balsam is generously applied to the skin, paying special attention to areas with cracks. Apply a gauze pad over the ointment, wrap it in plastic and put on warm socks, leaving the compress on until the morning. The balm is washed off with warm water.
Oil-based compress. To prepare the composition, you need to mix sea buckthorn, olive and castor oil in equal proportions. Then the cabbage leaf is impregnated with the composition and applied to the place where the cracks form. Similar to the previous procedure, put on polyethylene and a sock over it, and leave the compress on overnight.
Homemade ointments
Based on badger or pork fat. Returns elasticity and firmness to the skin, and starts the process of cell regeneration. To prepare, the fat base is melted in a water bath and mixed with calendula oil (in equal proportions). Apply to the skin after preliminary cleansing and steaming for at least 6 hours.
Ointment with yolk and vinegar. The composition softens the skin and promotes accelerated wound healing. To prepare the composition, to 2 tbsp. l. vegetable oil, add table vinegar (2 tsp) and 1 yolk.
If your heel is cracked and it hurts, what to do?
The first thing to do if a crack in the heel begins to cause pain is to disinfect the area of damaged skin and apply a cream containing an antibiotic. Further, it is recommended to minimize the load on the leg while walking, and also apply a compress using honey or aloe pulp during sleep.
Daily care for your heels to keep them smooth (prevention)
Since baths and compresses are mainly remedies for already formed cracks, it would be useful to mention what preventive actions need to be taken to prevent the appearance of cracks on the heels.
Delicate skin cleansing. It should be done every evening, completing the procedure with a massage with a pumice stone or a pedicure brush.
Scrubbing the skin of the feet. It is recommended to carry out once every 5-7 days.
Daily application of nourishing cream. The cosmetic product must be selected based on the condition of the skin of the legs (with a moisturizing effect, with a complex of nutrients or to relieve fatigue).
It is extremely unpleasant when your heel cracks. What to do at home - approach this issue comprehensively: use baths in combination with compresses and ointments. After successful treatment, it is imperative to carry out preventive measures.
Video tips. What to do if your heel is cracked at home
Tips on what to do if your heel is cracked:
Hello, dear readers. How to make your heels soft and smooth at home? I won’t be mistaken if I say that every woman dreams of such smooth, soft heels. How beautiful they look in summer open sandals! Therefore, watch the post to the end - there will be 6 ways to get rid of rough skin on your heels.
Baths are the best remedy for soft heels
When the skin on your heels becomes rough and unsightly, you should not wait for more serious changes. The situation needs to be corrected.
What can cause cracked heels? First of all, this:
- dry indoor air
- lack of care,
- hormonal disbalance,
- poor blood circulation,
- lack of vitamins, especially A and E.
- fungal infection
- high sugar, thyroid disease.
If you do not have serious illnesses, then they will help you quickly correct the situation soda baths. Pour 1 tbsp into a bowl of warm water (1 liter). spoon of soda, pour in 3-4 drops of essential oil, lower your feet for 15 minutes. After softening the stratum corneum, treat the legs with pumice and lubricate them with cream.
Milk bath. In 2 liters of water, add 1 tbsp. milk, 3 tbsp. salt, a little shampoo. We keep our feet in this solution for about 20 minutes. Then we treat our feet with a brush or pumice stone, wipe it dry, and lubricate it with a rich cream.
Bath with glycerin. Pour warm water into a bowl, add 1 tsp. l. glycerin, lower your feet for 15 minutes, rub the skin on your heels with a brush, lubricate with a rich cream. All baths can be done once daily. The course is a week.
Masks for feet and smooth heels
You can make excellent healing masks at home. For rough skin, a mask with yolk will be a real elixir.
Recipe: Take 1 tbsp. l. starch and lemon juice, egg yolk, mix well, lubricate the steamed heels, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with water, wipe them with a towel, lubricate with cream.
Honey mask. Take 1 tbsp. l. honey and olive oil, mix, apply to the heels, keep for 30 minutes, rinse with warm water.
To make your heels smooth, try herbal compresses. Brew a mixture of herbs: chamomile, string, sage, calendula. Two tbsp. l. herbs, brew 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes. Soak gauze in the infusion, apply to the heels, secure with cellophane, and put on socks.
Treatment of cracked skin
The skin on the heels is without cracks, is this possible? Of course available! Use simple recipes and you will forget about such an unpleasant phenomenon as cracks.
Swipe treatment with peroxide. Pour 4 liters of hot water into a basin, add 4 tbsp. l. peroxide. Lower your legs, the main thing is that they are covered with water, hold for 10 minutes.
Soon you will see that the skin has steamed as if you had been steaming it for an hour.
We clean off the stratum corneum, cover the heels with a mixture (1:1), which includes glycerin and vinegar (table). We do baths with peroxide once every 7 days, but you can lubricate the mixture every day.
Homemade cream for treating cracked heels can be prepared in a few minutes. Take baby cream, add peppermint oil.
But here is a more complex composition. This cream includes:
- ghee - 50 grams;
- glycerin oil - half a teaspoon;
- any vegetable oil - 4 teaspoons;
- camphor alcohol - 30 grams;
- egg yolks - 2 pcs.;
- chamomile infusion - 1 tbsp. spoon.
First, prepare a chamomile decoction: 1 tbsp. l. flowers, brew 100 ml of boiling water, leave for 2 hours. Excess liquid can be frozen and then used as a cosmetic product.
Then we mix all the ingredients, apply it to the heels, wrap it in plastic, put on socks, and leave it on for several hours.
Homemade heel cream is better than a pharmaceutical product
There is also a way to treat heels, which is better than many ready-made cosmetic preparations. This is a cream that you can prepare in just a few minutes.
To do this you will need vitamin A and calendula ointment in a tube.
Take a glass jar and mix vitamin A and ointment well: a 20 ml bottle of vitamin and a tube of ointment (20g). Store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator.
Every day, at night, lubricate your heels with this magical remedy, then put on your socks. Course-week.
After a week's course, you can continue to lubricate the skin, but 2 times a week. This cream has an amazing quality: it can permanently rid your feet of cracks.
Don't forget to lubricate your nails and entire foot. Even older people with advanced dermal conditions acquire soft, smooth heels.
Foot cream with urea
Works great on cracked heels compositions with urea, which instantly penetrates the skin, helps to loosen and remove the upper stratum corneum, for example.
In addition, cream with urea performs protective functions, and also maintains the necessary amount of moisture in the tissues, and promotes the penetration of the beneficial substances that make up this product into the depths of the epidermis.
Cream with urea helps treat diseases of the epidermis of the feet such as eczema, fungus, psoriasis, and ichthyosis.
What kind of substance is this - urea? This is a very important component that is found in the cells of the human epidermis. If there are no diseases of the skin of the legs, then it contains up to 1 percent urea.
Its main purpose is to moisturize the skin, which means preventing dryness and the appearance of cracks.
Traditional recipes for treating heels
Folk remedies have an excellent healing effect.
Mask with celandine: chop fresh celandine leaves, place on your heels, secure with a bandage, wrap with film on top, put on socks. Stay like this overnight. In the morning, rinse the herb with warm water. Rub the exfoliated epidermis with a brush and lubricate your feet with cream.
Effective folk remedy: Boil several potato tubers in their skins, drain some of the water, and mash the potatoes in the remaining water. Pour into a basin, add water to cover your feet, add 1 tbsp. spoon of soda.
Place your feet in the solution, hold for 5-8 minutes, rub your feet with a pumice stone, rinse with water, wipe dry with a towel, lubricate with cream, put on socks.
An equally effective remedy is oatmeal cooked in water. Pour a good portion into the porridge, put the mixture in 2 bags, put them on your feet, insulate them for 2 hours, then rinse with warm water. A few such procedures are enough to make your heels soft and smooth.
How can we not remember about? If you are not allergic to it, then prepare a simple flatbread from 2 tbsp. spoons of flour and 1 tbsp. honey
Divide it into 2 parts. Before going to bed, steam your feet, wipe dry, apply the tortillas to your heels, secure them, and put on your socks. In the morning, roll up the tortillas to use again. Course - 10 days.
Another proven recipe. Grind 2 large onions in a meat grinder and place them in 2 bags. Before going to bed, put them on your feet, insulate them, put on socks, 3-5 procedures will be enough. This remedy will also relieve you of.
Use lemon to care for your heels.
- It is better to do the procedure at night. Cut in half and squeeze out the juice. It can be used in cooking, simply added to tea, or frozen for later.
- Place the squeezed lemon halves on both heels and place a sock on top to hold the peel in place. Now just go to bed.
- In the morning you will notice how much softer your heels have become. The ideal result is achieved if you repeat the procedure every 2-3 days. The same lemon halves can be used several times until they dry out.
Vitamins for smooth heel skin
What vitamins does the body lack to make the heels soft, like a child’s? First of all, vitamin A.
Eat cabbage, citrus fruits, liver, butter, carrots, spinach, green onions, then your body will not suffer from a lack of vitamins.
Once a 60-year-old village woman boasted to me of her pink heels. To say that I was surprised is not the right word! I knew that she also works in the garden, and that they do not have a bathroom or other urban conditions. It turns out that her doctor recommended (I don’t remember for what reason) to take liquid vitamin A - drop a drop onto a piece of refined sugar and eat it once a day. And this is the side result with the heels!
So don't neglect vitamin A!
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