How to treat cracked heels - traditional treatment and grandmotherly advice

What do cracked heels mean
Cracked heels or cracked heels occur when the skin on the bottom of the heel hardens and dries out. Dry cracked heels on the feet usually do not cause serious problems, but occasionally the cracks can be deeper and a cracked heel can appear bloody. With cracked heels in blood, you will feel pain when you step on them and these cracks can also lead to skin infection.

Causes of cracked heels
According to available statistics reported in Reader's Digest magazine, approximately 20% of adults suffer from cracked and hard heel problems, with women being affected more often than men. The cause of hard, cracked heels tends to be one of the following factors:
- Insufficient skin hydration,
- inappropriate footwear and socks,
- cold and dry weather, but also overheated rooms,
- standing or walking for long periods of time puts constant pressure on the heels,
- deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals,
- genetics and diseases such as diabetes, mould, eczema, etc,
- psychosomatics (according to Chinese medicine, there may be a spiritual cause behind hard heels).

What to do for cracked heels
If you don't know what helps for cracked heels and how to treat them, we will introduce you to some effective ways to cure cracked heels once and for all.
1. Bath for cracked heels
An important step to cure cracked heels is a regular foot bath. Once a week, soak your feet in warm water for at least 20 minutes, ideally with the addition of bath salts or a few drops of essential oil. This bath helps to soften hardened skin and prepare it for the next treatment.
2. Foot peeling
After the bath, when the skin is soft, use a pumice stone or glass file to remove the hardened skin. If you don't know how best to sand your heels, use the following procedure: use the pumice stone or file in gentle circular motions to sand hardened areas until the skin is smooth.
This step helps remove dead skin cells, promotes skin regeneration and helps moisturisers penetrate the skin more easily. After sanding, rinse your feet thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
To prevent cracked heels, experts recommend visiting a professional pedicure at least once every six weeks.
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic also advise on how to treat cracked heels. They recommend avoiding long hot showers and using harsh soaps that dry out the skin.
3. Creams for cracked heels
What will really help everyone for dry heels is hydration. After removing the hardened skin, apply a moisturizer or one of the effective ointments for cracked heels to keep the skin soft and supple.
Ideally, use cracked heel products containing, for example, urea, salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids (these ingredients help to remove dead skin) and creams that provide hydration and prevent the skin from drying out (containing lanolin, petrolatum, glycerin, ceramides or lactic acid?).
Hydration is essential for painful cracked heels. On how to cure cracked heels, Dr. Gabriel Sciallis of the Mayo Clinic says, "Regular hydration and proper care can significantly improve the condition of the skin on your heels and prevent more serious problems."

The best cream for cracked heels
One of the best creams for cracked heels is Dermaguard. Its unique formula includes ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, softening it and providing long-lasting hydration.
Dermaguard is non-greasy, absorbs quickly upon application, creates a waterproof barrier and is not visible or felt on the skin. You can buy it in our e-shop.
4. The right choice of shoes and socks
Avoid open-heeled shoes that do not provide enough support for your feet and put a lot of pressure on your heels. Wear socks made of natural materials such as cotton, which allow the skin to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation.
If you stand a lot during the day, for example at work, take breaks.
5. A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins
Diet plays an important role in preventing cracked heels. Ensuring that you get enough vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, E, C and zinc, can improve the condition of your skin.
6. Socks or plasters for cracked heels
Exfoliating socks for cracked heels help remove dead skin within a few days. Just wear them for the time period mentioned in the instructions and the dry skin will soon start peeling off.
You can also use cosmetic patches to soften the skin. Thanks to the special composition (they contain papaya extract, aloe vera and provitamin B5), they add moisture to the skin.
7. Hygiene and foot care
Regular washing and thorough drying of the feet, especially between the toes, helps prevent infections. If your heels are dry and prone to cracking, consider using a wrap. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer to your heels, wrap your feet in plastic wrap, put on socks and leave on overnight.
8. Women's advice for cracked heels
In addition to traditional methods, there are a number of proven homemade recipes for cracked heels. Natural treatments for cracked heels often use ingredients you normally have at home. These include honey, which is one of the most effective natural remedies for cracked heels. It has antibacterial and moisturizing properties, which helps heal cracks and moisturize the skin.
Coconut oil also works well for cracked heels, providing long-lasting hydration to the skin, or aloe vera, known for its soothing and healing properties.
Another effective old wives' tip is to apply olive oil, which is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. These help to restore and hydrate the skin. Mix it with a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, and massage the mixture into the heel.
It's best to apply natural remedies to your heels before bed, then wrap your feet in foil and put on cotton socks (you don't always need to use foil). Leave this wrap on cracked heels overnight and rinse off in the morning.
If you're looking for a quick solution, soak your feet in water mixed with apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. This solution helps soften hardened skin and makes it easier to remove.
Baking soda (baking soda) is also effective in helping to remove dead cells, renew the skin and also counteract skin diseases. Soak your feet for 20 minutes in the bath, for which you will need 3 tablespoons of soda per 3 litres of warm water, and then remove the corroded skin with a pumice stone.
You can also try some herbs for cracked heels (calendula, chamomile or lavender) added to the foot bath for maximum nourishment, softening and regeneration of dry skin.
9. Prescription and modern treatment methods
If conventional home methods are not enough, consider using modern technologies such as laser treatment. Laser treatment for cracked heels helps remove hardened and damaged skin and promotes the regeneration of new, healthy tissue.
The advantage of this treatment is its precision and ability to target specific areas without damaging the surrounding healthy skin. After treatment, the skin on the heels is smoother. While laser treatment may be the ideal choice for some, less invasive methods may be more appropriate for others.
In addition to laser treatment, you can try special prescription creams and ointments that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients.
When to seek medical advice
If home treatment does not bring results, cracks on the heels worsen or are very painful, it is time to consult a specialist about the problem.
Especially dangerous are cases when an infection gets into the cracks, redness, swelling or discharge appears.

Conclusion:
Taking care of cracked heels is not only an aesthetic issue, but also a medical one. Prevention and care of cracked heels requires regularity and patience, but the results are worth it.

Resources used:

https://www.gothamfootcare.com/blog/from-cracks-to-comfort-an-experts-guide-to-healing-and-preventing-cracked-heels.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-take-steps-at-home-to-manage-dry-cracked-heels/.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/cracked-heels-5188835. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/expert-answers/cracked-heels-treatment/faq-20455140.