Inappropriate soaps and cleaners
As you probably know, continuous use of soap, especially soaps that are not completely compatible with your skin, will eventually cause skin dryness. This issue is more important in the heel skin than other parts due to its special conditions. Washing the soles of the feet using soap and water reduces the protective oils and useful fats of the skin and causes dryness and eventually cracks in the heels.
On the other hand, if you don’t follow the hygiene and daily cleaning of the feet, there will still be a risk of cracking the soles of the feet. With the accumulation of different microbes and bacteria, not only the skin of the heel and sole of the foot will get an inappropriate appearance, but it will also gradually become thick and rough.
eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that depending on its severity, a person will experience problems such as burning, itching and chronic dryness in his skin. Eczema is one of the diseases related to cracked soles, which is seen more in athletes and people who have hard jobs than others, and should not be confused with simple cracked heels.
Bacterial and fungal infections
Dryness and cracking of the soles of the feet usually occur due to fungal and microbial causes at older ages. However, if the peeling of the skin on the feet increases in an unusual way and the nails and the skin around them become inflamed and have problems, there is a possibility of a fungal infection.
Background and hereditary diseases
Congenital and hereditary diseases such as keratoderma, diabetes, and thyroid can provide the necessary grounds for cracked heel skin. In addition, the lack of some vitamins such as A and important fatty acids such as alpha linoleic and gamma linoleic will also cause such problems.
Treatment of cracked feet
Usually, to treat this problem, home remedies are effective to a great extent if they are used consistently. In the following, you will get to know some of these methods.
Combined wax of paraffin and coconut oil
Melt some paraffin using steam until it becomes liquid. Now add two tablespoons of coconut oil, mustard or even castor oil to it. Put your feet in the resulting mixture and wait ten minutes.
You should continue this until several layers of this mixture are placed on the skin of the heel. For more effect, put your foot in a freezer bag and let it stay for at least 1 hour. Then remove your feet and remove the layers of wax from it. You can use this method twice a week.
Note: It is not recommended to do this for people with diabetes or people with poor blood circulation!
Warm water and foot exfoliation
First, fill a suitable container (or tub) with warm or lukewarm water. Then put your feet in it and let it stay in the same position for at least 10 minutes. Now the skin on the soles of your feet is soft and completely soaked. Exfoliate the skin on the soles of your feet using a foot stone, a foot brush, and a suitable scrub such as Leaf.
By doing this, dead cells and rough and thick skin layers are separated and the freshness and softness of your foot skin increases. After you dry your feet, be sure to use a lotion, foot cream, or a suitable moisturizer to maintain the softness and softness of the foot skin.
If you do this at night and before going to bed and wear a suitable sock, you will see much more effectiveness. Additionally, you can also reap the natural exfoliating benefits of salt by adding some sea salt or Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to the water.
This is one of the best ways to relax after a day’s work and also treat cracked heels.