Beautiful and well-groomed skin is what many strive for. But there are parts of the body that are most prone to dryness, such as the feet. Cracks in the heels often result. What to treat? What are the reasons? The questions are quite relevant and exciting. Unfortunately, cracks in the heels bother many people, both men and women, causing pain and discomfort while walking. And here it is important to understand that you are dealing with a disease belonging to the group of dermatitis. A crack in itself is a violation of the integrity of the skin on the heel.
We understand the reasons
Unfortunately, about 60% of the population face the problem of cracking the skin on torture. Admittedly, this is preceded by pronounced symptoms. First, under the influence of a number of factors, the skin becomes drier and rougher, then walking begins to be accompanied by painful sensations. Cracks appeared on the heels, what should I do?
In fact, modern and traditional medicine offer enough methods to combat the disease. Knowing how to get rid of cracks in the heels, you can put your legs in order, without waiting for extreme measures. But for starters, it would be nice to understand the main causes of such an ailment in order to prevent it if possible.
Diabetes
It is this pathology that is most often accompanied by cracking of the skin on the heels. In this case, the patient does not experience discomfort, no pain during walking, which in this case is considered a hallmark.
Damage to the heel area is caused by damage to blood vessels, which leads to impaired circulation of the whole body, and especially the limbs. Blood is the main source of oxygen and nutrients for skin tissue, which is why even the slightest disturbance can cause dryness. It is the lack of moisture that experts call the main reason for the violation of the stratum corneum.
In this case, it is the absence of pain that is dangerous, which provokes the deepening of the cracks and their expansion. A person may not even notice this ailment, until over time the situation is complicated by an infectious infection.
Iron-deficiency anemia
Many associate the appearance of cracks with the lack of regular foot skin care. In fact, iron deficiency in tissues often causes such an ailment. The substance is responsible for the synthesis of protein and enzymes, respectively, even the slightest shortage can lead to a violation of the structure of the skin of cells. The epidermis is renewing at an astonishing rate, so iron deficiency is especially acute here.
Hypovitaminosis
Think about it if you have ever encountered such a problem, when exactly did you notice its first signs. Most often, cracks begin to appear on the heels in the offseason - a time of deficiency in the human body necessary for its full functioning vitamins and minerals. So, a deficiency of vitamins A and E is the cause of various skin inflammations, dermatitis. Particularly dangerous is the lack of vitamin E, which protects the epidermal cells from various inflammations and infections. It leads to dehydration, dryness and cracking of the skin.
Vitamin A plays a major role in cell renewal, and its deficiency, even in small amounts, very soon leads to coarsening of the heels. The skin loses its natural softness and elasticity, as a result of which cracks of various sizes and depths begin to cover it.
Fungus
The cause of cracks in the heels quite often is the defeat of a fungal infection. The fungus, spreading over the surface of the foot, acts as a catalyst for keratinization. The skin due to many keratinized layers thickens, becomes rougher. It is known that the thicker the skin, the lower its elasticity. In turn, less elastic and dry areas during walking are most susceptible to mechanical damage. The fungus violates the integrity of the upper layer of the epidermis, provoking an aggravation of the situation.
Secondary reasons
If your situation has nothing to do with these diseases, then most likely the cause of the ailment is wearing tight, uncomfortable and rough shoes. A more careful approach to the choice of socks: low-quality synthetic options lead to excessive sweating, allowing infections to affect the area of the feet. Well, of course, non-compliance with basic foot hygiene can also be attributed to the appearance of cracks on the heel. How to treat this disease? We will talk about this a bit later.
Treatment recommendations
If you are convinced that the cracks on your heels have nothing to do with malfunctions of the internal organs, nothing prevents you from dealing with the problem on your own. You have the right to choose a method of treatment yourself, but there are a number of recommendations common to each of them:
- Regularity of treatment - if you started to deal with the problem, then strictly follow the established schedule of procedures. Daily household chores and worries in this case are not an excuse and should not interfere.
- Moderation in the use of drugs - the principle "the more the better" in this case does not work, so the use of medicines should strictly correspond to the dosages.
- Compliance with daily hygiene - in order for the treatment to bring the expected effect, do not neglect the basic rules and avoid all risk factors.
Pharmacy treatment
Any nearest pharmacy will provide you with remedies for cracks in the heels in a sufficient assortment. Using them, you can quickly get rid of your problem:
- "Radevit" for external use is a preparation enriched with the content of vitamins A and E, which damaged skin of the feet so needs. The tool has a powerful cosmetic and therapeutic effect, allowing you to return the heels to softness, tenderness and rid them of cracks.
- Bazalmed is another foot cream for cracked heels with a calming and nourishing effect. It softens rough skin, protecting it from infection.
- "Lamisil" - is actively fighting infections, including with a fungus on its feet. The active ingredients in the composition contribute to the rapid healing of cracks. The drug is popular due to the lack of contraindications and side effects, applied once a day, preferably before bedtime. Before use, it is necessary to rinse the skin of the legs with warm water, and then blot it with a soft terry towel.
- "Gavol" is one of the most effective means. Many note how quickly it fights the problem. Cream "Gevol" from cracks on the heels helps to get rid of rough skin once and for all, to restore its natural softness, elasticity. The composition of the cream is enriched with the content of plant components and essential oils, so it is completely safe, suitable for daily use.
Deep Crack Ointment
Each case is individual. If you have cracked heels, what should I do? This question is asked by many. If the lesion is more pronounced, dryness does not disappear even after regular use of ointments and creams, it is time to switch to "heavy artillery". Otherwise, the cracks can only deepen, the condition can be complicated by the penetration of infection, and walking will begin to be accompanied by pain. Want to know the most effective remedies for cracks in the heels?
Then you should pay attention to the recommendations of those who managed to get rid of the problem. Here they are:
- "Bepanten" - perhaps the most effective remedy for cracks in the heels. It copes well even with the deepest wounds, has no contraindications, therefore it is suitable even for babies. Apply foot cream from cracks in the heels twice a day, morning and evening, on previously cleansed skin of the legs. The course of use is on average 5-7 days.
- Vaseline - you do not know how to get rid of cracks on the heels inexpensively, pay attention to this time-tested remedy. It can be applied several times a day. Many patients note that after using Vaseline, the heel skin instantly softens and transforms.
Traditional medicine
How to treat cracks in the heel? Many underestimate the means of traditional medicine, and in vain, because they demonstrate a good result. Moreover, many experts strongly recommend combining ointments from a pharmacy with compresses and baths from natural herbs, which will bring a speedy recovery.
Laundry soap
If this is the first time you have encountered such a problem and do not know how to treat cracks in the heel, first use traditional medicine, which is in the arsenal of every housewife. The economic itself is not endowed with healing properties, but it perfectly softens the stratum corneum of the skin and has a disinfecting effect.
A night soap mask is an excellent recipe for cracking on the heels. Feet should be washed, thoroughly dried, and then greased the heels with 72% household soap. Then, thin cotton socks are put on the legs and left overnight. In the morning, the mask is washed off, and a moisturizer is applied to the feet. The procedure should be carried out daily until the cracks are completely eliminated.
Boiled potatoes
Our ancestors actively used this vegetable to combat various ailments. Cracks in the heels are no exception. Boil a few tubers, drain the liquid, and then crush the potatoes until mashed. Dilute the resulting slurry with water with the addition of a tablespoon of baking soda. This is the basis for the foot bath. Dip your feet into it for 5-10 minutes, then treat the heels with pumice and apply a moisturizer.
Celandine
Legends really go about this medicinal plant: it helps treat various skin diseases, cracks in the heels were no exception. Celandine should be collected during its active flowering. The grass must be torn by hand, then pour olive oil in a ratio of 1: 1. The resulting mixture must treat the affected areas. This alternative treatment of cracks in the heels continues until they are completely eliminated.
Prevention
In order not to puzzle yourself with the question of how to treat cracks in the heel, it is better to prevent the development of the disease. Follow a series of preventative measures:
- comfortable, preferably closed shoes made of natural breathable materials;
- regular use of antifungal drugs after visiting public places;
- moisturizing the skin of the feet with oils and creams;
- a course of vitamins A and E;
- hygiene.
Our skin requires regular and gentle care, especially the skin of the feet. Avoid places of public use, always use protective shoes so as not to catch the infection in any way. And then your legs will always look well-groomed and moisturized.