Are Cracked Heels painful & Dangerous? Part III
In continuation of the Home remedies for the cracked heels from the last week it is proved that coconut oil is often recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help the skin retain moisture, using coconut oil after a foot soak could be a good option, too. Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help to heal cracked heels if they’re prone to bleeding or infections.
Other natural remedies
There are many other home remedies for cracked heels, although none are proven to specifically treat cracked heals. Most ingredients focus on moisturizing and softening the skin, which include vinegar, for a foot soak, olive or vegetable oil, Shea butter (Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree.) and mashed bananas to moisturize. Paraffin wax, to seal in moisture and oatmeal mixed with oil for exfoliation.
A Listerine foot soak is a type of at-home foot bath. It’s primarily used to treat athlete’s foot and onychomycosis (toe nail fungus). People also use Listerine on their feet to help remove dead skin. Listerine, which is normally used to help prevent cavities and gingivitis, has numerous active ingredients. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Further preparations made with ceramides (ceramides are lipids, or fatty molecules, that help maintain a healthy skin barrier)., petrolatum, or natural oils like almond or sunflower oil.
Medical Management
An article on heel fissures published in Dermatological Nursing recommends applying an emollient cream containing 10 to 25 percent urea. Applications can cause a mild stinging sensation on the skin. Once the heel skin starts to soften, the urea concentration is to be decreased. For some people services of a podiatrist may be needed when very thick, dry skin is there on the bottom of the feet. A podiatrist uses special tools to remove dead skin with a technique called debridement to prevent heel cracking.
Try prescription medications for infections
If there is added infection then it is to be treated with suitable antibacterial medications. Antifungals are also required at times. If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, prescription medications can help to treat the infectious organisms that increase the risk of heel fissures and ideally help to soften the heel skin.
In case heel fissures have developed sores immediate a qualified doctor’s consultation is needed for wound care treatments that aim to treat the area and ideally restore healthy skin. Persons who suffer with pain need to spend about 10 minutes each night softening the skin. Also to soak the feet in warm (not hot) water for 10 minutes in a small foot tub. Gently pat the feet dry. Try a loofah (the fibrous interior of a fruit that resembles a marrow, dried and used as a sponge for washing the body)., foot scrub brush, or pumice stone. Gentle friction is all that’s needed. Apply a thick layer of ointment with petrolatum or petroleum jelly. Put on thin, clean cotton socks over the moisturized feet. Applying creams and emollients to the feet can make them slippery. So try wearing nonskid socks to prevent any falls while treating heel fissures.
Takeaway message
In many cases, cracked heels aren’t cause for concern. Although the skin may show signs of improvement after initial treatment, it may take several days or weeks for the cracks to heal. During and after this time, wear shoes that fit properly and practice proper foot care to help prevent new heel cracks.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy diet with well-balanced items will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. The body responds to the kinds of food consume. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
How to Apply Creams?
If you do have dry skin, it is best to apply the cream daily. The best time to apply moisturizing cream is after a shower when the skin is warm and therefore more likely to absorb the moisturizer. Wearing socks after application (if tolerable) can also help with cream absorption and to make it comfortable to walk around after application. Eventually persons who suffer from heel cracks should remember to pay attention regularly on heels so that they won’t pose any immense predicament. (Concluded)
