Everyone deals with a cracked heel from time to time. Solving the problem is extremely simple and sometimes requires just a few ingredients.
Despite being uncomfortable, cracked heels are an extremely common occurrence in everyone’s life. The biggest reason for cracked feet is a lack of skin hydration, something that can easily be resolved through creams and moisturizers. Despite this, it is possible that the case is a warning of other bigger problems. Even though the association between a cracked heel and a more serious illness is almost never made, it still exists.
Typically, cracks appear when the skin is already dry. They increase in size due to body weight and daily activities, such as walking or running, which are extremely normal habits. In this sense, there is no need to worry if your heel is cracked: it is only when the occurrence is associated with other symptoms that the condition should be taken into account.
Check out below what cracked heels may be warning you, as well as homemade recipes to soothe dry skin and make it soft again.
Cracked heel and hyperthyroidism
As absurd as it may seem, dry feet can indicate more serious changes than imagined. This is the case with hyperthyroidism, a disorder of malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The disease results in a lower production of hormones than the volume needed by the body, resulting in damage to metabolism, blood pressure, as well as changes in mood and libido.
However, having a cracked heel does not immediately mean that the thyroid is not working the way it should. The symptom is associated with many others, such as feeling tired, weakness, sudden changes in weight and mood and hair loss. When all factors appear together, it may be necessary to take some precautions. Even so, it is still necessary to carry out specific tests to make a diagnosis.
But after all, in this case, what is the reason for dry feet? The symptom appears due to the fact that the thyroid also regulates the sweat glands. When there is a malfunction, the function is altered, which prevents the skin from remaining well hydrated. Hyperthyroidism is also associated with poor blood circulation. The problem is also responsible for worsening cracks.
In any case, it is possible to prevent the effects of the disease through the professional supervision of a doctor, who must outline the best treatment for the case. It is common for medications or hormone replacement therapy to be prescribed. Still, including certain foods on the menu is also of great help, as long as they are rich in selenium, zinc and iodine. They are essential for stimulating the thyroid, contributing to its proper functioning.
How to save a cracked heel
Even though the case of hyperthyroidism is a warning, the vast majority of cases of dry feet are a simple occurrence that can easily be resolved. In this case, there are several excellent moisturizing creams for the treatment, which can be found in any market or pharmacy.
Reason for dry feet
In addition to lack of hydration, there are a series of factors that influence the appearance of cracked heels. Generally, frequent use of flip-flops and sandals, baths with very hot water and walking barefoot for a long time influence the occurrence. Even being overweight can be responsible for dry feet. Those who don’t drink enough water may face the same problem, as too little hydration leaves the skin, not just the heels, dry.
Check out an excellent homemade ritual below to save your feet from dryness. It can be performed every day, or at least twice a week.
1 – Foot bath
Foot baths are a great alternative for softening the skin and opening the pores, facilitating the absorption of the moisturizing cream. To perform it, you need to put warm water in a basin, enough to cover your feet. Then add your moisturizer, preferably at least 1 or 2 tablespoons. The cream must be mixed well with water. Once this is done, you just need to dip your feet and leave them submerged for 5 to 10 minutes.
2 – Dry your skin well
After the foot bath, it is necessary to dry them well, as humidity favors the growth of fungi, especially between the toes. Prefer to gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing it, as friction encourages dryness. Consider leaving your feet outdoors for a few minutes to let them dry completely.
3 – Remove excess skin
Although it is optional, removing excess skin from the feet with sandpaper is a great alternative, as long as there are no more cracks. Therefore, it is also possible to use a pumice stone, which has the same effect as sandpaper, making light movements on the cracked heel until the dead skin comes off completely.
4 – Hydrate well
Finally, invest in good hydration on skin that is already clean and free from excess dead cells. The moisturizer will serve to close the pores and strengthen the hydration of the feet, and the thicker it is, the greater its effect. Then, put on a sock so that the product does not get removed through your shoes. Consider carrying out the ritual always before bed, so the moisturizer works better throughout the night.
Other solutions for cracked heels
In addition to the ritual that must be followed to restore previously soft and hydrated skin, there are also homemade recipes that are excellent for treating cracked heels. Home remedies contain ingredients such as olive oil, sea salt, honey or baking soda, all of which are excellent at providing the necessary hydration.
1 – Exfoliating for cracked heels
The mixture involving rice, honey, olive oil and vinegar works as an exfoliating paste, responsible for removing dead skin cells and hydrating it well. However, exfoliation should only be done a maximum of twice a week, as friction, when carried out in excess, can damage the skin and leave it sensitive. The exfoliant is a good replacement for the sandpaper or pumice stone routine, done right after the foot bath.
Ingredients
- Olive oil (1 spoon)
- Honey (1 spoon)
- 1 handful of rice (raw, blended in a blender)
- Apple cider vinegar (2 spoons)
Instructions
Mix all the ingredients until you get a thick paste. After the foot bath, give the area a gentle massage with the mixture. You can leave it on your feet, as long as the excess is removed, or rinse it off and apply moisturizer immediately afterwards.
2 – Patchouli and lemon cream
The combination of patchouli and lemon essential oils is excellent in providing powerful hydration for cracked heels. Combined with cocoa butter, patchouli oil treats dry skin, while lemon oil softens calluses.
Ingredients
- Lemon essential oil (10 drops)
- Patchouli essential oil (5 drops)
- Cocoa butter (60g)
Instructions
First of all, place the cocoa butter in a pan and heat the ingredient until it melts. Then, remove the pan from the heat and add the essential oils, stirring well. Place the mixture in a jar and let it cool. Finally, just massage your feet with the liquid before bed, wearing socks so the oil doesn’t get on your sheets.
If you are interested in this article, also take the opportunity to check out Homemade exfoliants – Recipes, benefits and care when using
Sources: Tua Saúde, Tua Saúde, Vix
Images: Biologicus, Doctor Shoes, Pinterest, Cerapura, Alessandra Faria, Clínica Valéria Campos, Vix
