Moisturizing remedies within the type of lotions, lotions, and ointments will help retain moisture within the pores and skin. This may occasionally forestall the pores and skin from drying out and cracking. Moisturizing remedies may also assist fix pores and skin that’s already cracked.
In gentle instances of cracked heels, moisturizing two or 3 times per day could fix the issue. Rubbing any calluses gently with a pumice stone and making use of a moisturizer may also assist. Nonetheless, watch out not to overuse the pumice stone, which may make cracked heels worse.
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The next steps could assist deal with cracked heels:
Table of Contents
1. Utilizing an emollient or humectant moisturizer
Emollients penetrate the pores and skin and cut back water loss. They fill the gaps between pores and skin flakes, which makes the pores and skin really feel easy, smooth, and versatile. They assist to cut back water loss within the pores and skin.
Humectants penetrate the outer pores and skin layer, entice water from the air, and preserve moisture. Additionally they assist to improve the water capability of the pores and skin.
In dry circumstances, humectants could draw moisture from the decrease pores and skin layers as an alternative of from the environment. This may occasionally lead to extra dehydrated pores and skin general. Combining a humectant with an occlusive could assist seal in moisture.
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2. Making use of an occlusive moisturizer excessive
As soon as the emollient or humectant is absorbed, individuals can apply a thick layer of an occlusive moisturizer excessive simply earlier than mattress to seal the moisture in.
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Occlusive moisturizers coat the pores and skin in a skinny movie that forestalls moisture evaporating from the outermost layer of the pores and skin.
Examples of occlusive moisturizers embody:
- petroleum jelly
- lanolin
- mineral oil
- silicones, akin to dimethicone
Petroleum jelly is taken into account to be the best occlusive moisturizer, decreasing water loss from the outer pores and skin by greater than 98 p.c.
Though occlusives work nicely to lock in moisture, they are often greasy, sticky, and messy.
3. Sporting 100% cotton socks to mattress
Sporting 100% cotton socks to mattress after making use of petroleum jelly to the heel could assist to:
- maintain the moisture in
- permit the heel pores and skin to breathe
- forestall the mattress sheets from changing into stained
The pores and skin on the heels ought to soften after this routine is repeated for a number of days.
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4. Making use of a keratolytic to thickened pores and skin
When the heel pores and skin is thick, making use of a keratolytic could assist skinny it, in addition to the opposite remedies.
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Keratolytics are brokers that skinny thickened pores and skin, trigger the outer pores and skin layer to loosen, and assist with elimination of lifeless pores and skin cells. This course of permits the pores and skin to maintain in additional moisture.
Examples of keratolytics embody:
- alpha hydroxy acids, akin to lactic acid and glycolic acid
- salicylic acid
- urea
Merchandise that comprise each keratolytics and humectants will be the most helpful. For instance, urea is each a keratolytic and humectant that moisturizes and removes dry, cracked, and thickened pores and skin.
5. Gently rubbing thickened pores and skin with a pumice stone
Gently rubbing a pumice stone towards the heel, as soon as the pores and skin is moisturized, could assist cut back the thickness of the arduous pores and skin and calluses. Pumice stones can be found right here.
Razors and scissors ought to be prevented for scraping again and slicing pores and skin. Individuals with diabetes or neuropathy shouldn’t use pumice stones and will as an alternative go to a dermatologist or podiatrist.
6. Utilizing a liquid bandage
Liquid, gel, or spray bandages can be utilized to cowl the cracked pores and skin. These could present a protecting layer over the cracks, assist cut back ache, cease filth and germs coming into the injuries, and support sooner therapeutic.
Individuals ought to see a podiatrist or dermatologist if their heels are severely cracked, or if self-treatment doesn’t enhance cracked heels after every week.
Medical remedies
In extreme instances of cracked heels, or if medical care is required, a health care provider could:
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- take away lifeless pores and skin
- prescribe stronger softening or elimination brokers
- apply medical glue to seal cracks
- prescribe an antibiotic if there’s an an infection
- strap the heel with dressings or bandages
- advocate shoe inserts, heel pads, or heel cups
- assist the affected person change how they stroll
