Methods for Repairing Split Heel Skin
Solving the Summer Sandal Struggle: A Guide to Healing Dry, Cracked Heels
Craving to show off those feet in flats or sandals this summer? Don't sweat it if yours aren't quite beach-ready! Here's a rundown, complete with expert insights, on how to remedy rough, cracked heels.
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...or not? It's okay; nobody's perfect. Following are practical tips from dermatologist Wyatt Andrasik, MD, to get those heels into tip-top shape.
What triggers dry, cracked heels?
Let's admit it: There's nothing like a dry, sandpapery heel grazing your leg or snagging your tights. But what's the reason behind these rough, dry patches?
"Dry skin is common," Andrasik explains, "and it's usually a combination of various factors."
These factors include:
- Aging: Skin changes as we age. Factors like sun damage, decreased oil production, and reduced skin thickness all contribute to dry skin, on our feet, and elsewhere.
- Trauma: Skin dries out as a result of the repeated friction caused by rubbing and exposure to harsh environments.
- Neglect: Poor foot maintenance can also lead to dry skin. "People don't always remember to moisturize their heels, even if they moisturize the rest of their body," Andrasik notes.
But sometimes, dry skin can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. "Dry, flaky skin could be a sign of diabetes, eczema, nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, or other health issues," Andrasik points out.
Relief for Cracked Heels
If your heels' state results from neglect, here are tips for those tough-to-treat toes.
1. Soak and Scrub
Clean your feet daily with tepid water, using gentle, fragrance-free soap, like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Give them a soak for just a few minutes. Prolonged soaking may weaken the skin barrier and cause excessive moisture loss.
2. Moisturize
After soaking or showering, dry your feet and apply lotion or cream. Search for products containing ceramides, which help retain water in the skin and reinforce its natural barrier.
3. Lock in the moisture
Wait a few minutes for the lotion to absorb. Then, apply an occlusive ointment like Vaseline, which acts as a sealant and helps retain moisture.
4. Wear Socks to Bed
Slip on thin, 100% cotton socks to retain the moisture in your feet overnight.
Preventing Cracked Heels
Keep those heels soft and smooth over the long haul by establishing a heel care routine.
Moisturize twice daily
Moisturize your heels with an exfoliating moisturizer twice a day, such as an over-the-counter urea cream or AmLactin lotion. This will help slough off dead skin, leaving them soft and supple.
Keep wearing socks to bed
Socks add an extra layer of protection for the skin and can help restrict damage from the outside environment.
Take it easy on the tools
Cleaning tools, like callus shavers and pumice stones, can help soften thick skin. However, use them cautiously and in moderation. "They're safe if used as directed," Andrasik stresses, "but don't scrub too vigorously or over damaged or sensitive areas."
An occasional foot peel is okay
Foot peels with gentle exfoliating chemicals can improve the appearance of your heels. But, be cautious if you have skin conditions like athlete's foot, eczema, or psoriasis, or any broken skin.
When to see a dermatologist
Persistent dry heels might need professional attention. Dermatologists can assess any underlying concerns contributing to your dry skin. They also offer advice on effective skin care routines and safe products to keep your heels looking and feeling great.
Happy sandal season, friends!
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- Caring for the environment and our health is not just limited to diet and fitness; it extends to our skin care as well. Regular moisturizing and exfoliating of the heels can help maintain skin health and wellness.
- Science plays a crucial role in understanding the causes of dry, cracked heels and in finding solutions to alleviate this common problem. For instance, dermatologists like Wyatt Andrasik, MD, use their understanding of skin biology to recommend effective skincare routines.
- Maintaining a healthy environment for our skin involves more than just using the right products; it also includes taking care of our overall health and wellness. For example, nutritional deficiencies can result in dry, flaky skin, and addressing these health issues can help improve the appearance of the skin.
