Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are also known as heel fissures. These are regular, linear cut wounds around the edge of the heel. Most of the time they don't get very deep and remain in the epidermis. Occasionally, the crack deeper into the dermis and become very painful and open to infection. As the skin dries, the feet expand and cracks appear. The most common areas for these cracks are along the rim of the heel and in between the toes.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include red or flaky patches of skin on the feet and on the heels in particular, peeling and cracked skin, itchy skin and bleeding or a discharge from the cracks. When the cracks get deep enough, they may be extremely painful and may be prone to infection.
Causes
Cracked heels may be caused by dry skin or callus, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, being overweight (this increases the pressure on the foot pad), and wearing shoes that allow the cushioning in the heel to expand sideways. It can also be caused by athlete's foot, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, thyroid disease or other skin conditions. The following reasons may put you at a higher risk for developing cracked heels: your age, poorly fitting shoes, unhygienic conditions, unhealthy skin and nutritional deficiencies. For extra thick skin, you may need to use a pumice or other method of removing extra layers. Moisturizing daily can also help.
Cautions
If you notice a cracked heel bleeding or having any type of discharge, or if it is painful, see your doctor. Any of these signs can mean you are open for infection. Fungal infections are also a possibility, so if you are noticing worsening symptoms get it checked by a medical professional.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Evening Primrose Oil – capsules 1000 mg three times a day with meals can help alleviate dry skin.
- Grape Seed - take tablets or capsules as directed.
- Gotu kola – take capsules three times a day as directed.
External Applications
- Lemon – soak the feet in lemon juice for 10 minutes per day.
- Shea – apply raw shea butter liberally on the affected area and cover the foot with a thick soft cotton sock overnight to help the moisturizer soak in.
- Rose – mix rose water with glycerin and apply to the cracked heels for soothing relief.
- Chamomile – use the tea to make a diluted foot soak. The tea will cause a temporary change in the pH of your skin and help dry out sweaty feet. Add 3 drops of chamomile oil to 10 ml carrier oil and massage into affected area 2 - 3 times a day.
- Papaya – apply the fruit pulp or the juice directly to calluses and cracks. The enzymes will help remove thick excess layers of skin and promote healing.
- Peppermint – add a few drops of the essential oil to a basin of warm water and soak your feet. This will soften calluses and prevent cracking.
- Pineapple – soak your feet in diluted pineapple juice. The enzymes not only soften the skin, they help you get rid of thick callused skin.
- Calendula - infuse 5 grams dried flower heads in 1 liter boiling water for 5 minutes, cool, strain and apply as compress to heel area 3 times a day.
- Olive – use olive oil on your feet to moisturize and prevent dry skin and cracking.
- Herbal bath – soaking your feet in a soothing herbal bath that includes neem, aloe vera, lavender and rosemary will leave your feet soft, sweet-smelling and feeling good. Put the herbs in a small sachet, and let it steep for 30 to 40 minutes. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. Gently use the sachet to rub the herbs on your feet, but don't scrub with it.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils that help to soften the skin and can be used in massage or bath though a carrier oil include chamomile, cypress, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemon, neroli, myrrh, peppermint, sandalwood and tea tree.