The causes of cracked soles and their treatment methods

The skin of the body is like a shield that protects the body against contamination and infection. It is obvious that damaged skin cannot perform its function properly. Have you ever had cracked feet? A combination of dryness and pressure causes cracking of the skin on the soles of the feet. If left untreated, cracked feet will turn into deep cracks that will make treatment more difficult. In this article from Positive Green Online Pharmacy magazine, we will first introduce you to the cause of leg cramps and then we will present treatment options to you.

The most important reasons for cracked soles

If you notice the thickening of dry skin around the heel, you probably have cracked heels. what is the reason? Usually one of the following reasons:

Lack of moisture

The most common cause of cracked heels is a decrease in the level of moisture in the skin. The skin around the heel has few sweat glands and is not elastic. Therefore, if the humidity decreases, it becomes dry, rough and cracked.

To prevent cracking, wash your feet with warm water every day, use appropriate shoes and do not wear shoes without socks, and protect the skin of your feet from changes in air temperature. That means, for example, wear shoes even on hot sand on the beach and use socks when sleeping if the weather is cold.

Lack of vitamins and minerals

According to some research, it can be said that the lack of some vitamins and minerals can have an effect on the formation of cracked soles. For example, when iron and zinc are reduced in the diet, the possibility of heel injury will increase.

Pressure

Standing for a long time at work or at home can put pressure on the skin of the heel and damage this part of the skin.

skin aging

The skin gradually loses its elasticity with age. In this case, the possibility of cracking the soles of the feet will increase. As you get older, your skin is more likely to become thickened, dry, and flaky. Collagen tablets can be used to help prevent skin sagging with age.

Health problems are one of the factors affecting the occurrence of cracked soles

Some health problems may also cause cracked soles. These factors include: psoriasis, eczema, thyroid disease, diabetes, athlete’s foot disease and other skin diseases.

obesity

Being overweight can increase pressure on the heel. If the skin does not have enough flexibility, the pressure on the feet will be doubled and this will lead to cracked heels.

Open back shoes

Sandals or open-toed shoes can allow the fat under the heel to expand laterally, increasing the likelihood of cracked heels. Especially in the summer when this model of shoes is used a lot, you should take more care of the skin of the soles of your feet. Open-back shoes are considered one of the important causes of calluses.

Lack of hygiene

If you do not pay attention to hygiene in the area of ​​the soles of your feet, the possibility of cracking the skin of the feet in the area of ​​the heel will increase. Of course, be careful that the use of very strong soaps and excessive washing can also cause heel cracks.

Water

Exposing the feet in water for a long time can destroy the natural oils of the skin and make the skin dry and rough. Standing for a long time in wet areas such as the bathroom or swimming pool will increase the possibility of developing cracked feet.

Inappropriate shoes

Wearing inappropriate shoes that put pressure on the feet undoubtedly contribute to the formation of cracked soles.

Genetics

Some people are genetically more prone than others to dry or thickened skin on the soles of the feet and calluses. It is obvious that cracked soles are more common in these people than others.

What are the symptoms of cracked feet?

In the early stages, when the heel is under pressure, the skin in this area will feel tight. Severe dryness, itching and sensitivity of the skin are the most important signs of cracked soles. The affected area of ​​the heel can change color and appear yellow or brown. In more advanced stages, the skin on the heel may become so dry that it turns white, yellow, or red and begins to peel.

• Heel cracks can become so deep that even walking becomes difficult for a person. If left untreated, cracked feet may begin to bleed, become infected with bacteria, and become infected.

Treatment of cracked soles

In most cases, it is enough to use an anti-crack cream twice a day to heal the skin of the heels. Sometimes moisturizing cream can also be used. You should use thick creams that contain skin softeners. In order to treat cracked feet, you can proceed according to the following steps:

• Put your feet in soapy water for 20 minutes.
• Gently use a pumice stone to help exfoliate the thick skin on the soles of your feet.
• Dry your feet completely.
• Apply a strong moisturizer or anti-crack cream to the skin on the soles of your feet.
• Wear a thick sock to help retain moisture in the area.

In order to get rid of cracked soles, go for a cream that contains these ingredients: urea, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, saccharide isomers, lactic acid.

The mentioned ingredients help to soften the skin and at the same time cause the dead skin to be removed and new skin to replace them.

When should we go to the doctor to treat cracked heels?

If your heel is severely cracked or you have not seen improvement after a week of treatment, it is better to see a doctor and ask him for advice. The doctor may use these treatments: bandaging, debridementthe use of strong drugs, skin glue (to compress the cracks of the heel), recommending the use of shoe soles.

last word

In this article, we have explained the causes of cracked soles for you. In general, dryness and pressure can be considered as the most important causes of this problem. The probability of heel cracks increases in the cold seasons of the year, i.e. autumn and winter. Usually, you can easily treat cracked feet at home with the help of home remedies such as using a strong moisturizer.