Cracked heel is quite a common concern during winter. If neglected, it can leads to the more severe problems like painful fissure, bleeding heels etc. It is equally important to take care of your heel, as to take care of your skin. Care of feet is most commonly neglected during other season, which can make your heel condition worse during winter. Follow this simple trick to keep your heels soft and crack-free.
Use medicated, cream-based moisturizer containing urea, lactic acid or glycolic acid. These are keratolytic agents, which remove dead, dry, thick layer of heel, layer by layer, while hydrating it at the same time, leaving it soft and hydrated.
Once a day, preferably at night, soaked your legs in the lukewarm water, for about 15-20mins. You can also add a pinch of salt in water.
Gently rub your heels with pumice stone or loofah to help remove dead skin.
Pat them dry. Do not forget to dry spaces between toes.
Apply a thick layer of moisturizer over soaked feet. The wet skin has good absorptive power than the dry skin, leading to better absorption of moisturizer.
Apply a plastic wrap or food wrap paper over the feet, firmly (not too lose and not too tight). This will act as occlusive film, further improving the effect of moisturizer by acerating its absorption. Also, it will prevent soaking of your bedsheet.
Wear either a socks or wrap a cotton cloth over it.
Frequently apply moisturizer during day time to hydrate your feet.
Do not hesitate to take expert opinion of dermatologist if home care doesn’t work.
