12 ways to treat cracked heels in winter.

(Baonghean.vn) - Cracked heels are very common in winter due to dry weather and changes in our diet. This is a fairly common condition; although not dangerous, it causes pain, is unsightly, and makes daily life difficult. Meanwhile, each person's constitution is different, so the symptoms, causes, and treatments also vary.

Manifestations

Symptoms include peeling and cracking of the heel skin, itching, and bleeding from the cracks, allowing bacteria, fungi, or viruses to enter. Cracked heels not only cause aesthetic problems but also pain and discomfort, affecting mobility and daily activities. Especially when the heel is severely cracked, bleeding, and forming deep fissures, it is very susceptible to infection, potentially leading to foot necrosis if not treated promptly. Therefore, proper and effective prevention and treatment of cracked heels are essential.

Reason

The causes of cracked heels are diverse, but generally there are three conditions that contribute to the development of cracked heels: dry skin due to loss of moisture, excessive pressure on the heel over a long period, and underlying medical conditions.

Specifically, as we age, our skin becomes thinner and drier. The cold, dry winter weather also causes the skin to dry out and lose moisture. Heels often lose their natural moisture due to: not moisturizing the feet regularly, dehydration or not drinking enough water, using harsh soaps, bathing in excessively hot water, soaking feet in hot water for too long or too often, using high temperatures to dry the feet… all of which thicken the outer layer of skin and make it prone to dryness and cracking.

Meanwhile, excessive pressure on the heels arises from: prolonged walking or standing, especially on hard surfaces. Obesity or pregnancy increase pressure on the normal layer of fat under the heels, causing it to "shift" to the sides; if the skin lacks elasticity and flexibility, this pressure can cause cracks. Footwear without heel support also makes heels very susceptible to cracking.

People with certain disorders or conditions such as hypothyroidism, psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and especially diabetes, can also develop cracked heels. Those taking antihistamines and diuretics are also considered to have dry heels. Excluding age-related causes such as decreased sweat gland activity in the feet, even young people with vitamin and mineral deficiencies can experience cracked heels.

Ngoài ra, các yếu tố môi trường xung quanh như tiếp xúc với nhiệt độ ngoài trời rất lạnh hoặc nóng, trong khi môi trường trong nhà quá khô cũng có thể gây nứt gót chân. Một số nguyên nhân khác là phụ nữ đi dép hở gót mỗi ngày hay không chăm sóc và duy trì vệ sinh chân đúng cách cũng tạo đà cho lớp da gót chân dày, chai, gặp khi trời hanh khô rất dễ bị nứt.

12 cách chữa nứt gót chân hiệu quả

1. Massage:

Bạn hãy bỏ ra 10 phút hàng ngày để mát xa và dưỡng ẩm cho đôi chân của mình giúp cho làn da của bạn mềm mại và mịn màng hơn.

2. Dùng dầu dừa

Dầu dừa hiện đang rất phổ biến bởi nó có nhiều công dụng làm đẹp. Bạn cũng có thể tự làm dầu dừa để chữa nứt gót chân. Để đạt được hiệu quả tốt nhất, bạn nên làm sạch đôi chân của mình rồi thoa dầu dừa lên gót chân, đi một đôi tất sạch rồi lên giường đi ngủ, buổi sáng thức dậy, bạn rửa sạch đôi chân của mình với nước ấm.

3. Dùng mật ong

Mật ong có tác dụng dưỡng ẩm và kháng khuẩn rất tốt, vì vậy nó là thảo dược chữa nứt gót chân rất tốt. Hòa một chén mật ong vào chậu nước ấm. Kì cọ đôi bàn chân của mình thật nhẹ nhàng trong vòng 10 phút.

4. Dùng mù tạt

Thoa mù tạt lên chân rồi mát xa nhẹ nhàng, mang tất khi ngủ là sáng hôm sau sẽ có đôi bàn chân mềm mại hơn.

5. Use bananas or papayas.

These two fruits, packed with vitamins, are a miracle cure for cracked heels, as they moisturize the affected area. The method is simple. Take a ripe banana, preferably one with brown spots or a piece of very ripe papaya, and mash it thoroughly. Apply the mashed papaya or banana to your cracked heels, wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Doing this daily will make your heels soft and free from cracks.

6. Use rice bran.

Rice bran contains many B vitamins and is a natural herbal remedy for exfoliating dead skin cells. Simply add a little coconut oil and honey to create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to cracked heels and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Doing this daily will make your heels soft and free from cracks. This is a simple and inexpensive remedy for cracked heels, widely used by rural women.

7. Use rose water.

Mix rose water with glycerin and apply to your heels for 20 minutes. Then rinse your feet with regular water. If you do this regularly every day, you will have wonderfully soft and smooth heels in just one month.

8. Use lemon.

The acidity in lemons removes dead skin cells and regenerates new skin. Simply mix lemon juice with a basin of warm water and soak your feet for about 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water. The vitamin C in lemons helps brighten and smooth the skin and is an excellent moisturizer.

9. Use olive oil.

Apply olive oil to your heels before bed and wear thin socks to allow the oil to fully absorb into the skin. If you don't like creams and ointments for cracked heels, you can use natural products to achieve soft, smooth heels. Olive oil is a perfect choice because it moisturizes and softens the skin very well.

10. Use warm salt water.

Salt has a softening and antibacterial effect on the skin. Soaking your hands and feet in a basin of warm salt water helps to relax and soften the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, and prevent dryness, cracking, and peeling in cold and dry weather.

11. Use creams to treat cracked heels.

Many products for treating cracked heels are available on the market. For effective results, a combination of skincare and specialized cracked heel cream is necessary. A good product should first and foremost reduce symptoms quickly, with noticeable results within 5 days of use. It should simultaneously work three ways: exfoliating, softening, and moisturizing the skin by forming a protective layer to significantly reduce thickening and cracking. Absolutely avoid using scissors or razors to remove the thickened skin, as this can lead to infection and prevent further cracking.

12. Avoid letting the wound come into contact with water:

Dr. Joseph, a dermatologist, says: “The fundamental thing is to avoid contact with water at all costs. Think of water as an acid that destroys your hands (and feet). When you wash your feet, the protective layer of oil on your skin is also washed away. Therefore, your skin loses moisture very quickly, making your hands and feet even drier.”

How to prevent cracked heels in winter

- Keep your feet clean:

Every time you come home from going outside, you should take off your shoes and wash your feet thoroughly to remove dirt.

Always keep your feet dry and clean when you're at home.

+ Do not walk barefoot on floors or surfaces with rough or uneven surfaces.

- Wear shoes that fit your feet properly.

- A healthy diet should include foods rich in zinc and Omega 3.

- Do not soak your feet in hot water; instead, soak them in warm salt water for 15 minutes each day. Each time you wash your feet, use a small piece of ice to scrub the heels.

– Avoid overusing soap and drying your feet.

- Especially in winter, you should drink enough water to ensure your body doesn't become dehydrated. You should drink 2-4 liters per day.

For those who have followed the proper skincare routine as described above but still experience cracked, peeling skin, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for timely diagnosis and treatment, as you may have atopic dermatitis.

Le Hoa

(Synthetic)