Next in our series is the treatment and prevention of cracked heels. Prevention is best, but if you’ve gone beyond that, it is time to discover ways to treat them. This is the third part in the series, with the first two focusing on the causes and symptoms. There are many home remedies for treatment of the cracked heels, but most of them don’t work well because of two simple facts.

• Application of the remedy to a callused, hardened heel or sole of the foot. The natural remedy will not eat through the dead skin to let the moisture deep into the soles unless there are enzymes to eat the dead skin.
• The natural treatments are using moisturizers that are not humectants. In order to properly moisturize the heels, the remedy must use a moisturizer that keeps the moisture in the skin.

Tips on Treatment and Prevention of Cracked Heels

Treatment Tips

• With the first sign of a crack or a fungus, don’t wait to think that your feet will get better without some “soleful” intervention.
• For immediate care, determine your main problem for the crack.  Is it fungus? Is it dryness? Is it a combination?
• Once you have determined the major cause, start the process to remedy the crack. Exfoliation is the first priority, followed by creams or salves that can actually penetrate the soles of the feet.
• Cracks and fissures are severe health issues that need to be addressed.  Serious foot care can be done at home with foot soaks (that are anti-microbial) plus a combination of productsthat help to heal the cracks.
• When you have sugar or yeast issues especially with diabetics, the circulation to the feet is not as good as a healthy individual.  It’s of more importance that those with circulation issues remedy their heals as fast as possible. The immune system is already compromised, so further introduction of germs or bacteria hurts the body’s ability to fight diseases.
• When all of your attempts to DIY do not succeed, don’t succumb to cracked heels. Go get a Medicure Pedicure by professionally trained nail technicians that understand and are trained in the diseases of the feet.

Prevention of Cracked Heels

• Try to keep your feet exfoliated and moisturized.
• Use a cream that actually works to increase absorption of active ingredients. There is a difference between a “real” moisturizer and one that just lays on the surface. A real moisturizer attracts and retains moisture.
• A lifestyle diet of foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help to provide hydration in the skin from within.
• Foods rich in the essential vitamins and minerals that keep the skin healthy, can also keep your heels crack-free. Think Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, and Calcium for healthy skin from within.
• Try a professional pedicure if you are having trouble exfoliating your feet.
• Apply a foot cream designed to moisturize your heels after every shower or bath. This small attention to your feet, can make a world of difference to the health of your feet.