Cracked Heels cure and Diet

Cracked heels are a sign of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing. Medically, cracked heels are also known as heel fissures.
Cracked heels are a common occurrence for senior citizens or people who are constantly on their feet thus exerting pressure on the feet pad.

 

Symptoms for Cracked Heels

• Red or Flaky Patches

• Peeling and Cracked Skin

• Itchy Skin

• Bleeding or Discharge from Cracks

Causes for Cracked Heels

• Naturally dry skin or thick dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to excessive feet activity.

• Prolonged standing at work or home .Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet.

• Age - Thick dry scaly skin lose elasticity with age and thus cracks have higher incidence with age.

• Ill fitting shoes, standing for a long time or change in walking posture.

• Unhygienic circumstances or conditions

• Unhealthy, dry scaly skin due to climate or diseases

• Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc

Remedies for Cracked Heels

• Apply any shortening or hydrogenated vegetable oil after washing the feet clean on dry and cracked areas of the feet. After applying a thick coat of shortening on the feet, wear a pair of thick socks.

• Apply the pulp of a ripe banana on the dry or cracked area of the heel. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it clean. This is a simple dry cracked heels home remedy and it can be used on a daily basis to prevent and treat dry and cracked heels.

• Soak your feet in a lemon juice solution and then lightly scrub it with a soft foot brush to gently exfoliate the top layers of dead skin that cause dry cracked heels.

• A regular application of a mixture of glycerin and rosewater is known to soothe and cure cracked heels.

Diet for Cracked Heels

Consume a Diet Rich in Calcium, Iron, Zinc and Omega-3 Fats

Cracked heels are caused by deficiency of vitamins, minerals, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore it is essential to have a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and zinc. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally produced by the body, therefore it has to be ingested from food or supplements.

Here is list of essential foods that one can include in a regular meal and help curb deficiencies that may cause cracked heels:

• Vitamins (Vitamin E) rich foods include: vegetable oils, green vegetables, cereals, wheat germ, whole-grain products and nuts.

• Minerals (Calcium and Iron) rich foods include :

1. Calcium: Milk, cheese, yogurt, goat’s milk, fortified soya milk, mineral water, ice cream, tinned fish, juices, cereals and broccoli are excellent sources of calcium. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are also considered as one of the best sources of calcium.

2. Iron: Meat, chicken and fish are good sources of iron. Iron is also available in cereals, eggs, vegetables and beans; however it is not as easily absorbed into the body as the iron from meat, chicken and fish.

3. Zinc Rich Foods Include: Oysters, chicken, crab, kidney beans, yogurt, brown rice, spaghetti.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Largely Found In: Purslane herb, cold water fish, and flax seed oil or flax seeds.

Other Suggestions for Cracked Heels

Simple Suggestions to Care for your Cracked Feet

 

Here are some simple suggestions towards caring for the feet effortlessly:

• Keep feet clean and dirt free

• Exercise the feet regularly

• Alternate hot and cold water for a feet bath to soothe the feet

• Moisturize and exfoliate the feet whenever possible

• Avoid walking bare feet as much as possible

• Avoid spending prolonged periods in a wet or damp area. When washing clothes, make sure that your feet are well protected. If you are hand washing any items of clothing, make sure that the soapy water does not splash onto your feet. Detergents are meant to break down oils and so this will leave the skin on your heels dry and cracked.

• Soak your feet in warm water at least once a week as this will help to increase blood circulation to your feet. You can add a spoon of fresh mint leaf juice to the water for relief from dry cracked heels.

• After a shower, apply a little moisturizer to your heels as this will help to seal in moisture and prevent cracking.