Women's legs.They are worshiped, admired, idolized. Therefore, it is very important that the feet are always in perfect condition. However, unfortunately, women's feet are constantly subject to various misfortunes. And one of these troubles is cracks. At first glance, this phenomenon may seem like a mere trifle. However, this is not true at all - if a woman has a crack in the heel, treatment must be started as early as possible. Firstly, these cracks look extremely untidy and unaesthetic, spoiling the entire impression of even the most beautiful legs. Secondly, even the smallest crack causes a lot of unpleasant pain to the sick person. And thirdly, cracks in the heels can become an entry point for infection. Let's try to figure out why these very cracks in the heels appear and whether it is possible to get rid of the misfortune.
Causes of development of cracks on the heels
There are several main reasons,leading to the development of cracks in the heels. It is very important to identify these very reasons and eliminate them - otherwise the treatment is unlikely to be successful and you will only waste your time and effort. So:
- Fungal infection
In the event that a woman has a fungal infectionskin disease on the feet, the appearance of cracks on the heels is a matter of time. In this case, without special antifungal therapy is simply impossible.
- Skin diseases
The presence of skin diseases such as dermatitis, neurodermatitis, eczema and psoriasis significantly increases the risk of developing cracked heels.
- Diabetes
Cracks in the heels that develop against the background of diabetes are a very common phenomenon. Moreover, such cracks heal extremely poorly, and systematic relapses are not uncommon.
- Thyroid problems
If a woman suffers from thyroid disease, in particular hypothyroidism, cracked heels can also become her constant companion.
- Vascular diseases of the legs
Often, the cause of the development of cracked heels is vascular diseases of the lower extremities, such as varicose veins, arteritis, and vasculitis.
- Problems with the digestive tract
Another risk factor is disruption of the normal functioning of the digestive tract.
- Wrong choice of hosiery and shoes
In case a woman preferssynthetic socks and tights and shoes made of synthetic materials, she risks encountering cracks on the heels. The same applies to open shoes. Surely many have noticed that the skin becomes roughest in the summer, when the most popular footwear is flip-flops.
- Inadequate and unsystematic foot care.
- Deficiency in the body of vitamins E and A.
Sometimes cracks can appear as a result of one of the above reasons, and sometimes – several at once.
Treating cracks on the heels
The first thing you need to do when faced withsuch an unpleasant phenomenon as cracked heels - seek help from a doctor. Which doctor exactly - depends on the cause of the cracks. Therefore, to begin with, you should consult a dermatologist. In the event that the cause was a fungal infection or some other skin disease, the doctor will select the right treatment for you. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to other specialists. In the same case, if cracked heels are just a consequence of improper care, it is not so difficult to cope with the problem. Systematic care of the skin of the heels will allow you to forget about this problem forever. Do not expect an immediate result - you will not be able to get rid of cracked heels in one day. You will need at least two or even three weeks. The essence of basic care of the skin of the heels consists of three main procedures: baths, thorough cleansing and nutrition. For these purposes, you can use special medicinal creams and other products, or you can turn to traditional medicine. Moreover, there are quite a lot of traditional medicine recipes that can help you get rid of cracked heels fairly quickly.
Foot baths
First you need to steam it properlythick and rough skin on the heels. Foot baths are ideal for this. The duration of such a bath is at least 15 minutes, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved. The water should be hot enough, but not scalding. The water level should be such that the water reaches the ankles. After the bath, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly with a terry towel.
- Baths with peat oxide
Peat oxide is sold in any pharmacy, soyou can easily buy it. It is recommended to use it to treat cracked heels - the solution should be very saturated. The course of treatment is at least 14 days. Ideally, it is necessary to simultaneously undergo a course of treatment with a cream with a high content of vitamin A or E.
- Soap and soda baths
The most affordable product for baths is the usual onesoap and baking soda. It is advisable to use baby soap. Grate the soap - you should get three tablespoons of soap shavings, place in a basin, add three tablespoons of baking soda and pour in three liters of hot water, mix thoroughly so that the soap and soda dissolve. The course of treatment is at least 14 days.
- Starch solution
If the cracks in the heels are very deep, it hasit makes sense to resort to the help of starch baths. To do this, dissolve five tablespoons of potato starch in three liters of hot water, mix thoroughly. The duration of such a bath is at least 30 minutes. The course of treatment is until the cracks are completely healed.
- Trays with milk whey
Baths with whey are no less useful. Mix whey with water in a 1 to 1 ratio, heat to 38 degrees. Duration of the bath is 10 minutes, the course of treatment is 7 days.
Compresses for heels
Approximately 5 minutes after the procedurebaths, when the skin is slightly dry, gently rub your heels with pumice to remove the keratinized layer of skin, which has softened in warm water. But do not overdo it - you need to do this very carefully so as not to remove excess skin. Otherwise, the skin will begin to actively recover and as a result you will get even rougher heels.
- Oils
After the bath, you need to soften and moisturize the skin.on the heels. For this, you can use almost any oil - olive, corn, sea buckthorn or rosehip oil, castor oil. Apply a small amount of oil to the heels and massage thoroughly for 5 minutes.
- Apple blend
Grate one sweet apple on a fine gratermedium-sized, mix with half a glass of any light beer and three tablespoons of butter. Mix the mixture thoroughly to get a homogeneous mass. Apply it in a thick layer on the skin of the heels, cover with plastic wrap on top and leave for 30 minutes. The average duration of the course of treatment is 14 days. During this time, as a rule, even the most severe cracks heal.
- Applesauce
Peel and chop one large apple.cubes, place in an enamel saucepan, pour in one glass of milk and cook for 30 minutes. After that, mash the apple with a fork into puree, cool slightly and apply a thick layer to the skin of the heels. Leave the mixture for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and lubricate with any vegetable oil. The course of treatment is 21 days.
- Cottage cheese compresses
Very effective in stimulating the healing of crackscottage cheese on the spots. Just apply a thick layer of fresh cottage cheese to your heels after foot baths. Cover with a gauze napkin, plastic wrap and put on cotton socks, leave overnight. The course of treatment lasts 14 days.
- Ammonia compresses
To prepare this compress you will need:you will need a 10% ammonia solution and glycerin. Mix them in a glass container in a 1 to 1 ratio. Before going to bed, after a foot bath, apply a thick layer of the resulting mixture to your heels, cover with plastic wrap. Put on cotton socks and leave overnight. The course of treatment lasts 14 days. Glycerin has a softening effect on the skin, and ammonia heals cracks.
- Celery
Put the celery greens through a meat grinder.You should get five tablespoons. Mix the greens with butter in a 1 to 1 ratio. Lubricate the skin on your heels with the resulting mixture whenever possible, but at least three times a day.
- The acetic-glycerin mixture
Take 2 teaspoons of liquid glycerin, 1teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, mix these ingredients thoroughly in a glass container – you should get a homogeneous mass. This mass should be applied to the feet at least three times a day. In this way, it is necessary to treat the heels for two weeks.
- Beans
Did you know that cracked heels can be treated?using the most common beans? Fry 100 grams of dry beans in a hot frying pan without oil until dark brown. After the beans have cooled, grind them into powder using a coffee grinder. Then add honey and any vegetable oil to the bean flour, mix thoroughly - you should get a thick dough. Roll it out and apply it to the cracks in your heels at night. Cover with plastic wrap on top and put on cotton socks. The average duration of the course is 14 days. But, of course, it is necessary to treat cracks in this way until complete recovery. There are many treatment methods - you will certainly be able to choose the right one. But remember that the main secret to successful treatment of cracked heels is consistency. And let your legs be the most beautiful, and your gait - flying and relaxed. We recommend reading: