We spend hours every day on our feet, that is why we should take good care of them. Cracked heels and dry feet are not attractive let alone it leading to heel pain.
Below are reasons why we tend to get dry feet and cracked heels and what we can do about it. Prevention is key when it comes to putting your best foot forward, even if it means regular checkup with a podiatrist.
#1 Hot Showers, Hot Baths, Hot Water, Anything HOT
Hot showers or baths after a long day’s work is the best feeling in the world. However, the steam from the hot water tends to strip your skin’s moisture. Prevent your body from becoming dry by showering with lukewarm water instead of intensely hot water. Aim for a 10- 15-minute shower instead of an hour long. The longer you are in the tub, the more your moisture are stipend away from your head, shoulders, knees and toes!
#2 The Sun
Even if you can’t feel the heat, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are still present and can still put you at risk for sun damaged skin. Remember to apply skin cream when leaving the house. This goes for your face, arms, and feet.
#3 Sandals and Slippers
Your feet and hands are constantly moving and they are constantly embedded to everyday tasks as well. Take care of your feet by putting on lotion at night if you wear sandals or slippers in the daytime. Same goes for your hands. Moisturize at night so that you can have nice hands and feet throughout the day.
#4 Cold Dry Air
Cold air can be more drying than arm or hot air because it contains less moisture. Cracked feet are results from dry moisture in the air. Take care of them by using deep body lotion on your feet at night and wearing a sock over them to lock in moisture, speeding up the moisturizing process.
#5 Harsh Winds
Since your feet are constantly exposed to earth’s atmosphere, harsh windy weathers can strip moisture from your skin. Another way to speed up the moisturizing process is to wear shoes and boots instead of slippers that exposes your feet. Do this a few times a week and you will see the difference!
Dry or crack heels can lead to other symptoms such as overall foot pain. Make an appointment with your local podiatrist to discuss your treatment options or to see if you are at risk for other common foot or toe problems.