Learn how to prevent or treat cracked heels the natural way

By baseformula

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot problem caused by dry skin. For most people they are simply a cosmetic problem, but for some, when the fissures or cracks are deep, they can become painful, start to bleed and in severe cases become infected.

In order to help prevent or treat this unsightly problem you need to take an holistic approach, looking at your overall diet and lifestyle which can have a dramatic effect on the condition of your skin.

Diet Advice

Ensure you drink enough water. Have 2 litres per day to avoid dehydration.
Poor skin condition can be caused by a lack of certain nutrients. Make sure you are getting sufficient essential fatty acids. These can be found in nuts, seeds (particularly cracked/hulled linseed) sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, oily fish, avocados and cold pressed olive oil and other dark oils.
Increase your intake of Vitamin E which helps promote smooth, flexible skin – this can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, nuts, pulses and whole grains.
Increase your intake of Vitamin A which supports cell division and the shedding of dead skin cells in order to maintain fresh, healthy skin. This can be found in liver, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, dark leafy greens, and orange coloured fruits.
If the cracks are deep and long-lasting you may be deficient in Vitamin C and Zinc. Vitamin C can be found in fresh fruit (especially berries) and vegetables. Zinc can be found in beef, game, offal, sardines, shellfish and hard cheese.

Skincare

Avoid really hot showers or baths as the hot water dries your skin.
Try using natural skincare products and avoid harsh, synthetically fragranced products.
Regularly file your feet to remove the build up of dry/dead skin, which will be more prone to cracking.
To prevent cracks becoming infected add 2 tbsp of Dead Sea Salt to your bath (or 1 tbsp to a foot bath).
Use a natural cream with pure essential oils to help prevent cracks or make up a therapeutic oil blend to treat skin that has already cracked.