Cracked heels and dry feet are mostly caused by overexposure and lack of moisturizing and can be cured by applying moisturizing emollients. For others though, the symptoms are more severe. Some people experience bleeding and excruciating pain in the heel. If left untreated, it can lead to infection. The problem of dry feet is sometimes much more than a lack of beauty. If you want a natural remedy, you might consider trying Aloe Vera-infused socks.
What Can Aloe Vera do for Dry Feet and Cracked Heels?
The Aloe Vera vera plant is used to help treat foot problems caused by dry skin. The moisturizing benefits of this miraculous herb can penetrate up to seven layers deep into the skin. This will help in cell rejuvenation. Aloe Vera is fast acting and due to its high water content (about 90%), it is quickly absorbed by the skin. Plant extracts contain various vitamins and amino acids that can repair damaged tissue and help prevent inflammation.
Many studies confirm the healing power of Aloe Vera vera. Its soothing and healing properties can help moisturize dry, cracked feet. Some people also use the gel to bring relief to tired, achy feet.
What Causes Dry, Cracking Feet?
For you to effectively treat dry feet, you must realize that the best way to do this is by avoiding trigger factors. In other words, get to the root of the problem. There can be many reasons for dry feet and cracked heels such as:
Standing for long periods at work or home, especially on hardwood floors, can crack your heels.
Being overweight is another factor that can contribute to dry and cracked feet. The pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel increases causing it to spread sideways. If your skin is not soft or flexible enough, too much pressure can cause cracked heels.
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Your feet can also be dry because of the shoes you wear. This happens to be the main culprit for me! Open shoes and sandals can cause your feet to crack due to a lack of support from the fat pads under your feet. Also, if you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, your feet can become dry. Thick layers of skin can form on areas that take excessive pressure (toes, ball of the foot). The type of material your shoes are made out of can also dry out your skin.
Certain medical conditions such as psoriasis
Psoriasis causes your skin to become dry, itchy, flaky, and peeling, and your feet are no exception. If you have dry feet with blisters, cracks, fever, and chills, it could be pustular psoriasis. Check with your doctor so you can be diagnosed and treated properly.
Hot water takes away the moisture from our skin.
Treatment
Soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes before sleeping at night. If plain water is too boring for you, try a foot soak with lavender or tea tree oil. The scent of lavender will help you relax while the antifungal and antibacterial agents of tea tree oil can help prevent and treat infections. Tea tree oil is also great for foot odor because of its deodorizing properties. The Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak is great and only costs $8. Your feet will look and feel healthier and cleaner.
After you have soaked your feet in warm water, dry them thoroughly with a soft towel. Also, dry the area between your toes to prevent bacteria build-up.
Massage your feet with your favorite foot lotion or Aloe Vera vera gel. Wear Aloe Vera-infused socks to keep the cream or gel from getting on your sheets and to lock in moisture throughout the night. Earth Therapeutics Aloe Vera Socks cost about $9 and have positive reviews.