5 Tips for Cracked Bottom of Feet

Cracked bottom of feet are a particular issue throughout the winter. Our skin becomes dry even in Houston where the humidity is high. Additionally, open-toed footwear like sandals that attract dust and dirt onto our feet makes them even more dry. Pain, bleeding, and cracked feet may result from this. This poses a risk to diabetics since it raises the possibility of developing a foot infection.

What Causes Cracked Feet?

Cracked feet happen for a variety of reasons. And the chilly weather makes them all worse because we utilize central heating, which causes our skin to become dry. Or we increase the temperature of our shower, causing our skin to lose moisture. Additionally, if we have peripheral neuropathy, unexpected temperature drops exacerbate the condition. The condition impacts your circulation and the condition of your skin.

Aside from that, hormone shifts may also cause cracked bottom of feet. Your oil glands also begin to malfunction as you age. Your elastin protein levels decrease at the same time, which causes your skin to dry up. Then, if you have eczema or psoriasis, your feet become more susceptible to develop painful cracks on bottom of feet. Last but not least, changes to the surfaces of your skin, such as callous buildup, increase your risk for cracked feet.

If the skin in that region starts to grow thick and rough, your heels may begin to crack. Because of the extreme dryness, your feet could also start to itch. The skin may then begin to flake after that. And if things get out of hand, cracked heels could go so deep that they begin bleeding. If you have diabetes, that may be more problematic because any kind of wound might endanger the health of your feet.

5 Ways to Treat Cracked Bottom of Feet

Now you are aware that your feet may get dry throughout the winter. So, you see why it’s important to take precautions:

1. 1. Try to moisturize your feet once or twice daily using a thick moisturizer like Vaseline. Lather up your heels before going to bed. Put on some loose, cotton socks after that. While you sleep, it will keep the moisture in while maintaining circulation.
   2. Consider doing a DIY pedicure by soaking your feet in warm, soapy water. To make the bath even more relaxing and as a form of self-care, add Epsom salts. Then, using a clean foot file, buff away the dead skin cells. Give your feet a quick foot massage after getting your nails done. Pay special attention to the balls and heels of your feet to promote healthier blood circulation. Note: Now is an excellent time to moisturize your skin; however, more on that in a moment.
   3. Pay attention to your water intake each day. Cracked heels might develop due to dehydration or get worse. It works similar to dry skin. So, try to drink 8 glasses of water each day and more if you exercise.
   4. Think about the shoes you wear. Did you know that shoes that are overly tight might irritate the heels? And this makes them more prone to painful cracks on bottom of feet? The same may be said about stiff footwear, such as leather boots. So, if you often get cracked heels, you may want to consider switching to softer-fabric shoes.
   5. Invest in a humidifier for your house to increase the amount of moisture in the air. And keep it where you need it, on your feet!

Do you need more help? Let us now discuss moisturizers. Many individuals moisturize their skin every day with creams and lotions. However, other people only do so when they experience painful cracks on bottom of feet. And others? They make impulse purchases without researching if the item is the best choice for them.

How Do Foot Creams and Lotions Differ?

For mild dryness on the top of your foot, in the area around your ankles, and on your legs, lotion is an excellent option. The thicker skin on the bottom of your foot, though, won’t respond to it. Especially not on your heels. Why is this the case? Lotions don’t thoroughly enter the skin; they are a thinner vehicle for moisture.

With a foot cream, your feet will stay hydrated, nourished, and moisturized. It creates a barrier over your foot to stop it from becoming dry or cracked and seals moisture into the layers of your skin. Additionally, it replenishes moisture lost and softens your feet. I suggest Cetaphil and Eucerin. Both are available at pharmacies and supermarkets. However, there are occasions when feet are so dry and rough that a product from the store won’t work. You’ll then need a more potent moisturizer. I recommend Straight Arrow’s Foot Miracle, a cream that effectively treats dry and cracked feet. It conditions the skin and prevents it from drying out and breaking when used twice daily.

Still, some feet need more hydration. To remedy this, use Gordon Labs’ Gormel Crème. It has 20% urea, which gives the skin more suppleness so that it can absorb moisture from the body. It also aids in the treatment and prevention of painful cracks on bottom of feet.

Of course, no care regimen, no matter how complex, is perfect. So, if you have cracked bottom of feet, don’t wait for things to improve. You can end up with serious infections and bleeding feet as a result. Instead, book a time to see Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center right away. We’ll provide immediate pain relief, allowing your feet to look and feel their best.

Book An Appointment 832-415-1790