The feet, located at the bottom of the body, support the body when standing or walking, and play a role in easing the impact of the body when moving. Because it supports the body weight, it is known as the organ that accumulates the most fatigue among the body organs. And since there are no sebaceous glands on the feet, it creates dead skin cells as a defense against external stimuli. When the dryness becomes severe, the production of dead skin cells increases and the stratum corneum thickens, causing a lot of trouble. And it can be said that it is common to say that the heel part of the foot is cracked. It occurs especially in winter when cold and dry weather continues, and if cracks last for a long time, it can cause pain and bleeding, and can cause secondary infection by bacteria. In addition, it can be said that more careful management is necessary because it is known that leaving the dead skin cells on the heels for a long time not only does not look good, but also thickens the stratum corneum and causes skin inflammation. So today, let’s look at various information about heel care. How to care for your heels
1. Steady management through foot moisturizing
To prevent dry and cracked heels, it is important to keep your feet moisturized. Applying creams, lotions, or petroleum jelly to dry feet can help prevent cracking in the heels. Also, soak your feet in lukewarm water, massage with a scrub, etc., pat dry your feet, and then apply a sufficient moisturizing cream to keep your feet moisturized and prevent dryness. It is said that wearing socks after applying moisturizing cream helps to keep the heels moisturized without soiling the floor, bed sheets, or carpets.
2. Be careful to remove calluses and dead skin cells with strong stimulation
There are cases of self-treatment by immersing in glacial acetic acid to remove calluses and treat hard, cracked areas. Also, to exfoliate the soles of the feet, rub your heels on the floor or scrape them off with a stone or sharp tool. The more you give this kind of strong stimulation, the more the stratum corneum becomes thicker one layer at a time, creating a vicious cycle. And if you already have cracked heels, they can tear when you apply pressure. In severe cases, there is a risk of causing secondary infection and leading to systemic disease. Therefore, it is recommended to gently peel it off using a soft towel or brush.
3. Beware of showering and bathing with hot water for a long time
If you shower or bathe in hot water for too long, the oil produced by the skin is washed away, causing dryness throughout the body. It can dry out your heels even more, which can lead to cracks, which can make an already cracked condition even worse. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce washing for a long time and do it for 5-10 minutes. After washing, it is recommended to gently wipe the skin with a towel, and it is said that applying a moisturizing cream before the moisture dries will help to soften the heel.
4. Wear comfortable shoes
Wearing shoes that do not fit well and are uncomfortable or high-heeled shoes for a long time can also cause cracked heels and the formation of calluses. Therefore, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes with cushioning, and to protect the heel by wearing socks or overshoes. Also, if you attach a moisturizing pad to the cracked heel during activity, the pain will be reduced and healing will be faster, preventing secondary infection caused by bacterial infection. Also, if your feet sweat a lot, it is a good idea to wear socks that absorb sweat well and shoes with good ventilation.
5. Diagnosis through visit if symptoms persist
If various symptoms such as dead skin cells, itching, cracking, etc. do not improve even though various management methods have been continuously implemented to moisturize the heel, it is important to receive an appropriate diagnosis to check whether there are other causes of disease. As it can be a symptom expressed by diseases such as psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes, it is important to receive appropriate treatment through an accurate diagnosis and examination by a specialist if it persists for a long time.
