They fill the gaps between skin flakes, which makes the skin feel smooth, soft, and flexible. They help to reduce water loss in the skin. Humectants penetrate the outer skin layer, attract water from the air, and maintain moisture.
They also help to increase the water capacity of the skin. In dry conditions, humectants may draw moisture from the lower skin layers instead of from the atmosphere. This may result in more dehydrated skin overall. Combining a humectant with an occlusive may help seal in moisture. If you want to buy humectant moisturizers, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews.
Once the emollient or humectant is absorbed, people can apply a thick layer of an occlusive moisturizer over the top just before bed to seal the moisture in. Occlusive moisturizers coat the skin in a thin film that prevents moisture evaporating from the outermost layer of the skin.
Petroleum jelly is considered to be the most effective occlusive moisturizer, reducing water loss from the outer skin by more than 98 percent. When the heel skin is thick, applying a keratolytic may help thin it, as well as the other treatments. Keratolytics are agents that thin thickened skin, cause the outer skin layer to loosen, and help with removal of dead skin cells. This process allows the skin to keep in more moisture. Products that contain both keratolytics and humectants may be the most useful.
For example, urea is both a keratolytic and humectant that moisturizes and removes dry, cracked, and thickened skin. Gently rubbing a pumice stone against the heel, once the skin is moisturized, may help reduce the thickness of the hard skin and calluses. Pumice stones are available here. Razors and scissors should be avoided for scraping back and cutting skin. People with diabetes or neuropathy should not use pumice stones and should instead visit a dermatologist or podiatrist.
Liquid, gel, or spray bandages can be used to cover the cracked skin. These may provide a protective layer over the cracks, help reduce pain, stop dirt and germs entering the wounds, and aid faster healing. People should see a podiatrist or dermatologist if their heels are severely cracked, or if self-treatment does not improve cracked heels after a week.
Dry skin usually causes cracked heels. When weight and pressure are applied to the fat pad under the heel, the skin expands sideways. If the skin is lacking in moisture, it becomes stiff, less elastic, and prone to cracking. Some conditions make people more likely to have dry skin and a greater risk of cracked heels.
These include:. After a bath, a shower or a foot soak, people should immediately smother a moisturizer over the feet to trap in moisture. When most of the above risk factors are ruled out, cracked heels are most likely the result of a fungal infection. If left untreated, it could move to the nails resulting in fungal nail and discoloration. In moderate cases, a prescription topical medication may be required.
In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication. These infections are still common during the hotter months people go to pools and gyms more and often times walk barefoot in these locations. At Gotham Footcare in NYC, we strive at recognizing your individual needs and desired outcomes while formulating an effective and personalized treatment plan with the highest quality care available.
What sets Gotham Footcare apart from other podiatry offices is our dedication to providing you with the education you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your care. Regardless of what your foot and ankle trouble may be, at Gotham Footcare our team will work tirelessly to help you feel better.
At Gotham Footcare, we help you put your best foot forward. Call Today: Honey may work as a natural remedy for cracked heels. According to a review , honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Research shows that honey can help heal and cleanse wounds, and moisturize the skin.
You can use honey as a foot scrub after a soak, or apply it as a foot mask overnight. Coconut oil is often recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis.
It can help your skin retain moisture. Using coconut oil after a foot soak could be a good option, too. There are many other home remedies for cracked heels, although none are proven to specifically treat cracked heals.
Most ingredients focus on moisturizing and softening the skin. Read more: How to make a vinegar foot soak ». Special treatment from a podiatrist foot doctor may be needed. Severe cases of cracked heels should also be evaluated by a podiatrist, regardless of your medical history.
The doctor will suggest the best treatment for your situation. The first sign of cracked heels is having areas of dry, thickened skin, known as callouses, around the rim of your heel. As you walk, the fat pad under your heel expands. This causes your callouses to crack.
High blood sugar and poor circulation resulting from diabetes are common causes for dry skin. Nerve damage may prevent you from knowing your feet are dry, cracked, and painful. Complications can include:.
Symptoms of infection include pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection. Your footwear matters. Whenever possible, wear shoes with a sturdy, wide heel that supports and cushions your heels. You may be able to relieve the condition with over-the-counter or home remedies. See a doctor if you have a severe case of cracked heels, or an underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Although your skin may show signs of improvement after initial treatment, it may take several days or weeks for the cracks to heal. During and after this time, wear shoes that fit properly and practice proper foot care to help prevent new heel cracks. Read more: Diabetes and foot care ».
What makes petroleum jelly commonly known as Vaseline the perfect moisturizer?
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