Coping with Dry Skin and Cracks on Your Feet

Do you have dry, cracked skin on your feet? If so, you are not alone, as this is a common foot problem.

Fissures of the heel and soles commonly referred to as cracked heels or chapped soles are very common, especially during the winter season when the skin tends to become dry. Although any part of the soles of the feet may be affected and become chapped or crack, it is the heels that are more commonly affected. The condition is also more common in females than males mainly due to wearing shoes that unevenly distribute the body weight and shoes that are opened at the back. Hormonal factors may sometimes be involved. Appearances of dry cracked heels also indicate zinc and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.

CAUSATIVE FACTORS FOR CRACKED FEET:

·        Diseases and Disorders-Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also
         cause cracked heels.

·        Being overweight can put a lot of pressure on the heel of a person’s foot.

·        Skin condition/diseases such as diabetes, psoriasis or eczema, cause people to suffer from dry skin, and dry skin that is
         responsible for cracked feet.

·        Dry skin or xerosis is one of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels.

·        Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet. Standing for prolonged periods in a damp area such as a bathroom can cause dry and
         cracked heels.

·        Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc

·        Continuous exposure to water

SYMPTOMS

·        Surface on the skin are simple indicators of a faulty internal activity or an external abuse.

·        Red or Flaky Patches on feet

·        Peeling and Cracked Skin: This symptom generally follows the red or flaky skin. Peeling cracked skin is a definite sign of dry
         cracked heels and immediate measures must be taken to remedy the condition

·        Itchy skin is caused by the abnormal shrinking of the upper layers of dry skin. This excessive shrinking causes the stretching of the
         skin below and around the affected areas and this results in general discomfort and itching.

·        Bleeding or discharge from cracks in heels is a very serious problem as it indicates that the cracks not only affect the upper layers
         of the skin but also the lower layers of tissue. Deep cracks in the heels will also increase an individual’s risk of suffering from a
         skin infection in this area.

TIPS TO PREVENT CRACKED FEET

·        Keeping the heels well-moisturized, especially in the winter months or in dry weather, can not only prevent the formation of
         calluses and cracked heels, it can heal the condition in the initial stages.

·        Soaking the feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by rubbing gently with a pumice stone can remove the thickened
         skin. This may be followed by application of a moisturizer to keep the feet soft and smooth. 

·        The pulp of a ripe banana applied directly to the skin is also an effective way to get rid of cracks. The pulp should be left on for 10
         minutes and then rinsed off.

·        A mixture of glycerin and rose water should be applied daily onto the affected skin for as long as needed.

·        Papaya and lemon juice make a good remedy that needs to stay on for 20 minutes.

·        Feet can also be massaged with some coconut oil, which is good for moisturizing and soothing the skin.

·        Another effective remedy is a mixture of paraffin wax with some mustard oil. It should be applied every night, covered with clean
         cotton socks and rinsed in the morning for 10 to 15 days.

·        People who are prone to dry and callous feet and cracked heels should also consider changing their diet and making sure that they
         take all the important nutrients, especially vitamin E, calcium, iron, zinc and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

·        It goes without saying that hygiene is essential for treating cracked heels. Feet should be washed and exfoliated regularly.

Homoeopathy for cracked feet

Homoeopathy offers a long lasting solution to cracked feet by treating the causative dryness rather than trying to only heal the existent lesion. It treats the root cause of the disease or problem and heals naturally, reducing the likelihood of disease recurrence. Homeopathic medicines should logically be taken at the beginning itself because delaying the appropriate treatment will only cause the problem to get more chronic and take longer to treat Homoeopathic treatment believes in internal treatment and can give permanent cure to cracks. In Homeopathy, cracks are considered as an outburst of an internal disease, which should be treated internally. So, the internal Homoeopathy medicine is often the best natural option to stop recurrence of cracks by raising natural resistance and treating dry skin without any side-effects.

COMMONLY INDICATED HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES:

1.     Acid.nit: Crackling of feet with bleeding on washing. Foetid foot sweat causing soreness of toes.Cold, blue nails. Chill blains on
         feet and toes. Splincter like pains.

2.    Petroleum: Cracked feet. Tips of fingers rough, cracked and fissured especially in winter. Cracks bleed easily. Tenderness of feet
         which are bathed in foul smelling sweat. Heat and burning of sole of feet. Feet burn and sensation as if frozen.

3.    Grapites:Cracked feet. Toe nails crippled. Stiffness and contracted of toes. Nails brittle crumbling and deformes.Painful and
         soreness of feet. Cracks or fissures in ends of fingers. Offensive foot sweat.

4.     Other remedies: Antim Crud, Carbo Animalis, Nat Mur, Rhus Tox, Psorinum, Sulphur