What causes cracked feet?

Woman putting a cream on her dry cracked foot

Dry, cracked feet can be incredibly uncomfortable and even painful. This article will delve into what causes cracked feet, what treats them, and how we can prevent cracks from developing. Furthermore, we will discuss the use of salves and a moisturizer made with essential oils and all-natural ingredients that can considerably help relieve discomfort and remedy the condition.

Causes of cracked feet

Deep cracks in a heel

Dry, cracked feet, also known as heel fissures, can range in severity from a cosmetic issue to a painful problem. They appear as breaks or cuts in the skin, usually around heel edges, making it rough to the touch and visually unappealing. It is mainly due to the lack of moisture in the feet, the development of calluses, and the pressure the feet receive. Several factors can lead to dry, cracked feet:

1. Environment. Dry weather conditions can cause the loss of natural skin moisture, leading to dryness. Walking barefoot, especially on hard or rough surfaces, exacerbates this condition further.

2. Not taking care of feet. Poor foot care can also lead to dry feet. Not moisturizing and using harsh soaps that can dry the skin can strip the natural oils off it.

3. Health conditions. Certain health conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, eczema, and Sjogren’s syndrome are known to cause dry, cracked feet.

4. Age. As we age, the skin tends to become thinner and drier, making it more prone to cracks.

5. Obesity. Carrying excess weight puts pressure on the heels, causing them to expand and crack.

See related: Discover Sparkling Rain: The Ultimate All-Natural Moisturizer for Dry Skin 

Treating Cracked Feet

Podiatrist examining patient

It is very important to treat cracked feet to prevent infections that may lead to cellulitis. Treatment for dry, cracked feet focuses on counteracting its causes, restoring moisture, promoting healing, and preventing future dryness.

  • Moisturizing regularly. Apply a moisturizer or a moisturizing salve to your feet daily. Using products containing urea or lactic acid can help soften the feet.
  • Maintaining hydration. Drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day helps hydrate your skin from the inside out.
  • Soaking feet and exfoliating. Soaking your feet in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes helps soften the skin, making it easier to remove dead skin cells by gentle exfoliation.
  • Wearing appropriate footwear. Avoid wearing open-back shoes or thin-soled shoes. Instead, opt for shoes with thick, cushioned soles that support your feet.

If the condition is severe or persists, seek medical attention as it may indicate underlying medical conditions. The doctor might perform debridement of the cracked skin, glue the fissure edges together, dress the foot to prevent skin movement, or prescribe a cream.

Preventing dry, cracked feet

While dry, cracked feet are common, there are measures you can do to prevent it and maintain soft, healthy feet:

1. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water daily. Good hydration can  help your skin stay moisturized.

2. Moisturize regularly. Apply a good foot cream or oil on your feet daily, preferably after a bath or shower when your skin is more absorptive.

3. Use humidifiers. During dry and cold months, using a humidifier can help maintain a moisture-rich environment, preventing your skin from drying out.

4. Choose footwear wisely. Always wear comfortable shoes that are well-fitted. Additionally, avoid open-back shoes which expose your heels to the environment, increasing the chance of skin drying and cracking.

5. Pamper your feet. Periodic foot soaks using warm water and gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin can also keep the skin of your feet fresh and soft. In addition, using foot masks enriched with moisturizing agents can be an added benefit.

6. Avoid harsh soaps. Soaps with fragrances and chemicals can dry out your skin. Use mild soaps, preferably organic or natural.

Remember, taking care of your feet should be a part of your daily routine. Keep your feet clean, moisturized, and well-protected to prevent the occurrence of dry, cracked feet.

See related: Differences between common skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea

CANhaveTODAY’s moisturizing blends

CANhaveTODAY offers a variety of skin care products that can deliver intensive moisture, revitalize the skin, and aid in the healing of dry, cracked feet.

Sparkling Rain moisturizer

Sparkling Rain New Product Photo

This hydrating blend is specially formulated to penetrate and hydrate dry, cracked skin. The lightweight formula of this moisturizer also absorbs quickly, providing immediate relief and leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. Sparkling Rain, like all CANhaveTODAY products, is a blend of natural, nourishing ingredients that provide hydration, repair, and protection for cracked feet. Among its ingredients are aloe vera extract, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, grapefruit oil, and chaga mushroom extract, all natural ingredients that can help in fighting the causes of cracked feet.

Healing Legends

Healing Legends New Product Photo

CANhaveTODAY’s Healing Legends salve combines the benefits of natural ingredients that work together to promote skin healing, soothe irritation, and provide deep moisturization for dry, cracked feet.  Like all CANhaveTODAY salves, Healing Legends also contains the gentle moisturizers lavender essential oil and aloe vera extract. Additionally, this salve boasts essential oils from myrrh, bergamot, and frankincense as its main ingredients, which all possess strong moisturizing properties. As its name applies, Healing Legends is a great assistant for healing, which can be very useful in the case of dry, cracked feet.

Soothing Juggernaut

Soothing Juggernaut New Product Photo

The salve Soothing Juggernaut is a blend of powerful essential oils known for their soothing properties for pain and inflammation, which can be particularly helpful for dry, cracked feet. Its main ingredients are the essential oils from arnica, frankincense, and cypress, which are excellent in providing pain relief. Frankincense and cypress essential oils also offer moisturizing properties that can assist in taking care of your feet. Furthermore, Soothing Juggernaut is helpful in fighting against fungal infections, including athlete’s foot. This salve will always keep you one step ahead of dry, cracked feet!

Waters Mist

Waters Mist New Product Photo

Rich in nourishing ingredients, the Waters Mist salve is a powerful formulation. This formulation’s main ingredients are tea tree oil, lemongrass essential oil, and cinnamon essential oil, which are great for fighting inflammation and infection. Lemongrass and tea tree oils are also great for moisturizing the skin, which makes Waters Mist a superb all-around salve for counteracting the causes of cracked feet.

These moisturizing blends can be an ideal addition to your foot care routine. However, each person’s skin reacts differently. We recommend performing a patch test before regular use to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction to CANhaveTODAY products.

Take care of your feet

Now that we figured out what causes cracked feet, you know that it doesn’t have to be a lifetime problem. With the correct care, treatment, and in some cases, lifestyle adjustments, you can restore your feet to the smooth, comfortable, condition you desire. Try incorporating CANhaveTODAY’s all-natural products to your feet care regime now!

FAQ

What causes dry cracked feet?

Dry weather, poor foot care, health conditions, age, and obesity can all cause dry, cracked feet.

What can I soak my dry cracked feet in?

To help remove the thick, dead skin on your dry, cracked feet, you can soak your feet into warm water, vinegar soak, or Epsom salt soak.

How to treat dry cracked feet?

You can treat dry, cracked feet by moisturizing your feet regularly, drinking adequate amounts of water, soaking your feet, exfoliating the skin of your soles, and wearing shoes with cushioned insoles that can support your feet.

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