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Felix ist Mitgründer von Health Routine und für die Entwicklung neuer Produkte verantwortlich. Außerdem führt er eine Ausbildung in klinischer Psycho-Neuro-Immunologie durch.

Cracked feet are much more than just a cosmetic problem. If left untreated, so-called fissures (rhagades) can lead to serious health problems.

We will now show you how to properly treat cracked soles of the feet and effectively prevent fissures on the feet.

Cracked heels: A clear definition and explanation

Before we examine the causes of painful cracks in the heel and look for solutions , we should first ask ourselves: “What are cracks actually?” Because only if the problem is known can we initiate effective treatment .

Cracks are also called rhagades or fissures . These are tears in the sole of the foot . The size of the cracks varies . They can be a few millimeters in size or even several centimeters.

Initially, cracks only affect the cornea . However, if left untreated, they can also penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and lead to painful inflammation , which is often accompanied by bleeding .

All causes at a glance

Cracked feet can have different causes . In addition to dry skin and inadequate care, the following reasons can also be behind it:

  • Nutritional errors and nutrient deficiencies: Your skin should also be optimally supplied with vitamins and minerals. A deficiency in vitamin A , omega 3 , etc. therefore often shows up in the form of cracked heels.
  • Aging process: Over time, the skin increasingly loses elasticity and tone. The aging process is often accompanied by a loss of moisture.
  • Incorrect care: Water that is too hot or the wrong care products destroy the skin’s natural pH value.
  • Climatic conditions: Dry heating air in winter and long sunbathing sessions in summer: all of this takes its toll on your skin and can also lead to cracks in the heel.
  • Wrong footwear: Poorly fitting or inadequately ventilated shoes promote dry, cracked feet.
  • Metabolic diseases such as thyroid dysfunction and diabetes are often associated with a loss of moisture in the skin.
  • Athlete's foot: Dry feet are often the first symptoms of an infection with athlete's foot and nail fungus . However, they can also be caused by a bacterial infection .
  • Even specialists often cannot clearly distinguish eczema from psoriasis and neurodermatitis. All three skin diseases are accompanied by dry and flaky skin, which can also lead to cracks on the feet.

Which groups of people are particularly susceptible to rough and cracked feet?

Rough and cracked feet primarily affect people with dry skin . The risk increases with age as the skin loses elasticity.

Anyone who has to stand a lot in their everyday life also runs the risk of developing cracks on their feet. The constant pressure puts a lot of strain on the skin.

Expert advice: Skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis are also often associated with cracked soles of the feet.

Pregnant women are also susceptible. Due to the changed hormonal balance, rough and cracked feet are more common during pregnancy.

These are typical symptoms & first signs

The first signs often appear before the cracks on the feet are visible. The feet feel rough on the balls of the feet and heels . Chafing and holes in the socks can also occur.

As the disease progresses, scales and small cracks often form. If these penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, pain increases.

Treating cracked feet – what really helps?

With the right treatment, cracked feet will quickly become a thing of the past. But in order for cracks on the feet to disappear, consistency and long-term care are required. The following components have proven particularly effective:

Wash and dry feet daily

Even if it may sound paradoxical, dry feet should be washed daily . This will deprive bacteria and fungi of their breeding ground.

Be sure to use a pH-neutral cleanser to avoid drying out your skin further . Speaking of "drying" - drying is just as important for cracked feet as washing them daily.

In this article, you will learn how you can optimally care for your feet and thus sustainably treat cracked balls of the feet and heels.

Moisturize the skin

Cracked feet benefit particularly from soothing moisture . With our innovative Feet Care Spray , you can now take care of them effortlessly. Simply spray it on. Done.

The Feet Care Spray does the rest for you . With its caring and nourishing ingredients, it not only gives your feet

  • an extra portion of moisture,
  • but can also have a soothing effect on the skin.

Choosing the right socks and shoes

In order to treat and effectively prevent cracked feet , you should also pay attention to choosing suitable socks and shoes .

Expert tip: If possible, choose socks made of skin-friendly cotton to avoid friction and create a good foot climate . Your shoes should fit well and be breathable.

Why is washing your feet daily important?

Washing your feet daily is a great way to prevent deep cracks on the heels and balls of your feet. Washing removes bacteria.

Otherwise, these could penetrate through microfine cracks into deeper layers of the skin and contribute to the spread of fissures on the foot and trigger further inflammation.

A weekly foot bath is particularly beneficial for dry feet . Especially if you use Health Routine foot bath salts .

🌿 The purely natural ingredients can provide additional care for cracked feet and support the body's self-healing powers.

🌿 According to health experts, the sea salt it contains has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

🌿 The other ingredients in the balanced formula also give cracked feet an extra portion of care and thus contribute significantly to your well-being.

If you would like to learn more about foot baths with salt , we recommend our comprehensive guide article. It contains valuable expert tips that you should definitely know.

Optimal care products: What you should pay attention to!

When choosing your care products, you should pay attention to the ingredients . Dry and cracked feet require professional care . Since the skin is already very dry and irritated, you should consistently avoid the use of chemical ingredients and alcohol .

Instead, natural formulas with moisturizing components have proven effective.

At Health Routine we rely 100% on the best of nature and modern science. We only use natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective in the care of cracked feet.

More expert tips for cracked feet

The following measures are also suitable for the prevention and care of cracked feet and fissures , all of which can be implemented without much effort:

  • Supply your body with nutrients . Creams and the like are not the only way to care for cracked feet. You can also ensure velvety soft skin from the inside out. Omega 3 in particular contributes significantly to the well-being of your skin.

    Scientific findings show that the fatty acids EPA & DHA are not only essential for the heart, brain and eyes, but also contribute significantly to skin health.
  • Only use pH-neutral cleaning products and creams without perfume to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
  • When showering and bathing, pay attention to both the duration and the right temperature . Body cleansing should take a maximum of 10 minutes and be done with water that is 38 degrees Celsius to avoid drying out the skin further.
  • Treat your feet to a nightly cream mask . Use a rich care cream with urea. Apply this to the cracks on the heel or ball of the foot and leave it on overnight.

    With cotton socks you can protect your bed linen from grease stains and ensure that the cream can work properly.

  • Avoid shoes with heels . By shifting your weight, they can contribute significantly to the formation of cracks.   

The importance of adequate care for your feet

Cracked feet and fissures can only be brought under control with a good care routine .

  • By washing daily,
  • spraying with moisturizing Feet Care Spray 
  • and a weekly foot bath with regenerating Foot bath salts can prevent and successfully treat cracked feet and fissures.

This is the only way to combat the real cause: dry skin. This is largely responsible for the development of the problem.

How to remove calluses effectively and regularly?

To effectively prevent cracks, thick layers of callus should be removed regularly , as cracked calluses pave the way for cracks on the feet.

To do this, use a foot file or a pumice stone after a soothing foot bath. You can find more tips and step-by-step instructions in our guide: Removing calluses

Check footwear

Cracked soles are often a sign of unsuitable shoes or incorrect walking . The insoles may help prevent cracks on the heel and ball of the foot. It is best to discuss this with your family doctor.

These are the best shoes for cracked feet

The best shoes for cracked feet are those that fit you perfectly . They should not be too small or too big . This is the only way to avoid pressure and chafing.

When buying shoes, make sure you look for a well-cushioned sole . This will absorb most of the impact and put less pressure on the soles of your feet. Specialist shops often give you the best advice, as the staff are trained accordingly.

Which home remedies can help?

Even the medieval physician Paracelsus was convinced that there was a herb for every illness. Modern naturopathy also recommends the following home remedies to support the treatment of cracked heels:

🌿 Olive oil

Dry feet in particular benefit from olive oil. With its balanced ratio of valuable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it can help keep the skin supple when applied externally.

🌿 Coconut oil

Coconut oil is considered antimicrobial and nourishing. Like olive oil, it moisturizes the skin from the outside and can also make life difficult for viruses, bacteria and fungi.

🌿 Banana mask

Yes, you read that correctly. Thanks to their high nutrient content, bananas are considered a valuable home remedy for cracked feet. You will need two bananas for the mask.

Mash them with a fork to form a paste. Massage this into your cracked soles. Leave the paste on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

🌿 Paraffin wax

A special foot bath with paraffin wax is considered particularly beneficial for cracked skin thanks to its pleasant warmth. It forms a kind of protective layer on the skin.

There are special devices available on the market that allow you to safely take a paraffin bath. The wax must not get too hot to avoid the risk of burns.

🌿 Milk-honey foot bath

Another tried and tested home remedy for cracked heels is a milk and honey bath, which Cleopatra is said to have used. Legend has it that she even bathed her entire body in it. A milk and honey foot bath is said to have nourishing, caring and antibacterial effects.

Conclusion

Cracked feet require special care. But this can often be integrated into everyday life without much effort. If you supply your body with high-quality nutrients such as Omega 3 from the inside , you are already laying an essential foundation.

Another important step is external care, such as a weekly foot bath with soothing foot bath salts and the daily application of nourishing Feet Care Spray .

With home remedies such as a banana mask or coconut oil, you can also make a valuable contribution to preventing the formation of cracks on the feet.

FAQ

Can cracked feet lead to infections?

Yes, cracked feet can lead to infections. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can penetrate deeper layers of the skin through the cracks and cause serious health problems.

Are cracked feet a sign of other health problems?

In most cases, cracked feet are a sign of dry skin. However, in some cases, they can also indicate health problems such as diabetes, skin diseases or other metabolic disorders.

🌿 Discover more guides from Health Routine now:

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