Heel Care 101: How to Prevent Winter Cracks and Dryness

The feet might especially be a pain to the heels during winter and when it is not maintained they tend to become dry, rough and painful due to the harsh weather. The air outside is drier, the heat in buildings is drying the skin, and the shoes worn are frictional and heavier on feet. It is possible to care about the heel skin properly, regularly and cautiously, and to avoid its damage seasons before it may happen.

What makes winter so tough to the heel skin

The skin on heels is much thicker and contains fewer oil glands hence it is prone to drying. In winter seasons the humidity is low and the temperature variation also makes the humidity lower. Squeezing of shoes and boots exert a strain on the skin and to ensure that the skin is safe the skin begins to harden posing a high chance of breaking.

Clean gently but regularly

Cleaning aid gets rid of sweats and bacteria that can make the effect of dryness and irritation worse. Do not apply harsh soaps, apply rather lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Over washing and washing with water of very hot temperature makes the natural oils dead and the heels more prone to drying up and cracking.

Shed off but do not overdo

The shedding of the dead skin accumulated in the winter months is assisted by delicate exfoliation. It is sufficient to use a foot file or a pumice stone on a tender skin 2 to 3 times a week. Infection of healthy skin leads to over scrubbing of the healthy skin which is not favourable and encourages thickening of calluses.

Use hydrating products that are winter friendly

To make the thick skin soft and avoid water loss, urea, shea butter, glycerin and lactic acid creams are used. Apply the moisturizer immediately after the shower when the skin is wet a bit since the moisturizer will be better absorbed.

Night care has become a requirement

In the prevention of heel cracks, night care is important. Taking a thick foot balm before going to sleep and wrapping feet in cotton means that a person will be thoroughly hydrated as skin restores itself. 

Choose heels-covered shoes

Soles that are cushioned are also fitted on shoes to prevent the strain on the heels and hardening of the skin. Slim soles and hard backs must be avoided and rub against heels. The soft slippers are also applicable where the feet may experience cold floors which would leech the moisture of the skin.

Hypersomia, maintain the hydration of your insides

Internal hydration is shown by skin. The water intake during winter yet the thirst rates might be minimal helps the skin elasticity. A balanced nutritious diet in fat and vitamins also contributes to the relaxed and tougher heel skin.

Response to early warning

The small cracks, or thickened pieces of skin, must be treated immediately as they occur. The application of healing ointments at an early stage prevents deeper splits which can lead to painful or infected splits. Single-mindedness thwarts eventual injury.

Avoid walking barefoot

Cold and hard floors on the surface cause greater pressure on heels and make the situation drier. Insulation and reduced friction that causes the skin to crack will be a feature of wearing socks or the inside shoes.

Consistency is the real solution

Regular light cleaning, continuous moisturizing and protective actions will assist in maintaining a smooth, healthy and comfortable state of the heels in the season.