4 causes of cracked feet and tips on how to treat dryness

Walking barefoot is delicious, but you have to deal with the consequences of this habit. Cracked feet are present in many heels around the world. But do you know why this happens? What’s the best way to handle it? A Dermatologist and a podiatrist clarify some doubts on the subject.

What causes cracked feet?

“We wear open sandals, flip-flops, sandals and all this leaves our feet exposed to pollution, weather, dust and wind, which makes our feet suffer a lot. It dries out and forms the cracks in the heels. They are painful and need to be treated”, explained Dr. Helga Clementino.

Other unhealthy habits contribute to uncomfortable fissures. Know the main causes of cracked feet:

Drink little water: hydration starts from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water during the day is important for your kidneys and skin. Because it also benefits from hydration;
Walking barefoot: the friction of the bare foot on the floor thickens the skin in this area, especially the heel. This exposure causes dryness and, consequently, cracks in the feet;
Failing in the routine with moisturizing cream: the daily use of specific creams for the feet, are important to avoid cracks. Dr. Helga explained that the “moisturizer we use in the body does not meet the needs of the skin of the foot. This region needs more consistent creams”. That is, it is important to bet on specific creams for this region;
Sanding your feet: the dermatologist warned: “never use sandpaper on your feet. The organism understands this as a dangerous situation and produces more skin in that place that was sanded”.

If you already have cracked feet, look for a professional and follow all guidelines during treatment. Open fissures facilitate the entry of viruses and bacteria, which can cause serious infections.

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How to treat cracked feet

It takes discipline to treat cracked feet. Follow expert tips on how to treat your feet the way they deserve:

Daily hydration

Daily use of a specific foot cream is very important, as this area has different needs than the rest of the body. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the skin hydrated to avoid cracks, in addition to taking time for self-care and ensuring beautiful and soft feet.

Weekly exfoliation

Exfoliating your feet is essential for more intense hydration. This is because exfoliating creams strip away dead skin cells, allowing moisture to be absorbed by healthy skin. Dr. Helga recommends exfoliating the feet weekly.

Podiatrist Sandra Paz taught a recipe for homemade exfoliation. You will need: 1 and ½ cups of granulated sugar, 5 drops of orange essential oil and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. “Apply the exfoliator under the skin, always in circular and precise movements, thus removing dead cells.” recommended Sandra.

Wear socks during hydration

“Whenever you wear sneakers or boots, apply your foot moisturizer before putting on a sock, so your foot will spend more hours in contact with the moisturizer and longer under the effect of hydration”, suggested Dr. Helga. .

If even following these guidelines the cracks persist, look for a trusted professional. He will know how to indicate the best treatment for your case. It is worth remembering that under no circumstances should you cut calluses or excess skin, this is dangerous and can cause infections.

The best creams for cracked feet

Just a quick search on the internet, to find several types of creams for cracked feet. Check out the list below the best creams for smooth and crack-free feet, according to content creators:

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1. Footworks Avon Night Moisturizing Foot Cream – $

The product is enriched with green tea extract that softens and moisturizes rough and dry skin, especially the heel. Its formula contains microspheres that create a protective barrier for the feet, in addition to fast absorption and deodorant property. Apply before bed and wear a sock to boost hydration.

“These products are sensational! The moisturizer really moisturizes, you notice a lot, a lot, a lot, the difference is stark. So in my case I don’t have a cracked foot. But my feet sometimes get very dry, underneath it gets rough, really rough. And after I started using these products, they don’t stay anymore.” – Janet Nobre

2. Granado Pumice Stone Scrub – $$

Exfoliating is essential for removing dead cells and calluses from the skin, this process ensures that moisturizers reach healthy skin. This product from Granado has in its formula palm oil, vegetable glycerin and natural beeswax that guarantee a smooth and soft touch to your feet.

“It is a very thick cream, but their exfoliating particles are very thin. This is a business that you can see results with continuous use, it is not the first time you use it that you will see a result. You do feel the cleanest foot, a feeling of cleanliness, softer, but even the critical areas it doesn’t solve the first time. I could see that with continued use you see a result.” – Aunt’s tips

3. Mani & Pedi Boticário foot cream – $$$

This product offers intense hydration for dry and rough feet. It is easily absorbed and in its formula contains 10% urea, a substance that breaks the connections of dead cells, improving the appearance and smoothness of the feet.

“It is very soft, has a hair mask texture. So, this one I really liked to use on my feet. It really leaves my feet well hydrated, very soft, so it’s really nice to use. And you don’t need to apply a lot, because as it is very moisturizing, very little solves it.” – Laiane Lira

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4. Bacuri Loccitane au Brésil foot cream – $$$$

Loccitane au Brésil foot cream is enriched with Bacuri butter, a fruit with anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In addition, it is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C, leaving the feet nourished and free from dryness and cracks.

“The cream has a creamier consistency, very firm and its scent is delicate and smooth, I really liked the result it provides, that is, it is very approved!” – Luana Rodrigues

5. Eucerin Foot Cream 10% Urea – $$$$$

Eucerin’s 10% urea foot cream provides intensive treatment for rough and extremely dry feet. The texture of the cream is thicker, ideal to apply to the feet before bed. To maximize the results, use the product daily and use a sock, as Dr. Helga previously recommended.

“I had never used a specific foot care, I researched a lot before buying and chose Eucerin because it has no exfoliating function, as my problem was not related to skin thickening, it was just a (big) lack of hydration. I’m loving! I don’t even intend to try another one, it was a sure shot and I couldn’t be happier!” – Victory H.

Did you see how it is possible to have smooth feet without spending a lot? Hydrate your feet daily and drink plenty of water, after all, care starts from the inside out. And if you want to relax and enjoy this moment of self-care even more, see how to make a foot bath.