Summer time will soon be gone and with the warm air came sandals and flip-flops. To go along with this style of footwear came the dreaded cracked heels. This is a malady that is both preventable and readily treatable. We will first look at how to prevent the problem, and then if you’re reading this too late, we’ll help you treat the problem.

Preventing Cracked Heels

1. Try to avoid open heeled shoes (sandals, flip-flops)
2. Daily preventative moisturizing with a moisturizing cream or for more intensive moisturizing use pure Shea Butter)
3. Exfoliate (pumice stones on wet skin, foot files and Ped-Eggs on dry skin)
4. Limit hot showers and sauna or hot tubs (hot hot water is your enemy)
5. Protect your feet in public swimming areas (wear water shoes or aqua socks)

Treating Cracked Heels

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
The main cause of dry, cracked heels is the loss of moisture.

Here are the steps to take to relieve your discomfort:

1. Soak your feet in warm water (never HOT water as this will dry your skin further)
   Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes each day in plain water or with a foot soak solution
2. After soaking, towel dry your feet
3. While feet are still damp, use a natural pumice stone on the cracked areas, only going in one direction. Do this over a towel to catch falling dry skin.
4. Moisturize with a pure Shea Butter liberally all over the affected area and pop on some cotton socks for a few hours.
5. Daily treatments may be required for several days.
6. Once the skin is back to normal, a daily application of moisturizing cream should be used.
7. A once a week treatment of the heels in the shower using a pumice stone will help maintain your touchably soft feet.

NOTE- If your heels are flaky, burning, itchy and not just dry and cracked, this may be a sign of a fungal infection. See a doctor for treatment.

Source: sudsmuffin.blogspot.com