First Aid For Dry, Cracked Heels
This is a subject I get asked over and over again. Now that it is finally summer many of us live in our sandals and even enjoy being barefoot, so it is no wonder our dry, cracked tootsies are crying out for help.
In some cases cracked heels can be so severe that they cause pain and even bleed. There are other things that can contribute to this condition.
If you have any of these conditions it is always best to seek medical care and treatment:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- A skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema
- Fungal infections
- Poor circulation
- Improper walking
Once you are certain there isn’t an underlying cause, there are some remedies you might try to help relieve your cracked heels. This includes:
- Exfoliating with a pumice stone.
- Detoxify by soaking your feet in a detox bath.
- Use a foot salve morning and night.
- Add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm foot soak.
- Use magnesium oil on your feet at bedtime.
- Use a homemade nourishing foot salve morning and night.
- Use a peppermint magnesium foot scrub to exfoliate.
A Do It Yourself recipe for dry cracked heels
- ¼ cup Magnesium flakes or ¼ cup of pre-made Magnesium oil water.
- 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil and 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
(not for use on children or during pregnancy.)
- ¼ cup Shea Butter
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Beeswax
- In a small container add 2 tablespoons of boiling water to the magnesium flakes, stir until it dissolves. This will become thick once cooled. Set aside.
- Add one inch of water to a small pan and put in a quart-size mason jar, the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Put heat on medium.
- Remove the jar when contents are melted, let it cool until slightly opaque. It should be about room temperature.
- Pour into a medium bowl. Using a mixer at medium speed, blend in the oil mixture.
- Add the dissolved magnesium mixture, one drop at a time until all is well-mixed.
- Add oregano and peppermint essential oils (optional) and whip until combined.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes and re-blend to get a body butter consistency. Put in jars with lids and refrigerate.
This recipe can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two months. Use on cracked heels at night. Apply a thick coat then wear socks. This works best if the feet have been previously exfoliated and soaked.
*Oregano Essential Oil and 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
(not for use on children or during pregnancy.)
The Effects of Stress On Skin
Psychodermatology is the newer study of the impact of an individual’s emotions as related to their skin. The combination of dermatology and psychology offers an integrated approach for new treatments and is growing rapidly.
The skin and mind are connected on many different levels. There are lots of nerve endings connected to the skin which actually wrap around organs. As emotions are played out neurologically, they can be expressed through the skin the same way stress can be expressed through gastrointestinal symptoms.
A good example of this is acne. When an individual is tense the body releases stress hormones which include cortisol. This could increase the production of oil in some individuals making that person prone to developing pimples. In some autoimmune diseases such as hair loss (alopecia), there have been studies that show markers that a stressful event can trigger the autoimmune reaction.
Here are examples of some situations that clearly show the connection between stress and the skin:
- Whenever Mary gets nervous her face breaks out all over.
- William often feels so sorry for himself that he has developed eczema.
Many skin disorders have roots from or they place their roots in the psyche. Treatment possibilities include antidepressants, in some cases, relaxation therapies such as energy treatments, yoga and meditation.
Questions & Answers
Q: Do I need to add anti-aging products to my skincare even though I am only in my 20s?
A: Yes, it’s never too early to start. As a preventative incorporate a vitamin C serum.
Q: Are makeup cleansing wipes okay to use?
A: The wipes are good for surface-level cleansing. For deep cleansing it is recommended that you use a liquid cleanser.
Q: Why do I break out when my skin is dry?
A: Dead skin cells can accumulate causing the buildup to trap bacteria.
Q: What face oils work best for oily skin?
A: High-quality, cold-processed oils have antiseptic qualities. They work well for acne. Kukui nut and raspberry seed oils are both effective options.
Q: Why do I have freckles?
A: If you have light-colored skin, it is possible you will have freckles, especially in the summer. Your skin gives off melanin, something in your skin that causes it to color and try to protect it from the sun. When your body senses your skin being damaged by the sun it produces melanin to try to protect it from being damaged by the sun’s rays, it produces more melanin to try and protect your skin from being damaged even more. Sometimes this is an all-over color like sunburn or tan, and sometimes its small patches of freckles.
Q: What causes baby acne and how can I treat it?
A: The cause of baby acne is the transfer of maternal hormones across the placenta at the end of pregnancy. It increases oil gland production on the baby’s skin. To be certain that is what it is, you should first consult with your medical provider to be certain you have a correct diagnosis. If it is baby acne, you can use warm water on a clean cloth to treat it.
Q: My feet stink after wearing my running shoes. I can’t keep washing my shoes since it takes forever for them to dry. Is there something I can do to make them not smell so bad?
A: Although this is out my scope of expertise I decided to answer your question. The most popular answer is to remove the inserts and wash them and then air dry them. Also be sure to wear clean socks each time you wear those shoes. If the shoes are still pretty funky, wash them and let them air dry.
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