Re: cracked heels

 This happens in winter...never used to happen to me, but I think it's "age-related". I'm only 53 , but this is new to me,and I recall my mother has this in her early seventies.


It's likely I could keep it all under control if I wee the kind having regular perdicures...but I am not.

What do you recommend?

The same recommendations I made for dry skin can be applied:

http://curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1737398#i

Urea is classic,right? It's in all the heavy-duty cremes for such things.

Yes, urea is an excellent moisturizer, which is why it is in so many creams, lotions and shampoos.  Synthetic urea is most often used.  You can probably find this on line to add to your own concoctions.

And urea - urine. I actually have tried it for a time, massaging it in. It seems to help, but is such a pain...


What in the diet can address this?

Staying hydrated is very important.  Good fats can also help.  Taking them with lecithin will help with absorption, especially for anyone who has had their gallbladders removed.

should I make a salve of coconut oil, beeswax and herb?

I don't like waxes on the skin.  It just plugs the pores and inhibits the absorption of beneficial compounds.  Try using a butter such as mango or cocoa butter in place of the wax.  Melt the butter in a double boiler then mix in some oil.  Avocado oil is still the best.  I also like walnut oil.  The ratio will depend a lot on the temperature it will be stored at.  Colder climates require more oil and less butter.  Warmer climates require more butter and less oil.  After mixing the oil and butter allow it to cool.  But when it is cool but not yet solid you can add essential oils.  Palmarosa or geranium essential oils are great for skin.  Blend in about 40 drops of oil per 6-8 ounces of the blend.  Stir it well and let the mix sit covered.  It will harden back up but if done properly will melt with body temperature.  

It is best to spray the skin with a weak citric or malic acid solution before applying the cream.

Is it related to some hormonal thing?

Hormones can play an indirect role.  Going back to the good fats I mentioned above.  Fats require bile, or the lecithin that makes up the majority of bile, to absorb fats.  Elevated progesterone levels though relax the gallbladder though preventing proper excretion of bile for fat absorption.