In this article, we will explore the best home remedies for cracked heels and methods of prevention.
Cracked heels, known as heel fissures, are a widespread problem that ranges from mild dryness to deep, painful cracks, and in some cases, they even lead to infections.
They occur when the heels become dry, hard, flaky, or crusty. The skin may become yellow in colour, and in severe cases, cracks can lead to pain, itching, or bleeding.
Causes of cracked heels
Unlike the skin on your face or arms, the heels don't have many oil glands; the skin of the heels is naturally thicker and drier than the skin on other parts of the body.
Medical treatment or home remedies for cracked heels are solutions for this problem.
The most common causes of cracked heels are:
- Dry skin and lack of moisture lead to less elastic skin.
- Open-back shoes or shoes that lack support.
- Excess weight adds pressure on the heel pad.
- Prolonged standing, especially on hard floors.
- Cold or extra hot weather with low humidity makes the skin very dry.
Medical conditions
Home remedies for cracked heels can`t be the only solution for these cases:
- Obesity: This adds pressure on the heels.
- Skin conditions as psoriasis and eczema.
- Fungal infections sometimes occur in athletes.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing key hormones, produces less than the body needs.
- Sjogren's: When the overactive immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, it causes dry skin and cracked heels.
- Palmoplanter Keratodermas is a group of skin disorders that cause abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum of palms and soles, which requires more than home remedies for cracked heels.
Effective home remedies for cracked heels
Soaking and exfoliation
The most popular home remedies for cracked heels are soaking and exfoliation.
The skin of cracked heels tends to be thicker and drier than other parts of the body, so the simplest and effective way is to soften it by soaking in warm water and removing the dry layers by exfoliation.
How to exfoliate cracked heels?
Keep your feet soaked in warm water with some salt and a few drops of mild soap.
Soak your feet for 20 minutes.
Gently scrub the heels using a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin.
Apply a rich moisturizer and wear cotton socks.
Wearing cotton socks helps to trap moisturizer, allowing it to do its job and keep feet from drying out during the night.
This routine can be done twice weekly to prevent the buildup of calluses that lead to cracked heels.
Moisturizing with natural oils
Natural oils are especially effective as home remedies for cracked heels, as they penetrate the deep layers of the skin and restore moisture.
Coconut oil
Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it ideal for infections, preventing infections, and lowering inflammation. Also enhances the efficacy of the skin barrier.
Olive oil
It is rich in vitamins A and E, healthy fats that support moisture retention and improve skin elasticity.
Almond oil
It has moisturizing and soothing effects that relieve dry, itchy, or irritated skin.
Castor oil
For intensive hydration in very dry, cracked heels.
How to use natural oils to crack heels?
Apply an adequate amount of oil on your heels before bed, then wear cotton socks overnight to lock in the moisture and help skin repair.
For better results in home remedies for cracked heels, you can mix more than one type of oil to enhance moisturizing and healing benefits.
Honey
Research has shown that it has antimicrobial properties, which may be effective as one of the home remedies for cracked heels and lower the risk in case of infection. Also, it is a natural humectant — it attracts moisture and keeps it retained.
How to use it?
It can be used directly on your heels and wear socks, and leave it overnight.
Soak your feet in warm water with lemon and honey.
Aloe vera gel
Rich in vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that reduce inflammation and regenerate and repair skin.
Also, its cooling, soothing, and healing properties speed up skin regeneration and soften cracked heels.
How to use it?
After soaking and exfoliation, apply a layer of aloe vera gel on your dry, cracked heels. Then wear socks all night.
Shea/Cocoa butter
Both are popular as home remedies for cracked heels, as they are natural emollients that restore skin elasticity and trap moisture.
How to apply it?
Warm the heel before applying it, wear cotton socks, then keep it overnight.
Banana and avocado mask
Bananas provide moisture. Avocados contain skin fatty acids and vitamins.
How to use it?
Apply a layer of banana & avocado as a smooth paste, then leave it for 20 min to moisturize. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize. This will treat your feet.
Lemon juice soak
As it is citric acid, it is antiseptic, exfoliates, and helps in the exfoliation of dead skin.
Can`t use it if there is bleeding.
How to use it?
Add lemon juice to warm water to soak feet for 10–15 minutes.
Then scrub with pumice, stone, and then a soft moisturizer.
Apple cider vinegar soak
Apple cider – your feet will soften overnight – easy to look at and peel off.
How to use it?
Soak feet for 15 minutes in apple cider vinegar. Later, exfoliate and scrub gently.
Petroleum jelly (vaseline)
Commonly used as home remedies for cracked heels. It is good for all skin types. It promotes healing.
How to use/apply?
Wash feet, apply Vaseline, and cover with socks overnight.
When should you seek medical help?
If it is a constant problem, if bleeding occurs, if infection spreads,
If you are diabetic or have poor circulation, you must immediately consult a dermatologist.
Medical treatment
Liquid bandage: a chemical to cover wounds, skin cracks – it closes wounds, protects them, and reduces pain.
Prescribed ointments (with lactic acid, salicylic acid, and urea) to soften the heel.
Also, provide better support for the heels.
How can we prevent cracked heels?
Home remedies for cracked heels are really effective, but prevention is equally important.
Steps you can take to prevent cracked heels include:
- Moisturize your feet daily, after washing and/or exfoliating your feet, apply moisturizer, and wear socks.
- Avoid harsh soaps; use mild, moisturizing cleansers.
- Stay hydrated, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dryness and cracked heels.
- Wear supportive shoes; avoid open-back sandals.
- Maintain a healthy weight! To reduce pressure on the heels.
Summary
Prevention is better than a cure. You should keep your feet moisturized and stay hydrated all day. But if it happens, home remedies for cracked heels can be effective as a first-line treatment.
But if left untreated, it can lead to serious medical infections, especially with chronic health conditions.
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