Easy And Effective Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Home remedies for cracked heels are being passed on for many generations now. Much like the remedies for a sore throat or a grumbling stomach, the secret to beautiful heels too lies in the kitchen. While some of these are infused into soaking mixtures for the feet, others are applied topically.

What Causes Cracked Heels

It is important to acknowledge that cracked heels are not always a result or indicator of skin infections. Heels often crack due to prolonged hours of standing especially on hard surfaces, open footwear or the ones with an improper fitting, long hot showers, harsh products, ageing, or even dry climate conditions.

Certain medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and pregnancy are also known to cause dryness and thickening of the skin, leading to fissures. Interestingly enough, dehydration is also a popular causer of this undesirable dryness.

Although cracked heels is a prevalent skin condition, it shouldn't be ignored. When left unattended, it can lead to pain, soreness, reddening, flaky skin, itching, inflammation, or even bleeding and ulceration in severe cases.

Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Here are some of the most popular home remedies straight from the books of grannies, that'll keep your heels plump and healthy.

1. Ripe Banana

Banana is a natural skin moisturiser rich in skin-friendly nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, and B6. These vitamins keep the skin hydrated, and elastic. Unripe bananas, however, contain acids that are harsh for the skin.

What to do

1. Take two ripe bananas and mash them into a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste all over your feet, including cuticles and nails.
3. Leave the paste for 20 minutes.
4. Wash the feet with clear water.
5. Apply this mask every day before retiring to bed, for at least two weeks for best results.

2. Vaseline and Lemon Juice

While Vaseline is an excellent moisturiser, lemon juice induces peeling and regrowth of skin. Their powerful combination easily combats the cracks, as well as, dryness of the skin.

What to do

1. Add 4-5 drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of Vaseline.
2. Soak your feet in lukewarm water for 15 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
3. Apply the mixture all over the feet and wear socks, preferably woollen.
4. Rinse the feet with warm water in the morning.
5. Repeat this cycle before going to bed regularly, for best results.

3. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, chemically known by the name of Magnesium sulphate, has multiple skin benefits. It helps in pulling out toxins and other harmful substances from the skin, reduces inflammation, and treats dryness or itchiness. It would be safe to say that they help in achieving soft and plump skin.

What to do

1. Add warm water and half a cup of Epsom salt to a foot basin.
2. You can add essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or geranium, as per choice.
3. You can also add marbles to the basin floor for gentle pressure from pressing against feet. (optional)
4. Soak the feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
5. Massage and scrub the feet to remove the dead skin and pat dry.
6. Repeat the process 2-3 times a week for best results.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent exfoliant and thus helps in removing dead skin cells. Additionally, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Some even prefer baking soda to keep their feet odour free.

What to do

1. Add a bowl of warm water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a foot basin.
2. Soak the feet for 15-20 minutes and then scrub gently with a pumice stone.
3. Add a few slices of lime to it. (optional)
4. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a towel.
5. Repeat the procedure twice a week for best results.

5. Honey

Honey is one of the most widely used remedies for skincare. It is a natural antiseptic that adds to skin moisture. Being a humectant, it draws water from the inner tissues to the outer layers of the skin, and thus prevents the drying of feet by creating a plumping effect. In addition, the soothing properties of honey also help to revitalize the skin.

What to do

1. Add a cup of honey to a foot basin or tub filled with warm water.
2. Soak the feet in this water and massage it gently for 20 minutes.
3. Exfoliate your feet gently with a pumice stone and pat dry. 
4. You can add apply thick moisture to the feet after this step.
5. Repeat this procedure daily before going to bed, for best results.

Tips To Prevent Cracked Heels

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 
• Avoid standing at the same spot for long hours, especially on long surfaces. 
• Avoid wearing open-back footwear, such as sandals, regularly. 
• Avoid wearing tall-slim heels regularly; it leads to sideways expansion of the heel pad. 
• Always were shoes that fit your feet just right, and aren't too tight. 
• Wear custom shoe inserts for even distribution of body weight and cushioning of feet. 
• Exfoliate your feet after showering with a pumice stone, at least a few times a week. 
• Do not peel or shave your calluses manually. It can lead to unwanted infections. 
• Wear silicone socks beneath the footwear, to keep the feet moisturised and plump. 
• Avoid long showers, especially with hot water. Use warm water instead. 

Also Read: Best Foot Creams