8 Definitive Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are usually caused by dryness. It is worth paying more attention to the care of our feet if we want to prevent these types of problems.

Cracked heels are a clear sign of poor foot care.  But they are also a symptom of dehydration and, sometimes, of some health issues.

This problem is characterized because it affects, above all, the outer layer of the skin, although sometimes it can penetrate deeply into the dermis and cause intense pain.

It usually occurs when the skin around the heels becomes dry, does not hydrate properly and receives pressure from the body on it. In minor cases, this problem can also indicate a deficiency of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.

Regardless of the cause of cracked heels, they are often viewed as an unpleasant aesthetic problem and, in some cases, can cause pain. Luckily, there are home remedies that help treat dry heel skin and prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.

1. Lemon and glycerin treatment

This natural treatment is said to help soften the skin of the heel and significantly reduce the dryness that causes cracked heels.

What should you do?

• Pour a large amount of hot water, coarse salt, glycerin, lemon juice, and rose water into a large container. Then soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Use a pumice stone to soften dry skin on your heels and make it easier to remove calluses.

You can also make the mixture with just glycerin, lemon juice, and rose water and apply it directly to the hardened skin on your heels. Put on some socks and let it work overnight. Repeat the same treatment four or five days in a row.

2. Vegetable oils

The use of vegetable oils (such as coconut, almond or argan oil) can help to hydrate the skin to a great extent. This would help combat dryness and cracking.

What should you do?

• Use a good amount of coconut oil or olive oil to deeply hydrate the dry skin on your heels.

• Once you apply it, put on a cotton sock overnight so that the oil works while you sleep.
• Wash in the morning and repeat the treatment every day.

3. Banana and avocado mask

This banana and avocado mask helps hydrate the skin, smooths and noticeably improves the appearance of cracked heels.

• You just have to prepare a paste with a ripe banana and avocado. Apply this mixture on the skin of cracked heels, leave it to act for half an hour and rinse.

4. Vaseline treatment for cracked heels

Petroleum jelly can help hydrate the skin, soften hardness, while significantly reducing the problem of cracked heels, as this study published in Canadian Family Physician points out.

What should you do?

• Soak your heels in hot salted water for 15-20 minutes.
• Dry your feet well and then smear your heels with a tablespoon of petroleum jelly.
• Cover your feet with cotton socks and leave it on overnight.
• The next morning, remove the socks you slept in.

5. Paraffin and coconut oil treatment

This natural remedy works as a good therapy when cracked heels cause pain and various discomforts.

What should you do?

• Mix a little paraffin wax with coconut oil,  heat in a bain-marie, mix everything well and let it cool.
• When it is warm, put it on your heels, cover it with socks and leave it to act overnight.

6. Honey for cracked heels

Honey is an ingredient with very beneficial properties for the skin, which helps to effectively hydrate and soften. You just have to mix a cup of honey in a bucket of warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes and massage.

7. Rice flour scrub

For cracked heels, the mixture of rice flour with a little honey vinegar and apple cider is perfect, since it helps to exfoliate the dead skin, but without damaging the rest. It should be noted that this preparation should not be used more than once a week or as indicated by the dermatologist, in order to avoid mistreating the skin.

What should you do?

• Mix with 2-3 tablespoons of rice flour, honey vinegar, and apple cider.
• Soak your feet for 20 minutes in warm water, then apply this exfoliating paste with gentle circular massages.

8. Oatmeal scrub for cracked heels

This natural oatmeal scrub helps soften the skin on the heels, softens the hardness and contributes to a better appearance of the foot.

What should you do?

• Mix powdered oatmeal and a little jojoba oil until you get a paste.
• Apply it with gentle circular massages on the affected area, let it act for 10 minutes and remove it with warm water.

All are very simple home remedies that will help you improve the appearance of your feet if you have cracked heels and restore health to the skin in that area. Choose the one you like the most and give it a try, but remember to be consistent.