Home Remedies for Cracked Heels – 10 Natural Ways to Heal Dry Feet
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Are cracked heels stopping you from wearing your favourite sandals? Cracked heels can make you uncomfortable to see and feel, and can also be painful sometimes. But you need not hide your heels anywhere, as there are plenty of home remedies for cracked heels.
From baking soda to ghee, most of the kitchen ingredients that you use in your day-to-day life can help you heal your cracked heels. Scroll down, as we have listed some of the effective home remedies for cracked heels that can help you achieve soft and smooth feet.
What Causes Cracked Heels and Dry Feet?
Dry feet and cracked heels are very common problems faced by many people. This condition, which is also called heel fissures, can be painful and uncomfortable. Cracked heels usually begin with dry skin. Over time, this dry skin will become thick and begin to crack. The area around your heel may feel rough, look flaky, and turn yellow or brown. Even though dry skin is the main cause of cracked heels, there are several other reasons that can lead to cracked heels.
Some of the common reasons for cracked heels are:
- Standing for long periods on hard floors
- Wearing open-back shoes or sandals
- Harsh weather, especially cold or dry climates
- Thick, hard skin (calluses)
- Being overweight (adds extra pressure on the heels)
- Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection)
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Hormonal issues like hypothyroidism
- Palmoplantar keratoderma (a skin disorder)
- Pregnancy (due to body changes and weight)
What Are the Symptoms of Cracked Heels?
Here are some of the common signs of cracked heels:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Itching
- Pain or discomfort while walking
- Bleeding from deep cracks
- Redness and swelling
- Ulcers or open wounds
But if a medical issue like psoriasis, eczema, or athlete’s foot is the cause for cracked heels, then it can lead to more serious problems, such as:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- Skin infections like cellulitis
Top 10 Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
Here is the list of some top 10 home remedies for cracked heels that you can try at home:
Baking Soda
The anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties of baking soda help remove dead skin cells and relieve skin dryness. Moreover, it is also effective in preventing foot odor.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 3 tablespoons
Directions:
- Fill a basin with warm water and stir in baking soda until it dissolves.
- Soak your feet in this mixture for about 15 minutes.
- Afterwards, scrub your heels with a pumice stone to remove the loosened dead skin.
- Wash your feet with clean, lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Repeat this routine twice a week until your heels become soft and crack-free.
Rice Flour, Honey & Vinegar Heel Scrub
Rice flour works like a gentle exfoliant that helps scrub away rough patches. The acidic nature of vinegar helps in dissolving dead skin. The antibacterial and moisturising properties of honey make this remedy a nourishing treat for dry, cracked heels.
Ingredients:
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Rice flour- 3 tablespoons
- Vinegar – 2 to 3 drops
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until you get a thick paste.
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes
- Apply the paste and scrub it in circular motions to remove dead skin.
- Repeat this process three times a week, and your heels will feel smoother.
Lemon juice
The acidic nature of lemon juice makes it a powerful exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells and also fights any bacteria present in the cracked heels.
Ingredients:
- Sea salt – 5 tablespoons
- Coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a glass container until you get a coarse, scrub-like consistency.
- Gently apply the mixture to your cracked heels, making sure to massage it in well.
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the ingredients can work their magic.
- Rinse off with cold water and enjoy that fresh, clean feeling.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the excellent home remedies for dry, cracked heels. It acts like a scrub and helps exfoliate dirt and dead skin.
Ingredients:
- Ground oatmeal – 1 cup
- Rice flour – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Honey- ½ cup
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a steel bowl to make the paste.
- Initially, soak your feet in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes.
- Apply the paste to your feet and leave it for another 15 minutes.
- Wash your feet with cold water and follow up with a good moisturiser.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is also one of the best home treatments for cracked heels, as it will help moisturise and nourish dry, cracked heels. You may use oils like coconut, sesame, sunflower, and olive oil for this purpose.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable Oil
Directions:
- First, soak your feet in the bathtub and scrub them well with a pumice stone.
- After about 10 minutes, dry your feet with a towel.
- Massage your feet gently with vegetable oil.
- Then, wear a pair of your favourite socks and leave them on overnight.
- The next morning, take off the socks and wash your feet with lukewarm water.
Vaseline
Vaseline is known for its strong moisturising characteristics. When mixed with lemon juice, which is rich in citric acid, this remedy helps heal cracked heels and supports the growth of new skin by removing the old.
Ingredients:
- Vaseline- 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 2 to 3 drops
Directions:
- Mix the ingredients well to make a paste.
- First, soak your feet in warm water for 20 minutes, and dry them with a towel.
- Apply the paste to your cracked heels, then wear socks before going to bed.
- In the morning, wash your feet with warm water.
- Repeat this process every day until you notice visible changes.
Banana & Honey Moisturiser
Honey works like a natural moisturiser with healing properties. Banana, being a natural emollient, can help soften the skin.
Ingredients:
- Banana – ½
- Honey – ½ teaspoon
Directions:
- In a bowl, add the mashed banana and honey.
- Mix them well until the paste becomes smooth and slightly runny.
- Apply this paste to your heels and massage it in.
- After 25 minutes, rinse your feet with lukewarm water.
- Pat your feet dry and apply a foot cream to lock in the moisture.
- Repeat this remedy regularly until your heels feel soft and crack-free.
Milk & Rose
This remedy, which uses milk and rose, works well for healing cracked heels. Milk helps soften hard calluses, which makes them easier to remove. Rose possesses healing and soothing properties that can help treat the cracks.
Ingredients:
- Milk – ½ cup
- Rose petals/ Rose Water
- Neem leaves
- Oil – 2 teaspoons(any oil of your choice)
- Essential oil(optional)
Directions:
- Fill a small tub with warm water and add milk.
- Add a few rose petals, neem leaves and any oil you prefer.
- Optionally, you may add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
- Soak your feet in this mixture for about 25 minutes.
- Then gently scrub your heels with a pumice stone.
- After scrubbing, apply a rich healing foot cream to seal in moisture and soothe your skin.
Ghee
For effective treatment for cracked feet, you can try ghee, also known as clarified butter, which is known for its nourishing properties. It can help heal cracked heels by deeply moisturising the skin and improving its elasticity.
Ingredients:
- Ghee
Directions:
- Apply ghee to your feet and gently massage it in before going to bed
- Cover your feet with socks for added moisturisation and leave them overnight.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a magical ingredient that can treat different skin problems. The soothing and healing properties of aloe vera make it one of the most effective home remedies for cracked heels. It can moisturise dry skin and support new cell growth, thus helping heal the cracks.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
Directions:
- Extract the fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply it directly to your cracked heels.
- After 30 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Tips to Prevent Cracked Heels
Here are some simple tips to help you avoid cracked heels:
- Moisturize regularly: Keeping your heels soft and hydrated is one of the best ways to stop them from cracking. Use a good foot cream with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin to keep the skin smooth and healthy.. For better results, apply the cream at night and slip on a pair of socks to help lock in the moisture while you sleep.
- Avoid Very Hot Showers: Hot water removes the natural oils from your feet, making them more likely to crack. Use warm, not hot water when you bathe. Afterward, apply a thick moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.
- Be Gentle When You Exfoliate: Exfoliating is good for cracked heels, but overdoing it can worsen the condition. Use a mild scrub or pumice stone just a few times a week.
- Wear the Right Footwear: Wearing the wrong kind of shoes can lead to cracked heels quickly. Do not wear shoes that don’t fit properly or leave your heels uncovered. Wearing open sandals or tight shoes can make your heels dry and cause skin to rub too much. Wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes that support your feet and protect your heels.
- Avoid Walking Barefoot All the Time: You might feel comfortable walking around without shoes at home, but it can be tough on your feet. Hard surfaces can dry out your skin and lead to cracks. Still, if you prefer walking barefoot, switch to soft, cushioned slippers that can protect your heels and keep you comfortable at the same time.
- Drink Enough Water and Eat Healthy Foods: Drinking enough water and eating a healthy diet help keep your skin soft and smooth.
The Bottom Line
Cracked heels are a common problem, but with proper dry heel care at home and consistent effort, they can be completely healed. Home remedies for cracked heels, like moisturizing oils and gentle scrubs, can help make them soft and smooth again. So, get ready to wear your favourite sandals without any second thought.
Related Topics
| Ayurvedic Remedies for Pigmentation | Home Remedies for Skin Allergies |
| Skincare Tips for Dry Skin | How to Treat Eczema Naturally |
Frequently Asked Questions on Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
What are the best Indian home remedies for cracked heels?
Some of the best Indian cracked heel remedies include applying natural oils, using foot masks, soaking the foot in warm water, and applying foot scrubs.
What causes cracked heels and dry feet?
Cracked heels and dry feet usually happen when the skin lacks enough moisture. When the skin becomes too dry, it can get thick, rough, and start to crack. Some of the common causes include standing for long hours, wearing open or poorly fitting shoes, cold or dry weather, and certain health issues like diabetes or skin conditions.
What are the symptoms of cracked heels?
Cracked heels often appear as dry, rough, and sometimes discolored skin around the heel. These cracks start to hurt when you put too much pressure on them. They might even bleed, and there is a chance of getting infected as well. Other common signs include itchiness, flaky skin, redness, swelling, and a warm feeling that could indicate an infection.
