Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot condition characterized by dry, thickened skin that develops deep fissures or cracks, often causing discomfort and pain. This condition typically arises from a combination of factors such as inadequate moisture, excessive pressure, and poor footwear, which can lead to a buildup of callused skin that eventually splits. Cracked heels can be exacerbated by environmental factors like low humidity or prolonged standing. To manage cracked heels, it is essential to maintain proper foot hygiene, regular moisturizing, and use exfoliating treatments to remove dead skin. Use of Natural Remedies is also considered very effective to treat cracked heels. Here we have a list of Natural Remedies to cure cracked heels at home.
10 Natural Ways to Cure Cracked Heels
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a highly effective natural remedy for cracked heels, known for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties. Aloe vera gel is a natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate and soften dry, cracked skin, making it more supple and elastic. The gel contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote skin repair and accelerate the healing process of fissures and cracks.
If you have an aloe vera plant, cut a leaf from the plant, split it open, and scoop out the fresh gel. Alternatively, you can use store-bought pure aloe vera gel. Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Spread a generous amount of aloe vera gel directly onto your cracked heels, making sure to cover all the affected areas thoroughly. Allow the aloe vera gel to remain on your heels for about 20-30 minutes. You can also leave it on overnight for deeper hydration, especially if you wear cotton socks to keep the gel from rubbing off. After the application, rinse your feet with lukewarm water and pat them dry. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the benefits. For optimal results, use aloe vera on your heels daily or as needed until you see improvement.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for cracked heels due to its rich moisturizing and healing properties. Coconut oil is an excellent emollient that penetrates deeply into the skin, providing hydration and preventing moisture loss. This helps in softening and smoothing rough, cracked heels.The fatty acids and antioxidants in coconut oil support skin repair and regeneration, aiding in the healing of fissures and dry patches.
Start by washing your feet with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt and debris. Pat them dry thoroughly. Take a small amount of virgin coconut oil and massage it into your cracked heels. Make sure to cover all the affected areas. For best results, apply the coconut oil before bed and leave it on overnight. This allows the oil to deeply penetrate and work its magic while you sleep. To prevent the oil from rubbing off and to enhance its absorption, wear a pair of cotton socks after applying the coconut oil. This also helps keep your bed sheets clean.
For effective results, use coconut oil daily or as often as needed until your heels are noticeably softer and smoother.
3. Honey
Honey is an effective natural remedy for cracked heels due to its moisturizing, antibacterial, and healing properties. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture in the skin. This helps keep the heels hydrated and prevents further dryness. The enzymes and antioxidants in honey support skin repair and regeneration, aiding in the healing of cracks and fissures.
Start by soaking your feet in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes to soften the skin. Pat your feet dry with a clean towel. Apply a generous amount of raw or organic honey directly to the cracked areas of your heels. Make sure to cover the cracks thoroughly. For better absorption, wrap your feet in plastic wrap or cover them with cotton socks. This helps keep the honey in place and allows it to penetrate the skin more effectively. Let the honey sit on your heels for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. If you’re using the honey overnight, wearing socks can help keep the honey from rubbing off and keep your bed sheet clean. After the treatment, rinse your feet with lukewarm water and pat them dry. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the benefits.
For best results, apply honey to your cracked heels 2-3 times a week or as needed until you see improvement.
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a highly beneficial natural remedy for cracked heels, renowned for its rich, emollient properties. It provides deep hydration and nourishment to the skin, making it ideal for treating dry, cracked heels. Shea butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturize and soften dry, rough skin, helping to alleviate the dryness that often leads to cracks. It contains vitamins A and E, which promote skin repair and regeneration, helping to heal and smooth out cracked heels. It forms a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture and shields the heels from further damage.
Start by washing your feet with warm water and mild soap to clean them. Dry them thoroughly with a towel. Take a small amount of pure shea butter and warm it between your hands to soften it. Massage the shea butter into your cracked heels, ensuring it is well absorbed into the skin. For best results, apply shea butter before bed and wear cotton socks overnight. This helps keep the shea butter in place and allows it to deeply penetrate and work its healing magic while you sleep. In the morning, you can rinse your feet with warm water if desired. Follow up with a light moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the shea butter. For optimal results, use shea butter on your heels daily or as needed. Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining smooth, healthy heels.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a natural and effective remedy for cracked heels due to its rich moisturizing, nourishing, and healing properties. Olive oil is an excellent emollient that penetrates deeply into the skin, providing essential hydration and preventing further dryness. It contains antioxidants, including vitamin E, which help repair damaged skin and promote healing of cracks and fissures.It forms a protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and helps shield the heels from further damage.
Start by washing your feet with warm water and a mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Take a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and warm it slightly if you prefer. Gently massage the oil into your cracked heels, ensuring it is absorbed well into the skin. For best results, apply olive oil before bed and leave it on overnight. Wearing cotton socks can help keep the oil from rubbing off and enhance absorption. In the morning, you can rinse your feet with lukewarm water if desired. Follow up with a light moisturizer to lock in the benefits.For optimal results, apply olive oil to your heels daily or as needed until you see improvement.
6. Banana
Bananas are a surprisingly effective natural remedy for cracked heels due to their rich content of vitamins and minerals that nourish and heal the skin. Bananas are high in natural moisture, which can help hydrate and soften dry, cracked skin. Bananas have mild exfoliating properties that can help remove dead skin cells, making it easier for the skin to absorb moisture.
To apply banana to your cracked heels, First wash your feet with warm water and mild soap to clean them. Pat them dry thoroughly with a towel.Take a ripe banana and mash it into a smooth paste. You can use a fork or blender to ensure it’s well-mashed. Spread the banana paste generously over your cracked heels, covering all affected areas. Let the banana paste sit on your heels for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the nutrients to penetrate and moisturize the skin. After the treatment, rinse your feet with lukewarm water and pat them dry. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the benefits. For best results, apply the banana treatment 2-3 times a week or as needed until you see improvement.
7. Avocado
Avocados are great for skincare, including treating cracked heels. They’re rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants that can help nourish and hydrate the skin.
Mash a ripe avocado and apply it directly to your heels. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. The healthy fats and vitamins in avocado can help to soften and moisturize the skin. Consistency is key for treating cracked heels, so incorporating this treatment into your regular skincare routine can help improve the condition of your heels over time.
Alternatively, mash half a ripe avocado in a bowl until smooth. Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of honey until well combined. Clean and dry your feet thoroughly before applying the mask. Apply the avocado and honey mixture generously to your cracked heels and any other dry areas. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes. For best results, you can cover your feet with socks to help the mask stay in place and to enhance absorption. Rinse your feet with warm water and pat them dry with a clean towel. After rinsing off the mask, apply a good foot cream or moisturizer to seal in the hydration. For best results, use this treatment 2-3 times a week.
8. Cucumber
Cucumber is another excellent natural remedy for cracked heels due to its hydrating and soothing properties. It’s packed with water, vitamins (like vitamin C), and minerals that can help soothe and moisturize the skin. Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, which helps to hydrate the skin. Nutrients in cucumbers can support skin health and repair.
Slice a fresh cucumber into thick slices. Take 2 cucumber slices and massage cracked heels for 2-3 minutes. Put fresh cucumber slices on cracked heels and leave them on for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the slices and rinse your feet with lukewarm water, then pat dry. Follow up with a moisturizer.
Alternatively, blend one cucumber with a tablespoon of aloe vera gel (aloe vera also has hydrating and healing properties). Apply the mixture to your cracked heels and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Finally apply a good moisturizer to seal in the hydration. Use these Cucumber treatments 2-3 times a week for noticeable results.
9. Milk
Milk is a classic remedy for cracked heels due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. It contains lactic acid, which helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while its fat content provides hydration. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother skin. The fat and proteins in milk help to moisturize and soften the skin.
To Use Milk for cracked heels, warm up 1-2 cups of milk (make sure it's not too hot to avoid burns)Pour it into a basin large enough to fit your feet. Soak your feet in the warm milk for 15-20 minutes. After soaking, gently scrub your heels with a pumice stone or foot brush to remove dead skin. Rinse your feet with warm water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Alternatively, Mix 2 tablespoons of milk with 1 tablespoon of oatmeal to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to your cracked heels and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and gently exfoliate with a foot brush if necessary. Pat your feet dry and apply a moisturizer.
Apply these milk treatments 2-3 times a week for best results.
10. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil can be a great option for treating cracked heels! Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing and healing properties, which can help soothe and repair dry, cracked skin.
Start with clean, dry feet. Wash them with warm water and mild soap, then pat them dry with a towel. If your heels are very rough, you might want to exfoliate them first to remove dead skin cells. You can use a pumice stone or a foot scrub. Gently massage vitamin E oil into your cracked heels. You can use pure vitamin E oil or a product that contains it. Be sure to cover the entire area, focusing on the cracks. For best results, put on a pair of cotton socks after applying the oil. This helps to lock in moisture and allows the oil to penetrate more deeply.
Consistency is key. Apply the oil once or twice a day, especially before bedtime, to see the best results.
Important Tips:
- (i) To stay Hydrated, try to drink 8-12 glasses of water on a daily basis.
- (ii) Regularly clean and moisturize your cracked heels.
- (iii) Exfoliation or Scrubbing at least once per week is also essential to remove dead skin cells.
- (iv) If you don't get cure after following above remedies, consult your problem with a dermatologist.
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