9. Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Cracked feet or fissures of the feet are a sign of lack of proper foot care. The skin on our feet is usually dry as there are no oil glands in the skin of the feet. Over exposure, lack of moisturizing and some medical conditions can cause dry feet and cracked feet. Some of the causes of cracked heels are dry air, lack of moisture, improper foot care, an unhealthy diet, aging, prolonged standing on hard floors and wearing the wrong types of shoes. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis,

corns and calluses, diabetes and thyroid disease may also contribute to the problem.

Cracked feet look unattractive and, in some cases can lead to infection and extreme pain. The problem can be taken care of with some simple home remedies.

9. Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

1. Glycerin

Due to its moisturizing and humectant properties, glycerin works as a great remedy to get rid of cracked feet. Make a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and lemon juice. You can also add some rose water. Apply it on your feet. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with water. Follow this remedy daily for about two weeks.

2. Vegetable Oil

A variety of vegetable oils can be used to treat and prevent cracked heels. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or any other hydrogenated vegetable oil will work. For best results, use this remedy before going to bed to allow ample time for the oil to fully penetrate your skin.

First soak your feet in soapy water and scrub your feet with a pumice stone. Wash your feet and then dry them thoroughly. Apply any vegetable oil liberally on your heels and soles. Put on a pair of clean socks and leave them on overnight while you sleep. In the morning, your heels will be noticeably softer. Repeat this for a few days until the cracks in your heels are gone completely.

3. Fruit Pack

If you notice moderate cracked feet symptoms in your feet, then you can get rid of the cracked feet by taking half a coconut, two ripe bananas and half an avocado and mixing them tighter to make a smooth paste. You can apply this on the cracked heels and feet. The natural oils, minerals and vitamins present in coconut and avocado will help in reducing the cracked feet. Regular use will help in totally eliminating cracked feet.

4. Paraffin Wax

If the condition of the cracks on your heels is really bad and causing a lot of pain, a paraffin wax treatment can provide quick relief. It works as a natural emollient to soften your skin.

Melt one block of paraffin wax in a double boiler and mix in two tablespoons of mustard oil or coconut oil. Allow it to cool until a thin layer forms on the top. Now, dip your feet in the mixture, wait for 5 to 10 seconds and dip again. Do this a few times or until you have several layers of wax built up. Cover your feet with a plastic and leave it on for 30 minutes before removing the plastic and peeling off the wax from your skin. Repeat the treatment one or two times a week.

Note: Make sure you do not dip your feet in the paraffin wax mixture when it is hot. Do not use this remedy if you are diabetic or have poor circulation.

5. Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice is not only the bleaching agent which is used for whitening skin. It can also be used for healing your cracked heels. Its acetic nature removes the dead skin cells excellently to help you get a new soft and smooth skin in place of your cracked skin at heels. There are many ways to use lemon for cracked heels.

Cut a lemon in two halves and take one half of it. Rub this lemon half on your feet while squeezing it so that the juice is transferred to your heels. Do this for five minutes. Now gently scrub your feet with a soft cloth or brush. Wash off with water. Take a lemon and squeeze out its juice into a feet soaking basin filled with warm water. Soak you feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Do it twice a week. Mix lemon juice with mashed papaya and apply this to your cracks on heels. Wash after 15-20 minutes.

6. Oatmeal

You can treat cracked feet with a homemade foot scrub made from oatmeal. It will help remove dead skin and also keep your feet moisturized. Mix one tablespoons of powdered oatmeal and some jojoba oil to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to your feet, with special attention to the heels and callused areas. Leave it on for about 30 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water and pat dry your feet. Do this every other day until your cracked feet are healed completely.

Another option is to mix one-quarter cup each of honey and olive oil and one-half cup of all-purpose flour in one cup of ground oatmeal. Soak your feet in warm water, exfoliate and then apply this paste. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizer or foot cream. Repeat a few times a week.

7. Rosewater And Glycerin

The combination of glycerin and rose water makes an effective home treatment for cracked heels. Glycerin softens the skin, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics. Rose water adds vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Just mix equal amounts of glycerin and rose water thoroughly and rub it on your heels and feet daily before going to bed at night.

8. Ripe Banana Feet 

Another home remedy that answers your question how to heal cracked feet is to prepare a good fruit pack. You can mash ripe bananas and make it a smooth paste. You can apply this paste to the areas where you notice cracks under your feet and leave it there for about 15 to 20 minutes or overnight. You can then wash it off. You can do it on a regular basis to heal cracked feet easily.

9. Vinegar

Vinegar can also be used to treat cracked feet as the acetic acid in vinegar helps soften the skin which in turn makes exfoliation easier. Vinegar foot soaks are also beneficial for tired feet.

Mix one-half to one cup of white or apple cider vinegar in two cups of water. Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes and then slough off the dead, dry skin with a pumice stone or foot scrubber. Then, wash your feet and pat dry thoroughly. Finally, apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly. Another option is to make a natural foot scrub. Mix a handful of coarse rice flour, a few tablespoons of raw honey and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste. You can also add one tablespoon of olive oil to it. Wash your feet well and then gently massage your feet with this paste for a few minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat once or twice a week.