Cracked heels are very common problem in these days by almost everyone and it can range in severity from cosmetic issue to painful problem. Cracked heels occur as a result of neglect and lack of moisturizing to heels and these heels develop deep cuts which cause pain. Dry air, lack of moisture, improper foot care, unhygienic conditions, age, an unhealthy diet like deficiency in zinc and omega – 3 fatty acid and wearing wrong type of shoes are most common causes of cracked heels. Feet expand sideways due to excessive pressure and form the crack. Red or flaky patches, peeling and cracked skin, itchy skin, bleeding or discharge from cracks are some of the symptoms you can experience when you’re suffering from cracked heels.
In this article, you came to know several effective home remedies and tips that helps to heal the cracked heals very effectively. Follow these now regularly and also occasionally after healing will helps to prevent the cracked heels in future also and finally leaves your feet soft and smooth.
Home Remedies For Cracked Heels
7 Home Remedies For Cracked Heels:
Feet Oil Massage
This is again a very good and easy home remedy for cracked heels and even for dry feet that get cracked very easily. Massage cracked heels with one of these oils- sesame oil, coconut oil or any other hydrogenated vegetable oil before going to bed. Wear a pair of socks (better if old because you might not be able to use them afterwards) and go to bed. Follow this schedule for 3-5 days or as per your requirement- till you heal your cracked heels.
Exfoliating Scrub
To reduce the severity and pain of cracked heels, try removing the surrounding calluses with an exfoliating foot scrub made by mixing five parts ground rice or coarse rice flour with one part honey and one/two parts apple cider vinegar. Add almond or olive oil until the consistency of your scrub is that of a thick paste. Apply to calluses after a bath or shower. Alternately, you can soak feet in warm water fortified with a half cup of apple cider vinegar for ten minutes, then use a foot scrub or pumice stone for a similar effect.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is another product that has amazing softening and moisturizing properties. Apply a generous amount of this oil to a cotton ball and then apply to the hardest skin on your feet. In just a little bit of time, the skin will soften to create very nice heels. Warning: if your skin is cracked to the point of creating open skin, do not apply this oil. Also, do not use this oil if you are pregnant.
Lemon and Olive Oil
Alpha-hydroxy citric acid in lemon juice can be used to break the molecular bonds between dead skin and the live cells underneath. To remove calluses and reduce the severity of cracks in heels, rub the fleshy inside of a fresh lemon rind on damaged areas or create a foot moisturizer with lemon juice and olive oil to use in the evenings before bed. Do this daily for at least ten minutes or allow lemon and oil to soak in overnight. Wear a pair of wool socks to seal in moisturizers while sleeping.
Oatmeal Pack
Oatmeal is quite popular home remedy for the skin exfoliation, which ultimately results in nourishment. You can also use the oatmeal foot mask, which can help you heal the cracked feet. All you need to do is to make a thick paste by mixing one tablespoon of powdered oatmeal into jojoba or olive oil. You can now apply this mixture on the cracked heels and let it be for half an hour before you wash it. If you apply this mixture on regular basis, it will remove the dead cells of your feet’s skin and will always keep it smooth.
Feet Oil Massage
Honey
Pour one cup of honey into a bowl with warm water. Stir well. Then dip your feet in the mixture, and let set for one hour. Then remove your feet and use a pumice stone to scrape the cracked area of your heel. Then dry, and you will see how it has lessened the hardened skin.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is used in many different natural health remedies because of its high acidic levels. It can effectively soften your skin and help treat cracked heels. To some people the citrusy smell is quite pleasant and therapeutic as well.
There are two ways you can use lemon juice to treat cracked heels. Some people prefer to apply it directly to the skin with a cotton ball. Others mix the juice with warm water and soak their feet in the mixture for up to 15 minutes. Most of the remedies on this list require you to gently pat dry your feet. This is much better for dry skin since rubbing with a towel can irritate the area and be detrimental to your treatment.