What Causes Dry and Cracked Heels?
The skin on the heels tends to become drier because there are no oil glands present there. This dryness can lead to cracking. Lack of hydration, overexposure to pollution, and medical conditions such as eczema, diabetes, thyroid issues, and psoriasis can contribute to cracked heels.
Remedies to Get Rid of Cracked Heels
1. Salt, Glycerin, and Rose Water
Rose water contains antioxidants that prevent cell damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe dry and irritated skin. Glycerin is an effective humectant that helps the skin retain its natural moisture levels. These properties can help hydrate cracked heels.
You will need:
1 tablespoon of salt
2 tablespoons of glycerin
2 tablespoons of rose water
Warm water
Pumice stone
What to do:
Add the salt, one tablespoon of glycerin, and two tablespoons of rose water to a basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this mixture for about 15-20 minutes.
Gently scrub your heels and the sides of your feet with a pumice stone.
Alternatively:
Mix one tablespoon of glycerin and one tablespoon of rose water and apply it to the cracked heels. Since this will be a sticky mixture, you can wear a pair of socks and leave it on overnight.
Rinse with warm water in the morning.
How often?
Repeat this for a few days.
2. Vegetable Oil
Studies show that vegetable oils have emollient properties, along with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. They act as nutrients for healthy skin. These powerful qualities of vegetable oils can help treat cracked heels.
You will need:
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (olive, sesame, coconut, etc.)
What to do:
Wash your feet and dry them with a clean towel. Apply a layer of vegetable oil to the affected area.
Wear a pair of thick socks and leave them on overnight.
Wash your feet in the morning.
How often?
Do this daily before bedtime.
3. Bananas and Avocado
Avocado contains vitamins A, E, and omega fatty acids, along with other nutrients that promote wound healing. Banana acts as a moisturizing cream. These properties can help treat cracked heels.
You will need:
1 ripe banana
1/2 avocado
What to do:
Mash the ripe banana and half an avocado together.
Apply this thick and creamy paste over the heels.
Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse your feet with warm water.
How often?
Do this daily.
4. Vaseline
Vaseline helps restore moisture to dry and cracked heels. It reduces water loss from the outer skin. This keeps the skin soft and hydrated. Wearing socks helps retain heat and enhances the effectiveness of Vaseline.
You will need:
1 tablespoon of Vaseline
Moisturizer
Pumice stone
Warm water
What to do:
Soak your feet in warm water for about 15-20 minutes.
Use the pumice stone to scrub the hard or dry skin. Dry your feet.
Apply moisturizer to the affected area.
Apply Vaseline over it to lock in moisture.
Wear a pair of socks overnight and wash your feet in the morning.
How often?
Do this regularly before going to bed.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that help remove dead skin cells and soften the skin.
You will need:
1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder
4-5 drops of olive oil
What to do:
Mix the oatmeal powder and olive oil to make a thick paste.
Apply this paste to your feet, especially over the heels. Leave it on for about half an hour.
Rinse with cold water and dry.
How often?
Do this every other day.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a commonly used exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells and soothes the skin.
You will need:
3 tablespoons of baking soda
Warm water
Pumice stone
What to do:
Fill two-thirds of a basin with warm water and add the baking soda. Mix well until the baking soda dissolves in the water.
Soak your feet in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
After soaking, gently scrub with the pumice stone.
Rinse with clean water.
How often?
Do this twice a week.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
The mild acids present in apple cider vinegar act as chemical exfoliants. They help soften dry and dead skin.
You will need:
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
Warm water
What to do:
Fill a basin with enough water to soak your feet—about three to four cups.
Add the apple cider vinegar and mix well.
Soak your feet in the water for about 15 minutes and scrub them to remove dead skin.
How often?
Repeat this every other day.
8. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt softens the skin and soothes tired feet. It also improves the skin’s barrier function, reduces inflammation, and keeps the skin hydrated.
You will need:
1/2 cup of Epsom salt
Warm water
What to do:
Fill a basin with water and mix in the Epsom salt.
Soak your cracked heels in this for 15 minutes. Scrub to remove dead skin.
How often?
Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera soothes dry and dead skin. It heals cracks by increasing collagen synthesis. The amino acids present help soften the skin.
You will need:
Aloe vera gel
Warm water
A pair of socks
What to do:
Soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes.
Dry them and apply aloe vera gel.
Wear socks and leave the gel on your feet overnight.
How often?
Repeat this every night for 4-5 days.
10. Honey
Honey is a natural antiseptic that helps heal cracked feet, and its soothing properties help revitalize the skin.
You will need:
1 cup of honey
Warm water
What to do:
Mix one cup of honey in half a basin of warm water.
Soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes in the honey-water mixture.
Rinse gently.
How often?
Do this regularly for soft and supple feet.
