One of the most common problems all around the world are cracked heels. This is a nightmare for many women. Cracked heels can range in severity from a cosmetic issue to a painful problem. The skin is dry and thickened, and in addition to this, the problem can be accompanied by symptoms like peeling skin, inflammation, itching, and redness. You should take proper precautions right away because it can prevent the crack to get deeper and cause pain and bleeding. There are many causes of cracked heels such as wearing the wrong types of shoes, prolonged standing on hard floors, aging, an unhealthy diet, improper foot care, lack of moisture, and dry air. Also, you should look into some conditions what causes cracked heels such as thyroid disease, diabetes, corn and calluses, psoriasis, and eczema. Every single person can get cracked heels, but there are some factors which can increase the risk such as systemic conditions (diabetes and hypothyroidism), palmoplantar keratoderma, psoriasis (especially palmoplantar psoriasis), juvenile plantar dermatosis, atopic dermatitis, and dry skin. Also, there are some home remedies which can help for your cracked heels, and you can try them to resolve your problem.
12 home remedies on how to prevent cracked heels
Contents
Paraffin wax
A paraffin wax treatment can help you to get quick relief if the condition of your cracked heels is really bad and it is causing a lot of pain. This natural cure is working as a natural emollient to soften your skin. You should melt one block of paraffin wax in a double boiler and then mix in 2 tablespoons of mustard oil or coconut oil. You should allow it to cool until a thin layer forms on the top. You should dip your feet in this mixture, wait for five to ten seconds and then dip again. You should do this natural treatment a few times per day or until you have several layers of wax built up. You should cover your feet with a plastic and let it stay there for thirty minutes before you remove the plastic and peel off the wax from your skin. You should repeat this natural treatment once or twice a week. You should not dip your feet in the paraffin wax when it is hot. Also, if you have poor circulation or you are a diabetic patient, then you should not use this home remedy.
Rosewater and glycerin
This is a very effective combination for the treatment of severely cracked heels. Rose water adds antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, as well as vitamins such as Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin A [1]. Glycerin can soften the skin, and this is a reason why it is often used in cosmetics [2]. You should mix equal amounts of rose water and glycerin thoroughly and rub it on your heels and feet on a daily basis before you go to bed at night.
Lemons
It is a known fact that lemons have acidic properties, which can be very effective in softening the rough skin, which leads to cracking. You should soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes in warm water, and lemon juice added to the water. You should avoid using very hot water because this can cause your feet to dry out more. You should scrub your cracked heels using a pumice stone. You should wash your feet and then pat dry using a towel.
Indian lilac
Indian lilac is also known as neem or margosa leaves. It is a very effective home remedy for severe cracked heels, especially when they become infected and itchy. It has fungicidal properties, which can help to soothe dry and irritated skin, and it will fight against infection [3]. You should crush a handful of Indian lilac leaves to make a fine paste and then add 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder in it. You should mix them well. You should apply this paste on your cracked heels and let it stay there for 30 minutes. You should wash your feet using warm water and dry them with a clean cloth.
Rice flour
When you are exfoliating the skin on your heels and feet, then it can prevent cracking and dryness, and it can help to remove dead skin. One of the best homemade exfoliating scrubs is rice flour. You should mix a few teaspoons of honey and apple cider vinegar with a handful of ground rice. You should stir it until it becomes a thick paste. If the cracking on your heels is extremely bad, then you should add a tablespoon of sweet almond oil or olive oil. You should soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes, and then you should gently scrub them with the rice flour paste. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per week until you are satisfied with your results.
Vegetable oil
You can use a variety of vegetable oils to treat and prevent cracked heels. You can use coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or any other hydrogenated vegetable oil as your natural treatment for cracked heels. You should use this home remedy before you go to bed because it will allow ample time for the oil to fully penetrate your skin. You should first soak your feet in soapy water and then scrub your feet with a pumice stone. You should wash your feet and then dry them thoroughly. You can apply any vegetable oil liberally on your soles and heels. You should put on a pair of clean socks and let them stay on your feet while you are sleeping. In the morning, you will notice that your heels will be softer. You should repeat this natural treatment for a few days until the cracks in your heels are completely gone.
Bananas
One of the cheapest home remedies for cracked heels are ripe bananas. They have moisturizing properties which can help to treat cracked heels [4]. You should mash one ripe banana into a smooth paste. You should clean your feet thoroughly and then apply the banana paste on your heels. You should let it stay there for ten to fifteen minutes so your skin can absorb the natural nourishment. You should wash your feet gently using some warm water and then soak them in cold water for five to ten minutes. You should do this natural treatment on a daily basis for a period of a few weeks because it can help to restore soft and smooth heels.
Epsom salt
It is very important to take extra care for keeping your heels well moisturized when you have cracked heels. You can use this natural treatment with sea salt or Epsom salt foot soak. Also, it can help to improve circulation. You should mix ½ cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water. You should soak your feet in this home remedy for ten minutes. You need to scrub your feet using a pumice stone and then again soak in the foot soak for ten minutes. You should pat dry your feet and then apply some petroleum jelly or foot cream to lock in moisture. If you want to have the best results, then you should put on a pair of socks to prevent the added moisture from evaporating. [5]
Petroleum jelly
This home remedy can be used on dry and rough skin to prevent cracked heels, and this will leave your feet well moisturized and soft [6]. You need to scrub the hard dead skin around your feet after soaking them in warm water. Then, apply petroleum jelly over the entire heel area. Also, you can mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in the petroleum jelly and then apply it. You should cover your feet with soak so the petroleum jelly will soak into your skin. You should do this natural treatment on a daily basis before you go to bed because it can help you to have the best results.
Honey
This natural cure has antibacterial and moisturizing properties which are making it one of the best home remedies for cracked and dry heels [7]. You should stir one cup of honey in a foot tub filled with warm water. You should soak your feet in the water for fifteen to twenty minutes. You should scrub your feet gently. You should do this natural treatment on a daily basis or several times a week until you see improvements in your condition.
Olive oil
Olive oil has nourishing properties which can make your skin supple and soft. This is one of the most natural ways to get healthy, soft, and smooth heels. You should apply one tablespoon of olive oil with the help of a cotton ball, and you should gently massage your feet in a circular motion for ten to fifteen minutes. You should wear a pair of thick cotton socks and then wash your feet after one hour. You can repeat this natural treatment on a daily basis.
Vitamin E oil
You should make a hole in about 3 – 4 capsules and then remove the oil present inside. You should apply this oil to the affected area and massage it for a minute. You should reapply Vitamin E oil 2 or 3 times a day.
References:
[1] Boskabady MH, Shafei MN, Saberi Z, Amini S. Pharmacological effects of Rosa damascena. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2011;14(4):295-307.
[2] Loden M, Andersson AC, Anderson C, et al. A double-blind study comparing the effect of glycerin and urea on dry, eczematous skin in atopic patients. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2002;82(1):45-7.
[3] Shrivastava DK, Swarnkar K. Antifungal activity of leaf extract of neem (Azadirachta Indica Linn). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2014;3(5):305-308.
[4] Sampath Kumar KP, Bhowmik D, Duraivel S, Umadevi M. Traditional and medicinal uses of banana. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2012;1(3):51-63.
[5] Proksch E, Nissen H-P, Bremgartner M, Urquhart C. Bathing in a magnesium‐rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. International Journal of Dermatology. 2005;44(2):151-157.
[6] Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2016;61(3):279-287.
[7] Ediriweera ERHSS, Premarathna NYS. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review. An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda. 2012;33(2):178-182.
