Cracked heels are a sign of lack
of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of
moisturizing. Medically, cracked heels are also known as heel fissures.
Fissures are regular linear cut wounds and mostly affect the surface level
which comprises of the epidermis. Sometimes it may get deep into the dermis and
become painful. Excessive pressure on the feet pads make the feet want to
expand sideways. As the skin, surrounding the sides of the feet are dry they
crack and cause cracked heels. Appearances of dry cracked heels also indicate
zinc and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
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.
There are several home remedies
for cracked heels that you can try to resolve the problem.
Home
Remedies for Dry Cracked Heels
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.
(read more: Benefits of olive oil)
(read more: Benefits of olive oil)
Mentholated
Rub
This is another popular home
remedy for cracked heels because of the many essential oils that it contains.
It also helps heal toenail fungus. Apply some mentholated rub on clean, dry
feet before going to bed. Put on a pair of socks and leave it on overnight. The
next morning, remove your socks and wash your feet with warm water. Repeat
daily for a few days until the rough skin peels off.
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.
Avocado
Banana Mask
Take a ripe banana and half an
avocado, or the flesh of half a coconut (green coconut). Blend everything in a
blender together. Apply this thick creamy paste over your heels and feet. As
avocados and coconut are rich in several essential oils and vitamins and fats,
this paste will help treat cracked heels and keep them soft and moisturized.
(Read more: How to use Avocado for Flat tummy)
(Read more: How to use Avocado for Flat tummy)
Lemon
Juice
Soak the feet in lemon juice for
about 10minutes. Follow this therapy on a weekly basis until one finds a
change. Lemon juice is a very mild natural acid and helps to dissolve dead and
dry skin son that it can be easily removed. It is best to soak your feet in a
lemon juice solution and then lightly scrub it with a loofah or soft foot brush
to gently exfoliate the top layers of dead skin that cause dry cracked heels.
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.
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