6 Remedies For Cracked Heels
It is important that you do something about cracked heels, as inadequate treatment can lead to infections. If you have severe symptoms such as bleeding and pain, it is best to see a doctor.
If you want to do something about cracked heels, there are several precautionary measures you should take. The skin of the feet is sensitive and tends to dry out due to different shoe shapes and contact with different surfaces. According to a report from the National Foot Health Assessment , 20% of American adults have cracked skin on their feet.
While this is usually not a serious problem, in many cases they still cause pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms that can prevent you from doing some daily tasks. In addition, without proper care, these cracks can start bleeding or develop an infection. What can you do about cracked heels ?
The most severe cases should be treated by a doctor, as antibiotics and other medications may be required. However, if your heels are easily cracked, some home remedies can help. In today’s article we will introduce you to various options.
Home remedies for cracked heels
Dry and cracked heels can be treated at home with some basic grooming first. However, if neglected, the complications it creates will likely require treatment by a podiatrist. According to the Mayo Clinic , the first measure of treatment is to moisturize your heels at least twice a day.
For this purpose, she recommends using thick moisturizers or creams with skin emollients like urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid, which also help remove dead skin. A warm foot bath and subsequent care with oil-based creams and petroleum jelly can also be helpful.
In addition, there are a number of alternative remedies in folk medicine that could help alleviate this condition. While their effects are not backed by scientific evidence, there is some evidence that they may be effective against cracked heels.
1. Foot bath with pumice stone against cracked heels
The American Association of the Academy of Dermatology recommends using a pumice stone to remove excess dead skin that makes up the calluses on the skin of the feet. Ideally, you can use a pumice stone after soaking your feet in water for a few minutes.
Preparation and use
- Heat enough water an hour before going to bed.
- When it’s done, you pour it into a basin and soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Then rub your feet with the pumice stone, especially in the heel area. However, be careful where there are cracks, as you could damage the skin if you rub too hard.
- Then bathe your feet in water again to remove any dead skin.
- Dry well and finish with moisturizing cream.
- Repeat 2 or 3 times a week.
2. Natural peeling with oats for cracked heels
Studies haven’t proven that oatmeal is effective against cracked heels. Still, there is evidence of the benefits they can offer your skin. A review published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology shows that this ingredient has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin.
Hence, using oatmeal in a natural scrub can help improve the appearance of cracked heels. With regular use, excess dead cells are reduced and the skin remains smooth.
ingredients
- ½ cup oatmeal (100 g)
- 4 tablespoons of jojoba oil (80 ml)
Preparation and use
- Pour the oatmeal with a little jojoba oil into a suitable container and mix both together until a paste is formed.
- Spread the paste on your feet and massage it in for a few minutes.
- Leave the paste on for about 10 minutes and then remove it with warm water.
- You can store the leftover paste in a plastic or glass jar to use when you need it.
3. Lemon and glycerine for cracked heels
Direct application of lemon to skin is not recommended as it can be irritating to sensitive skin. In this case, however, it is combined with glycerin, rose water, and coarse salt to create an exfoliator that will help reduce dry and cracked heels.
ingredients
- Hot water
- Coarse salt
- ½ glass of rose water (100 ml)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (62 ml)
- ½ glass of glycerine (100 ml)
Preparation and use
- Heat the water and pour it into a large bowl.
- Add the coarse salt, lemon juice, and glycerin.
- Mix the ingredients a little so that they dissolve. Then you soak your feet in the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Then you can remove the dry skin with the pumice stone.
- In another separate container, mix the same ingredients, but without hot water. Instead, add the rose water.
- Mix into a paste and apply to the still hard areas on the heels.
- When you’re done, put on socks and let the paste sit for an hour or two.
- Then you wash your feet. Repeat the process for at least 5 days.
4. Banana and avocado cream for cracked heels
Both the banana and the avocado are used in natural cosmetics for their moisturizing properties. The avocado in particular contains fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants, and other nutrients that appear to be useful for cracked heels.
ingredients
- 1 or 2 bananas
- ½ medium avocado
Preparation and use
- Mix the ingredients together until you get a homogeneous mass.
- Apply to feet and heels.
- Leave on for 30 to 40 minutes and then remove the cream with plenty of water.
- Repeat the application at least three times a week.
5. Papaya cream
Another and much appreciated natural ingredient in cosmetics is papaya. While there isn’t enough evidence of its effects on the skin, it is generally considered safe. The contained antioxidants and the water provide your feet with sufficient moisture.
ingredients
- papaya
Preparation and use
- Mix the papaya to a puree.
- Then apply this to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes. Then wash off well.
- Use at least 3 times a week.
6. Night treatment with oils
Vegetable oils like coconut or almond oils can help repair the skin’s barrier, as shown in the study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences . Because of this, it is believed that they can help get rid of cracked heels.
ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil (100 g)
- ½ cup of almond oil (100 g)
manual
- Mix both oils and apply them all over your foot.
- Massage your feet gently for about 7 minutes.
- Put on socks and let it sit overnight.
- Wash off well the next morning.
- Repeat this treatment for 6 days or until your heel feels smoother and without cracks.
Natural Treatments For Cracked Heels: Final Thoughts
In most cases, cracked heels can be removed with basic care and the means mentioned. W but hen the problem persists or if the risk of infection is present, it is better to consult a doctor or podiatrist.
