The Best Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

If you’re tired of dealing with dry, cracked heels, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from this uncomfortable condition, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, dehydration, and wearing uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes. Luckily, there are plenty of Home Remedies for Cracked Heels that can help you get back on your feet in no time.

Are you tired of reaching for over-the-counter medications for common ailments like headaches, sore throats, and upset stomachs? Look no further than your own pantry and garden for Natural Home Remedies!

These easy-to-find ingredients and plants have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Not only are they effective, but they are often gentler on the body and wallet than traditional medications.

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Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

Dry, cracked heels can make even the simplest tasks, such as walking, uncomfortable, and using your normal lotions and moisturizers may not effectively provide relief for rough skin. Using home remedies for severely dry skin is a simple, affordable option for lasting relief. A wide range of home remedies for cracked heels are available to soothe and heal, including these easy at-home treatment options.

callus on feet — Photo courtesy of Cushy Spa

Cracked, dry heels of the feet are a common foot problem. There are some people who just have dry heels or thick skin naturally; however, others may have that thick, dry heel skin because of standing a lot at work, be overweight – which would put extra pressure on the feet causing the foot to expand, aging, wearing shoes that don’t fit well, vitamin deficiency, climate or disease can contribute to dry cracked feet.

Soak and Exfoliate Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are often accompanied by a layer of thick, hard skin, often called a callus, that slows the healing process. To remove the callus and dead skin cells and speed healing, soak feet in lukewarm water with essential oil and a cup of epsom salt for about thirty minutes, and gently scrub your cracked heel with a pumice stone to remove the layer of dry skin.

If a pumice stone is too rough, try using a loofah foot scrubber to scrub the dry skin away. After exfoliating with a pumice stone or loofah, you should immediately dry and moisturize your feet. Petroleum jelly is an excellent option that protects and moisturizes dry, cracked skin.

Put a layer of the petroleum jelly on each heel and put socks on to keep the moisturizer in place. Wear the socks overnight, or for as long as possible, to promote healing. If you prefer a more natural home remedy for cracked heels, you may find relief in your kitchen.

Foot Soaks that Help Feet

Foot soaks are a delightful way to pamper your feet while providing essential relief and hydration. Adding ingredients like Epsom salt or essential oils can enhance the soothing effects, helping to alleviate tiredness, reduce swelling, and leave your feet feeling rejuvenated and refreshed!

Salicylic Acid Helps Cracked Heels

Salicylic acid is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to treating cracked heels! This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) works wonders by gently exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin, allowing healthy skin cells to surface. By softening and breaking down the thickened skin on the heels, it helps to reduce the rough texture that often contributes to cracking.

Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe irritation and promote healing. When used consistently, it not only helps to repair existing cracks but also prevents new ones from forming, leaving you with soft, smooth heels that you’ll love to show off!

To effectively use it for cracked heels, start by soaking your feet in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften the skin. Once they are nicely soaked, gently pat them dry and apply a salicylic acid gel or cream directly to the cracked areas.

Allow it to penetrate the skin for a few minutes before following up with a thick moisturizer or heel balm to lock in hydration. For best results, consider doing this in the evening, giving your feet ample time to recover overnight.

Natural Home Remedies

Natural home remedies are a fantastic way to tap into the healing power of nature, providing effective solutions for common ailments while often being gentler on your body and budget. Whether it’s utilizing herbs, spices, or everyday kitchen staples, these remedies offer an exciting and accessible approach to wellness that everyone can enjoy!

Did You Know Fruit Helps Heal?

Fruit packs are a simple option to treat cracked heels. To make a banana fruit pack, mash ripe bananas thoroughly, and spread the mashed fruit over your heels, and put socks on to keep the fruit pack in place. Leave the banana on your feet for at least 20 minutes and apply a moisturizer after washing the fruit pack off of your feet.

You can also leave the banana on overnight if you want to promote faster healing.

Other ways to use natural ingredients to heal cracked heels and increase skin oil production includes the following:

Rub some avocado oil onto your heels and put a pair of socks on your feet overnight. Avocado is a natural moisturizer and a natural humectant for dry feet.
Mix equal amounts of olive oil and oatmeal to make a thick paste which soothes irritation. The oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties and olive oil has antimicrobial properties.
Spread a thin layer of honey on each heel for an antimicrobial, antioxidant-rich home remedy that naturally speeds healing.

Massage your heels with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to moisturize skin and help prevent both bacterial and fungal infections. You can leave most food-based home remedies on your feet overnight for faster symptom relief, but you may want to protect your bed and blankets with an extra sheet in case you lose your socks while you sleep. Your kitchen is full of home remedies for cracked heels, but other at-home treatments are available if you prefer a more traditional approach to healing.

Paraffin Wax Heals Cracked Skin

This is also a simple treatment option. Melt the paraffin wax with an equal amount of coconut oil, then apply the mixture to each heel to form a protective layer over the cracked areas. Wear socks and leave the mixture on overnight for a super-moisturizing home remedy that can provide dry skin relief in just one treatment.

Castor Oil for Heels of Your Feet

Castor oil is a wonderful natural remedy for cracked heels, and its benefits are truly impressive! This thick, nourishing oil is rich in fatty acids, which penetrate deeply into the skin, providing intense hydration. By creating a protective barrier, castor oil helps to lock in moisture and prevent further dryness, which is key for healing those stubborn cracks.

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe any irritation and redness around the heels. To use castor oil effectively, simply apply a generous amount to your cracked heels before bed, massaging it in with a gentle touch. For an extra boost, you can wear cotton socks overnight to help the oil absorb better! With regular use, you’ll notice softer, smoother heels that feel revitalized and ready to take on the day!

Preventing Dry Skin on Your Feet

You can take steps to prevent the dry skin that causes cracked heels. Some simple preventative methods include wearing shoes that cover your heel and drinking plenty of water to keep your skin well-hydrated. To prevent stripping your skin of naturally protective oils, use warm, rather than hot, water for showers and baths.

home remedies for cracked heels walking on dirt

For best results, soak, exfoliate and moisturize your feet often as preventing moisture loss is the most effective way to prevent cracked heels. Add Epsom salt to warm water for a healing foot soak that encourages good circulation in your feet, or add apple cider vinegar to your foot soak to prevent infections if you currently have cracked heels.

Here are some more effective home remedies for cracked feet and heels:

Rub Vaseline or a good moisturizer on your feet before you go to bed and wear cotton socks over them. Your feet will feel much softer in the morning when you wake up.
Moisturize your feet with a moisturizing cream while they are still wet. Make sure you avoid harsh soaps, and s soon as you step out of the shower or tub, rub your lotion on before you dry off. This can help retain the natural moisture in your feet.
Use a foot cream that contains Vitamin E or aloe vera gel. These ingredients are known to help soothe the skin and are also helpful in replenishing the missing vitamins that can cause dry, cracked skin.
Avoid wearing wool socks. Wearing socks made from wool can suck out the natural moisturizers in your skin and make your feet feel dryer than before.
Do not wear shoes without socks if you already have dry, cracked heels. This only increases the discomfort and can cause the skin to crack more.
If your feet are prone to sweating a lot while in your shoes, try some medicated powder on them to soak up some of the moisture.

If you are one of the many who suffer from dry, cracked feet use some of the options above, or all of them if you’d like. Pick what works best for you and pretty soon your feet will start to feel softer and in most cases feel better. Every remedy will not work for every person, but every person can benefit from at least one of the remedies.

Taking care of your feet should be a top priority in your hygiene plan. Your feet take you every place you need to go and without good foot care techniques in your everyday care, your feet might just let you down one day. They are worth taking care of.

Home remedies for cracked heels can provide lasting relief using natural products and ingredients, offering you a simpler, safer approach to healing.