- Dry Skin: This is the primary cause of cracked heels, especially during colder months when the skin tends to lose moisture.
- Standing for Long Periods: People who stand or walk for long hours may experience pressure on their feet, causing the skin to thicken and crack.
- Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t provide enough support or are too tight can lead to pressure and friction on the heels, leading to cracks.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts more pressure on the heels, causing the skin to crack.
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can contribute to dry, cracked heels.
Now that we know what causes cracked heels, let’s move on to some effective, step-by-step remedies to treat them and restore your feet to their smooth, soft condition.
Remedy 1: Soothing Foot Soak with Epsom Salt and Coconut Oil
A warm, soothing foot soak can hydrate and soften the skin, making it easier to treat cracked heels. Epsom salt, known for its exfoliating properties, combined with coconut oil, which is a natural moisturizer, can provide the perfect solution for healing cracked heels.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- Warm water (enough to soak your feet in)
Instructions:
Step 1: In a basin or tub, fill with enough warm water to fully submerge your feet.
Step 2: Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the warm water. Stir the water to dissolve the salt.
Step 3: Soak your feet in the Epsom salt solution for 15-20 minutes. The warm water will help open up the pores on your skin, and the Epsom salt will begin to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Step 4: After soaking, remove your feet and gently pat them dry with a towel. Apply 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to your heels and massage it in well. Coconut oil has natural moisturizing properties that help to heal and prevent dry, cracked skin.
Step 5: Put on a pair of socks and leave the coconut oil overnight. The oil will help lock in moisture, making your heels softer and more hydrated by the next morning.
Repeat this foot soak every 2-3 days for best results.
Remedy 2: Honey and Lemon Foot Scrub
Honey and lemon are both known for their natural healing properties. Honey is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, while lemon's natural acidity works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. If you have particularly dry heels, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mixture for extra moisture.
Step 2: Gently rub the honey and lemon mixture onto your cracked heels, focusing on the dry and cracked areas. Use circular motions to exfoliate the skin gently.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit on your heels for 15-20 minutes to allow the honey to hydrate and the lemon to exfoliate.
Step 4: Rinse your feet with warm water, then pat them dry. Follow up with a nourishing foot cream or coconut oil to lock in moisture.
You can repeat this scrub 2-3 times a week to gradually improve the condition of your cracked heels.
Remedy 3: Vaseline and Plastic Wrap Treatment
For particularly cracked and rough heels, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a powerful remedy that helps lock in moisture and soften dry skin. When combined with plastic wrap, the Vaseline stays in place, helping it to deeply penetrate the skin overnight.
Ingredients:
- Vaseline (petroleum jelly)
- Plastic wrap or socks
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash your feet thoroughly and dry them completely.
Step 2: Apply a generous amount of Vaseline to your cracked heels, making sure to cover the affected areas with a thick layer.
Step 3: Wrap your feet in plastic wrap or wear a pair of cotton socks to keep the Vaseline in place. The plastic wrap will create a sealing effect, helping the Vaseline to stay on your skin longer.
Step 4: Leave the Vaseline treatment on overnight, allowing it to deeply moisturize and soften the cracks in your heels.
Step 5: In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and wash your feet to remove any excess Vaseline. Your heels should feel much softer and smoother.
This treatment can be done 2-3 times a week, depending on the severity of the cracks. Over time, the skin on your heels will become more hydrated and soft.
Remedy 4: Aloe Vera and Olive Oil Foot Mask
Aloe vera is a well-known plant with soothing and healing properties. It helps calm irritated skin and provides hydration, while olive oil acts as a deep moisturizer. Together, they can be a great remedy for cracked heels.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel (or store-bought gel)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Scoop out 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel (or use a high-quality store-bought aloe vera gel).
Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the aloe vera gel and mix well to combine.
Step 3: Apply the aloe and olive oil mixture generously onto your cracked heels. Massage it into the skin for a few minutes, focusing on the dry, rough areas.
Step 4: Let the mixture sit on your heels for about 20-30 minutes to allow the skin to absorb the moisturizing properties.
Step 5: Rinse off with warm water and pat your feet dry with a towel. You can follow up with a foot cream or moisturizer for added hydration.
Repeat this treatment 2-3 times a week for best results.
Remedy 5: Exfoliating Foot Scrub with Baking Soda
Exfoliation is key to getting rid of cracked heels, and baking soda is a fantastic, natural exfoliant. It helps slough off dead skin cells and can also provide antibacterial benefits to prevent infection.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of water
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or coconut oil) and 1 teaspoon of water to form a paste.
Step 2: Apply the paste to your cracked heels and gently scrub in circular motions. The gritty texture of the baking soda will help exfoliate dead skin cells, while the oil will moisturize and soften the skin.
Step 3: Leave the scrub on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Step 4: After exfoliating, apply a thick layer of foot cream or coconut oil to seal in moisture.
You can do this exfoliating scrub 2-3 times a week to keep your heels soft and prevent the buildup of dead skin.
Additional Tips for Preventing Cracked Heels
- Moisturize Daily: Regularly apply a rich foot cream or oil to keep your feet hydrated.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Avoid wearing shoes that put excessive pressure on your heels, and choose supportive, cushioned footwear.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
- Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can dry out your skin, so opt for lukewarm water instead when showering.
Conclusion
Cracked heels can be a frustrating issue, but with the right treatments and regular care, you can restore your feet to smooth, soft perfection. The remedies outlined in this article, such as Epsom salt soaks, honey and lemon scrubs, and coconut oil treatments, provide effective solutions to get rid of cracked heels for good.
By following these step-by-step methods and incorporating regular foot care into your routine, you'll not only heal cracked heels but also prevent them from returning in the future. Start today and enjoy soft, smooth, and healthy feet all year round!
