15 natural ways to treat cracked heel

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures are a common problem, which if not treated properly may cause pain and discomfort. There are several factors that can cause this condition such as dry skin or medical problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism etc. However taking proper care of your feet will not only prevent the cracks from occurring but can also help eliminate already existing cracks. This article explains some easy home remedies that can help in healing cracked heels very effectively. Following these remedies regularly can help heal as well as prevent cracked heels and leave your feet soft and smooth.

Home remedies for cracked heels

There are numerous creams and lotions available in the market that claim to offer relief from cracked heels. However, there are also many natural remedies that you can easily make with ingredients found in the house. The advantage of these remedies is that they are inexpensive, safe and easy to apply. Here are a few effective and easy home remedies that can help treat cracked heels and make your feet look soft and beautiful:

Scrubbing

One of the most effective ways to soothe cracked heels is scrubbing your feet daily. This helps in removing the dead skin cells and in making your heels smooth and soft. Fill a foot tub with warm water and then add some liquid soap to it. Soak your feet in this water for about 20 minutes and then scrub off the dead cells using a pumice stone. Wash your feet and pat dry. Apply a moisturizer and foot cream. Repeat this procedure daily to get fast results.

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Lemon juice and glycerin

A foot mask made using lemon juice, glycerin, salt and rose water is one of the best remedies for cracked heels. To a basin containing warm water, add a few drops of lemon juice, rose water, salt and glycerin. Dip your feet in this basin for about 20 minutes. Then scrub your heels using a pumice stone. After scrubbing off the dry skin, apply a mixture of lemon juice, glycerin and rose water on the feet. Leave this on overnight and then wash off with warm water the next morning. Repeat this procedure few times a week until your feet become soft.

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Lemon juice and Vaseline

A mixture of lemon juice and Vaseline is found to be helpful in treating cracked heels. First soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes. Dry your feet and apply the lemon juice and Vaseline mixture on the affected area. Leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning. Wearing socks can seal in the moisture and improve the effectiveness of the remedy.

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Coconut oil

Coconut oil has great moisturizing properties that can help soothe cracked heels caused due to dry skin. It removes the dead skin cells on the skin surface and goes deep into the skin, providing excellent hydration. It also strengthens the tissues beneath the outer layer of the skin and prevents the skin from getting dry. After washing and drying your feet properly, apply coconut oil to the feet. Leave it overnight and wash off in the morning. Since coconut oil has a greasy texture, it would be a good idea to wear a pair of socks after application.

Banana and Avocado foot mask

Another effective foot mask that can provide relief from cracked heels is the banana and avocado foot mask. To make this mask, make a paste of ripe banana and avocado using a blender. Apply this paste on the affected areas of the feet. Wash off after 15 minutes. Banana and avocado are rich in nutrients that moisturize and nourish your skin, thus helping to treat cracked heels.

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Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax has emollient properties that help in making your skin soft and also in getting rid of dry and dead cells. It is an excellent moisturizer that helps retain the natural oils in the body. The moisturizing effects provide soothing and healing of the cracked skin. Melt some paraffin wax and mix it with some coconut or mustard oil. Apply this mixture to the feet before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning. Repeat this often to get soft and beautiful feet.

Rice flour

Rice flour can be used as a wonderful exfoliating scrub that can help remove dry and dead skin cells. This scrub can be prepared by mixing together rice flour with a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and honey. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and then exfoliate using this scrub. Do this few times a week till you get the desired results.

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Honey

In addition to being a strong antibacterial agent, honey also offers excellent hydration to your skin. Just soak your feet in warm water containing a cup of honey for about 20 minutes. Scrub off the dead skin cells using a pumice stone.

Milk and honey

Just like honey, milk is also a great moisturizer and the combination of these two ingredients can work wonders on your feet. Take two cups of milk and one cup of honey in a foot tub and mix well. Soak your feet in this mixture for about 10 minutes. Massage your feet well so that the milk and honey gets absorbed. The mixture exfoliates your skin and loosens the dead cells. After 10 minutes, wash your feet with warm water. Pat dry and apply a moisturizer.

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Neem leaves

Neem leaves can be used to get relief from cracked heels. They have potent antimicrobial properties and helps in healing dry and irritated skin. Neem leaves have been long used as a skin care ingredient because of its soothing and therapeutic effects. Make a fine paste of a handful of neem leaves and 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for half an hour. Wash your feet with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great skin nourishing and exfoliating agent that can be used to treat cracked heels. Take a tablespoon of oatmeal and add a few drops of jojoba oil to it. Mix this well and then apply the mixture to the cracked heels. Wash off after half an hour. Oatmeal and jojoba oil hydrates your skin and makes your feet soft and smooth.

Vinegar

Vinegar is not just a cooking ingredient but is also a great remedy for cracked heels. The acetic acid found in vinegar is effective in dissolving the thick, dry skin, making it soft. In a foot tub, add one cup of vinegar and half a liter of water. Soak your feet in this solution for about 20 minutes. Then scrub your feet with pumice stone. Wash your feet and pat dry. Regular use of this remedy can make your feet smooth.

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Salt water

Warm salt water can help hydrate your skin and eliminate cracks in the heels. All you have to do is soak your feet in a foot tub containing warm salt water for about 15 minutes. Now soak your feet in cold water, which helps in increasing the blood circulation to your feet. Pat dry and then apply a moisturizer. Do this regularly for getting rid of cracked heels.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has many skin benefiting properties and is used a remedy for numerous skin problems. It is a great moisturizer and also has antimicrobial effects. It offers deep hydration and prevents the feet from becoming dry. Aloe vera also soothes the pain and inflammation caused by cracked heels. Just apply aloe vera gel on the feet and wash off after 20 minutes. An effective foot mask can also be made by mixing together 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, a teaspoon of basil leaf paste, and a teaspoon each of turmeric and camphor powder. Apply this mask on the affected area and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

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Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly, most commonly available as Vaseline is oil based emollient that can provide well hydrated and soft skin. It stays in your skin much longer than the other foot creams. The oils present in petroleum jelly seals in the moisture, promoting faster soothing and healing effects. First soak your feet in warm water and then scrub off the dead cells using a pumice stone. Pat dry and then apply petroleum jelly on your feet and massage well. Cover the feet with a pair of socks and leave it overnight. With regular application of petroleum jelly, you will find that the cracks are gone and your feet have become softer.

A cracked heel is not a serious health problem. However, if the cracks go deep into the skin it can cause pain and bleeding. A well balanced diet and proper foot care are extremely important for healthy feet. Always make sure to keep your feet clean. Exfoliate your feet once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and then apply a moisturizer. Besides proper foot care, the natural remedies mentioned here can also help you maintain healthy and beautiful feet. These remedies are a great way to save a lot of money that you might otherwise be spending on expensive beauty parlors!

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