Cracked heels, medically known as heel fissures, are a frequent foot problem among people all over the world.
According to Medicinenet, heel fissures affects 20 out of every 100 adults in the United States (aged 21 and up) at some point in their lives. Women are more likely than men to develop the condition, experts say.
Podiatrists warn that, among several causes, cracked heels can be caused by wearing shoes that are backless, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day.
Additionally, certain medical conditions, including psoriasis and eczema, may lead to the development of cracked heels.
Patients who are obese may also experience this ailment due to the added weight the feet endure.
While mild relief may be found when the feet are washed, dried thoroughly, and a good moisturizer frequently applied to them, if your cracked heels are severe, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist, experts at Choice Podiatry Centre counsel.
Happily enough, there are home remedies that can heal your heels and restore beauty to your feet. Come with me!
Lemon and apple cider vinegar
Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar mixture works on cracked and dry heels. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory and acidic characteristics that can help exfoliate the skin. By removing the dead skin cells, it will aid in nourishing the skin
How to use: Grate the outer skin of a fresh lemon, boil in water for three minutes and allow to cool. Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to the water before soaking your feet in it for about 30 minutes.
Licorice-turmeric powder combo
Glycyrrhizin, a chemical found in licorice powder, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics that may aid in the battle against bacteria that infect the skin.
Turmeric’s antioxidant effects help to brighten and soothe itchy and irritated skin, while its antibacterial characteristics aid natural healing of dry skin. According to Easyayurveda, a combo of both can help clear cracked heels.
How to use: Mix two teaspoons of turmeric and one tablespoon of licorice powder in a bowl. Mix it to make a paste, and then massage your feet with it for a few minutes before washing them.
Olive oil and tea tree oil mixture
Tea tree oil’s antibacterial characteristics can also be employed to effectively cleanse the heels. It can reduce skin redness, edema, and inflammation.
Tea tree oil mixed with olive oil, is one of the best essential oils for treating cracked heels, according to Healthshot. The mixture contains vitamins E, K, and antioxidants.
Olive oil effectively functions as a natural humectant and moisturizes dry skin.
How to use: Add six to seven drops of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup of olive oil and mix well. After soaking your feet in warm water, massage your feet with this combination. The cracks will gradually wear off.
Shea butter
Shea butter can also aid in the healing of cracked heels due to its ability to soften and moisturize the skin. Shea butter has been used to relieve dry skin caused by dermatitis and other skin defects for ages.
The softening and moisturizing properties of Shea butter also make it a great option for healing cracked heels as it will not only help combat dryness but also exfoliate the skin by ridding it of dead skin cells and encouraging fresh skin growth.
How to use: Apply it directly to your cracked heels or mix it with your preferred oil before applying it.
Honey
According to Healthline, honey can help heal wounds and also moisturize the skin. A 2012 study says as much. In addition to moisturizing the skin, honey also locks in the moisture which helps to keep the foot hydrated.
Its antibacterial properties also help to fight parasites and keep infections away.
How to use: Add a few drops of honey into a bowl of warm water, soak and massage your washed feet in it for about 15 – 20 minutes. Dry your feet afterward and rub on some petroleum jelly.
Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly has been in use since time immemorial, and that’s because it’s a very effective means of moisturizing the skin. The fact that it is also mostly cost-effective in comparison to other over-the-counter skin care products also makes it a home favorite,
Apart from moisturizing the skin, petroleum jelly also traps in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated.
How to use: Simply apply petroleum jelly on your feet after bathing and massage gently. You can also put on socks afterward, preferably overnight to prevent it from being wiped off. This would further guarantee quicker results.
Pumice stone
Pumice stones are abrasive rocks gotten from cooled larvae at volcanic eruption sites. They are sponge-like, light, and porous with rough exterior, which can be used to exfoliate the skin manually, as scrubbing it against the affected parts of the heel can help get rid of dead skin.
How to use: Get a piece of pumice stone and rub it against the affected parts after a bath.
Conclusion
Meanwhile, try and incorporate shoes into your dressing style in order to protect your heels and mositurise it on the go!
Cracked heels are a common issue that develops as people grow older. The above-mentioned remedies are easy ways that have proved helpful over the years.
If the challenge, however, persists, or symptom like bleeding is noticed, kindly see a healthcare specialist.
