Home Remedies for Cracked Heels That You Need to Try Out

Spending your holiday at home doesn’t mean you have to be bored to death doing nothing. Instead, why don’t you try making these home remedies for cracked heels and end the year with smoother heels?

Cracked heels are a common problem. For some, cracked heels can be extremely painful and even, infected. Some others find it uncomfortable to put off their shoes around other people since their cracked heels isn’t a very pleasant sight. To treat your cracked heels, try these methods.

1. Vegetable oil
You can try applying olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil or other hydrogenated vegetable oils that can provide moisture needed for your heels. Since lack of moisture is the most prominent cause of cracked heels, the first step would be making sure that your heels are well-moisturized.

2. Indian lilac
Also known as neem or margosa, Indian lilac is an extremely versatile tree that contains anti-fungal properties. This can prevent any infection that might happen on your cracked heels. To use it, crush a handful of fresh Indian lilac leaves and mix the paste with 3 teaspoons turmeric powder. Apply the mixture on your cracked heels for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. Repeat daily if necessary.

3. Olive oil, lemon oil, and lavender oil
Essential oils can be a perfect home remedy for cracked heels. To use, mix a tablespoon of olive oil and 3 drops of lemon oil and 3 drops of lavender oil. Then, pour the mixture to a bowl containing water with the same amount of the three oils mixed. Stir and pour into a bottle. Use regularly for the best result.

4. Rosewater and glycerin
The unlikely combination proves to be a great home remedy. Glycerin, for example, can soften your heels while the rosewater provides vitamins that moisturize your heels and prevent infection. To get the best result, mix glycerin and rosewater equally then apply it on your heels while massaging it. Leave it overnight and repeat.

5. Oatmeal and jojoba oil
Another unlikely pair, mixture of oatmeal and jojoba oil can exfoliate and also moisturize your heels. You can mix a tablespoon of oatmeal and some jojoba oil until the paste thickens, the massage it on your heels for around 5 minutes. Leave the paste for another 30 minutes, then rinse and dry.

6. Paraffin wax
This remedy is best used when your cracked heels are severe. Melt a tablespoon of paraffin wax on a skillet with low heat then mix in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or mustard oil. After it has cooled down, massage into your heels for 5 minutes and leave it on for another 30. Rinse with warm water and dry. Repeat daily before going to bed for best results.

7. Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is known to be very moisturizing, so you can apply it on your heels to soften them. But before, remember to scrub off the dead skin and wash your feet. Once it’s dried, apply the petroleum jelly and put on socks. In the morning, rinse.

8. Honey
Albeit a little bit pricier than petroleum jelly, honey is also widely used to treat cracked heels. The moisturizer contained in honey can soften your heels while killing bacteria that caused infection. All you need to do is massage your feet gently in warm water mixed with a cup of honey. Rinse and repeat regularly, as always!

9. White vinegar
Acetic acid contained in white vinegar can remove dead skin, but you need to dilute it before applying it. To begin, in a basin of water, pour ¼ cup of white vinegar and stir. Soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse with regular water and dry. Then, apply coconut oil, olive oil, or Shea butter. In a week, make sure you do this for 3 times.

10. Aloe vera
The last home remedy on the list is no other than the magical aloe vera! To use it, you’d need basil leaves, turmeric powder, camphor powder, and of course, aloe vera gel. First, you’d need to make a paste out of crushed basil leaves. Around a teaspoon would do. Next, mix it with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of camphor powder, and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Then, massage the paste into heels and leave it for around 20 minutes. Once you’re done, rinse with lukewarm water. If you don’t have the ingredients mentioned above, you can simply apply aloe vera gel on your heels.

Other than the home remedies mentioned above, you can also take preventive steps. Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods; foods that contain vitamin E, calcium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, also fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise is also very useful to help you maintain healthy weight so that there’s no extra pressure on your feet.

On the outside, avoid footwear that allow foot expansion, exposing feet to hot water for long time, hot weather and standing for long periods. Care after your feet and moisturize them regularly. Make it your habit to soak your feet in warm, soapy water for around 15 minutes every night (yes, it’s hard!) and dry them afterwards. If you have a special health condition such as diabetes, athlete’s foot, or any other diseases, consult a doctor for further treatment.

Photo courtesy: barefut.

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