12 home remedies for cracked heels

Are you noticing increased dry skin on the bottom of your heel that is now cracking? If so, you have developed a very common foot problem. The medical term for this is heel fissures, but most people call them cracked heels.

What are cracked heels?

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, may occur in the heel’s outer edge or impact the entire area. If the cracked skin is superficial, the condition is usually more of a nuisance and unpleasant. However, if the open wounds become too deep, this may cause a lot of pain while walking, standing, or exercising. Occasionally, a skin infection can also occur, and this is when you need to seek medical treatment immediately. Anyone can develop heel fissures for various reasons, but people with certain skin conditions may be more at risk of developing this condition. Luckily, there are several ways to care for dry, cracked heels. In fact, some of these treatments can be found at home in your kitchen and do not require any prescription medications.

Top home remedies for cracked heels

Here is a list of several home remedies you can try if you develop cracked heels:

1. Regular cleaning and moisturizing

Proper foot hygiene may be the simplest home remedy to try. This usually involves washing your feet daily and then drying them thoroughly. Keeping your toenails trimmed and filed helps decrease irritation to the skin. Change your socks daily to help reduce germs and too much moisture to the feet that causes skin cracks to the heels.

2. Hydration

Applying thick moisturizers (Eucerin, CeraVe)  to the feet several times a day will keep the skin hydrated and prevent cracked skin.

3. Using natural oils

Some people prefer plant-based oils as an alternative as they are believed to be a natural, safe, and non-toxic natural moisturizer to achieve healthy skin. Just be aware of any potential allergies to ingredients. Options available are almond oil, apricot oil, argan oil, avocado oil, borage oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, frankincense oil, grapeseed oil,  jojoba oil, lavender oil, marula oil, oat oil, olive oil, rose geranium, sandalwood oil, shea butter, soybean oil, sunflower oil, tea tree oil.

4. Honey and milk

Honey and milk combinations are popular in combating dry skin by providing moisture to dry skin and exfoliating away excessive dead skin. It is believed this is due to honey and milk’s lactic acid, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D components.

5. Vinegar soaks

Vinegar soaks have been shown to be effective in treating dry skin as they may work as an exfoliator. Apple cider vinegar is most commonly used. Due to its acidic properties containing acetic acid, citric acid, and alpha hydroxy acid, it can remove excess dry skin that is the cause of cracked heels. These ingredients have antimicrobial properties, which may heal superficial cuts and sores on the feet.

6. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is another natural option. It is made of 98% water, so the dehydrated skin readily absorbs it and does not leave any build-up or residue. This is very popular for those who have sensitive skin. It is also packed with many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it also heals and soothes minor skin irritations.

7. Lemon juice & olive oil

The combination of lemon juice and olive oil is shown to have skin health benefits. They have antioxidant properties to reduce inflamed skin. Olive oil is a great natural hydrator for dry skin, as mentioned previously. Lemon juice has vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium that helps with collagen production in the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids can also be found to be beneficial in skin repair.

8. Banana and avocado masks

Face masks are very popular, but sometimes, many forget that the same mask can be beneficial for the feet. Banana and avocado masks are great for moisturizing dry skin. They have several vitamins (vitamins A, B, C, D, and E), minerals (magnesium and potassium), and antioxidant properties to help with cracked skin.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal baths or foot soaks are used to rehydrate dry skin and help soothe the aches and pain associated with the skin cracks. Thick creams that contain oatmeal can also be used to hydrate heels.

10. Cocoa butter

 Another skin-softening agent is cocoa butter. It is commonly used for increased hydration of the feet.

11. Sugar

Sugar is an excellent home remedy. These natural foot scrubs are used for the removal of excessive dead skin and help repair damaged skin quickly.

12. Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly or mineral oil is a traditional home remedy to improve skin’s suppleness and eradicate dead skin in the heels. Commonly, it is used at night with socks as an occlusive moisturizer.

What causes cracked heels

Skin fissures are quite common. There are several risk factors for the development of cracked heels, which include:

Shoes

Proper shoe gear is vital for foot health and preventing dry skin. Sandals and flip-flops are very popular shoe options, especially in warmer climates. Unfortunately, due to their open backs, they do not provide adequate support and pressure reduction to the heels of your feet. This will cause excessive pressure on the heels and increase dry skin production. When wearing closed shoes such as sneakers, ensuring the correct size is worn will also help reduce the dead cells from dry skin. Ill-fitting shoes can increase friction to the heel and produce increased skin build-up. Additionally, you should wear shoes and avoid walking barefoot as much as possible.

Skin conditions

Many skin conditions may predispose someone to developing dry feet. It is important to treat the underlying cause of the dry skin to get proper relief of the symptoms. Some examples of skin conditions responsible for dry skin include:

• Athletes foot (tinea pedis)
• Dermatitis (contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis)
• Impetigo
• Psoriasis
• Sunburns
• Xeroderma (dry skin)

Weight

Obesity may be the cause of excessive weight on heels, increasing the chances of developing skin fissures and continued dry skin on the heels.

Occupation

Some careers require people to stand for extended amounts of time. This may contribute to the development of dry skin, especially when standing on hard floors and not wearing proper shoe gear. Changing your shoes regularly, incorporating a shoe insert, and wearing better quality shoe gear may help with reducing cracked heels.

Medical conditions

Some health conditions may increase the development of dry skin in the body, causing more severe cases of cracked heels. People who have trouble healing or have a loss of sensation in their feet are especially at risk. They may require a visit to their doctor to manage this condition better. Examples include:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease

How to prevent cracked heels

Many times, cracked skin on the heels is a minor medical condition that can be managed at home. Treatment for cracked heels is very successful, but sometimes the easiest treatment is prevention of the rough skin that causes the cracked heels in the first place.

Here are some simple preventive treatment options for cracked heels:

Hydration

Using good gels, moisturizing creams, ointments, lotions, or oil-based creams on the feet on a regular basis can keep the skin soft and supple. If this can be done multiple times throughout the day, it increases your chances of not developing cracked heels. Applying hydration to the skin right after a bath or shower as the pores are open will allow the skin moisturizer to penetrate through the tough skin barrier of the heel easily.

Choosing the right footwear

Wearing the wrong shoe gear (i.e., open-heeled shoes, high heels) will increase pressure on your feet- causing extra skin and irritations (calluses, corns, blisters) due to the pressure. Change your shoes regularly, especially if you exercise (i.e., walkers, runners) or have a profession that requires you to stand for long periods at a time.

Avoiding prolonged exposure to water

Being exposed to water for long periods can cause the skin to dry out. Swimmers are at risk, as are people who have professions where their feet are constantly wet. Reduce the amount of time in the water as much as possible. Try to keep showers or baths to no more than 5-10 minutes and use lukewarm water versus hot. Once out of the water, dry your feet thoroughly.

Maintaining a regular foot-care routine

Good foot hygiene is the start of preventing foot problems. Keeping the feet clean with daily baths and showers helps reduce dirt and germs on the feet. Avoiding harsh soaps and choosing cleansers that are fragrance-free will reduce dry skin. Wearing socks in shoes and changing them daily helps with reducing sweat on the feet. Keep nails trimmed and well-maintained. Using a pumice stone while in the bath and shower can also remove dead cells from the skin to prevent cracked heels.

Environment

Certain climates are more prone to dry skin. Places that have colder weather or during the cold winter months can increase the build-up of skin, especially in your heels. Dry climates are also prone to causing dry, rough skin. It removes hydration, making the skin of the feet more prone to open wounds.

Keeping healthy feet and reducing dry skin starts with a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E and A supplements may be an option, and eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids helps keep the skin soft and glowing. If the skin is healthy from the beginning, this greatly reduces the chances of developing painful heel fissures. Although many people can manage cracked heels on their own, usually with over-the-counter products from the drug store, some may need medical intervention and other recommendations from their healthcare provider to combat this issue. 

A board-certified dermatologist or podiatrist can be seen for cracks on the bottom of your heel. Diabetics and those immunocompromised are more at risk of having difficulty healing skin injuries and developing severe cases of heel fissures. Of course, home remedies do not always work, and your doctor can give you a prescription medication. This may include options using urea or salicylic acid in these cases. If this happens, SingleCare is always an option for discount prescriptions when needed.