{"id":62107,"date":"2023-12-12T15:41:26","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T20:41:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62107"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:21:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:21:36","slug":"home-remedies-for-cracked-heels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-cracked-heels\/","title":{"rendered":"12 home remedies for cracked heels"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are cracked heels?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Top home remedies for cracked heels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here is a list of several home remedies you can try if you develop cracked heels:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Regular cleaning and moisturizing<\/span><\/h3>\n

Proper <\/span>foot hygiene<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Hydration<\/span><\/h3>\n

Applying thick moisturizers (<\/span>Eucerin<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>CeraVe<\/span><\/a>)  to the feet several times a day will keep the skin hydrated and prevent cracked skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Using natural oils<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Honey and milk<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Vinegar soaks<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vinegar soaks have been shown to be effective in treating dry skin as they may work as an exfoliator.<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Aloe vera<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aloe vera is another natural option. <\/span>It is made of 98% water, so the dehydrated skin readily absorbs it and does not leave any build-up or residue.<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Lemon juice & olive oil<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Banana and avocado masks<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Oatmeal<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Cocoa butter<\/span><\/h3>\n

 Another skin-softening agent is cocoa butter. It is commonly used for increased hydration of the feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Sugar<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Petroleum jelly<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes cracked heels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Skin fissures are quite common. There are several risk factors for the development of <\/span>cracked heels<\/span><\/a>, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Shoes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Proper shoe gear is vital for foot health and preventing dry skin. <\/span>Sandals and flip-flops are very popular shoe options, especially in warmer climates.<\/span> 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. <\/span>Additionally, you should wear shoes and avoid walking barefoot as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skin conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n