Cracked heels are a common foot problem that can cause discomfort, pain, and even infections if not treated properly. They occur due to dry skin, excessive pressure on the feet, and lack of moisture. If you’re looking for ways to fix cracked heels permanently, this guide provides simple home remedies and tips to help heal and prevent them effectively.
Causes of Cracked Heels
1. Dehydration : Water plays a crucial role in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. When you don’t drink enough water, your body struggles to retain moisture, causing the skin on your feet to become dry and rough. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your skin soft and nourished.
2. Lack of Moisturization : Many people moisturize their face and hands but neglect their feet. Lack of proper moisturization is one of the primary causes of cracked heels. Regularly applying a foot cream, coconut oil, or shea butter For best results, moisturize your feet twice a day, especially before bedtime
3. Standing for Long Hours : Standing for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces, puts excessive pressure on your heels. To prevent this, wear cushioned shoes, take short breaks, and avoid standing in one place for too long.
4. Nutrient Deficiency : A poor diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals can lead to dry, flaky skin and cracked heels. Vitamin A helps in skin regeneration, Vitamin C boosts collagen production, and Vitamin E keeps skin soft and hydrated. Include foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, nuts, and leafy greens in your diet to keep your skin nourished and healthy.
5. Harsh Soaps & Hot Showers : Using harsh soaps and taking long hot showers can remove the natural oils from your skin, making it dry and prone to cracking. To avoid this, use mild, moisturizing soaps and lukewarm water instead of hot water. After a shower, pat your feet dry gently and apply a good moisturizer to retain hydration.
1. Soak and Exfoliate Your Feet
Regular soaking and exfoliation help remove dead skin and soften cracked heels. It prevents dryness and makes the heels smoother. Exfoliation also allows moisturizers to absorb better into the skin.
👉 How to do it?
- Soak your feet in warm water mixed with ½ cup Epsom salt for 15 minutes.
- Use a pumice stone or foot scrubber to remove dead skin.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer immediately.
2. Moisturize Daily with Natural Oils
Keeping your feet moisturized is the key to fixing cracked heels permanently. Natural oils deeply hydrate the skin and help prevent cracks from worsening. They create a protective layer that locks in moisture.
👉 Best natural oils for cracked heels:
- Coconut Oil: Fights infections and heals skin.
- Olive Oil: Softens rough patches.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes irritation and hydrates deeply.
3. Use a Homemade Foot Mask
A foot mask provides deep healing and nourishment to cracked heels. It helps retain moisture and repairs dry, damaged skin. Using a foot mask 2-3 times a week can speed up the healing process.
👉 Simple DIY foot mask recipes:
- Banana & Honey Mask: Mash 1 ripe banana with 1 tbsp honey. Apply for 20 minutes and wash off.
- Aloe Vera & Turmeric Mask: Mix 2 tbsp aloe vera with ½ tsp turmeric. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.
4. Apply Petroleum Jelly for Overnight Healing
Petroleum jelly is one of the best remedies to treat cracked heels. It deeply hydrates dry skin and repairs cracks overnight. It also forms a protective layer that prevents further dryness.
👉 How to use it?
- Wash and dry your feet before bed.
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the heels.
- Wear cotton socks overnight for deep moisturization.
5. Try Vinegar Soak for Soft Heels
Vinegar helps remove dead skin and softens rough heels. It also balances the skin’s pH level, making it an effective remedy for cracked heels.
👉 How to do it?
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts warm water.
- Soak your feet for 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a pumice stone and apply moisturizer.
6. Use a Foot Cream with Urea or Lactic Acid
If home remedies don’t work fast enough, consider using foot creams with urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These ingredients help remove dead skin and deeply hydrate the feet.
👉 Best foot creams for cracked heels:
- O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Cream
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream
- AmLactin Foot Repair Cream
7. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet
Cracked heels can also be caused by dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. Drinking enough water and eating healthy foods can help heal cracked heels from the inside.
👉 Essential nutrients for soft heels:
- Vitamin A: Found in carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin C: Found in oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries.
- Vitamin E: Found in almonds, avocados, and sunflower seeds.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon.
If you have any queries related to medical health, consult Subhash Goyal or his team members on this given no +91 99150 72372, +91 99150 99575, +918283060000
