The cracked heels, also called heel cracks, are a common foot condition. Although it occurs in both adults and children, it appears to be serious among women. Sometimes these cracks can lead to bleeding. If you are suffering with cracked heels and want to get rid of them, take a look! Here we will tell you what its causes are, the best home remedies to eliminate them, as well as some tips to prevent them.
What causes cracked heels?
The skin on the feet tends to get dry as there are no sebaceous glands present there. This dryness causes the skin to crack. Lack of hydration, overexposure to pollution, and medical conditions such as eczema, diabetes, thyroid, and psoriasis all lead to dry, cracked feet. Read on to learn more about home remedies to treat cracked heels.
Remedies to get rid of cracked heels
Foot mask with salt, glycerin and rose water
Rose water contains antioxidants that prevent cell damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe dry, irritated skin. Glycerin is an effective humectant that helps skin retain its natural moisture levels. These properties can help moisturize cracked heels.
You will need 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of glycerin, 2 teaspoons of rosewater, warm water, and a pumice stone. Add raw salt, a tablespoon of glycerin, and a teaspoon of rosewater to a bowl filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub the heels and sides of the feet with a pumice stone or foot scrubber.
Mix a teaspoon of glycerin and a teaspoon of rosewater and apply it on your cracked heels. Since it will be a sticky mixture, you can wear a pair of socks and leave them on overnight.
Wash off with lukewarm water in the morning. Repeat this for a few days.
Vegetable oil
Studies show that vegetable oils contain emollient properties, along with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. They act as nutritional pillars for healthy skin. These powerful qualities of vegetable oils can help treat cracked heels.
You will need 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Wash your feet and dry them with a clean towel. Apply a layer of vegetable oil on the affected area. Wear a thick pair of socks and leave them on overnight. Wash your feet in the morning. Do this every day before bed.
Vaseline
Vaseline helps restore moisture to dry, cracked heels. Reduces water loss from the outer skin. This keeps your skin smooth and hydrated. Wool socks help trap body heat and increase mixing efficiency.
You will need 1 teaspoon of Vaseline, moisturizer, pumice stone, and warm water. Soak your feet in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Use the pumice stone to rub hard or dry skin. Pat your feet dry. Apply moisturizer to the affected area. Apply petroleum jelly on it to retain moisture. Put on a pair of wool socks. Leave them on overnight and wash your feet in the morning. Do this regularly before going to bed.
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Olive oil
Olive oil has nourishing properties that make your skin soft and supple. However, it is not suitable for all skin types. Therefore, do a patch test before using it on the affected area.
Apply some olive oil with the help of a cotton pad and gently massage your feet in circular motions for 10-15 minutes. Wear a pair of thick cotton socks and wash them after an hour. Do this every day.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil has nourishing, moisturizing and repairing properties for the skin barrier. This helps soften and soothe dry, cracked feet.
Apply sesame oil on your heels and any other cracked parts. Massage well until absorbed by the skin. Do this every day before bed.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil moisturizes dry skin and also helps remove dead skin cells. It can penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and nourish them.
Apply coconut oil generously to your feet before sleeping and put on socks. In the morning wash your feet as usual. Repeat this for a few days.
Mouthwash Soak
Soaking your feet in mouthwash can soften hardened dead skin and make it easier to clean. This is also an antiseptic and soothes the skin due to the phytochemicals like menthol and thymol that are present in it. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these effects.
You will need 1 cup of mouthwash, 1 cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of water, a large foot soaking container, and a foot file or pumice stone. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes in the liquid mixture that contains the ingredients listed above. Take your feet off and rub them with the foot file or pumice stone to remove dead skin. Rinse with clean water, dry and moisten. Repeat this every day for 3-4 days until the dead skin is gone.
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is a commonly used exfoliant. It removes dead cells and also soothes the skin.
You will need 3 tablespoons of baking soda, warm water, a bucket, and a pumice stone. Fill the bucket two-thirds full with warm water and add the baking soda. Mix well until the baking soda dissolves in the water. Soak your feet in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove your feet from the soak and rub gently with the pumice stone. Rinse with clean water. Do this 2 times a week.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera soothes dry and dead skin. Heals ridges and cracks that have formed by increasing collagen synthesis. The amino acids present in it help to soften the skin.
You will need aloe vera gel, warm water, a footbath, and a pair of socks. Soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes. Pat dry and apply aloe vera gel generously to your feet. Wear socks and leave the gel on your feet overnight. Repeat this every night for 4-5 days.
Tips to prevent cracked heels
- Proper hydration is the first step in preventing dry heels.
- Wearing comfortable shoes, refraining from excessive walking, and avoiding overexposure to pollution are the easiest ways to prevent cracked heels.
- Regularly rubbing your heels with a pumice stone and soaking them in warm salt water or water with lemon juice can keep them clean and smooth.
- Relaxing your feet and enjoying oil foot massages also prevents dryness and cracked heels.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
There are many ways to speed up the healing process of your cracked feet. The most effective are keeping your feet well hydrated, not exposing them to pollution, relaxing your feet, performing foot massages based on natural oil, soaking your feet in warm water with a little lemon juice, and treating medical conditions, the skin. and obesity.