The best home remedies for cracked heels

We usually pay close attention to our face and hair and try almost everything to nourish them. However, we often tend to forget about our feet. Our feet go through a lot of hardship, ranging from exposure to sunlight, pollutants, ill-fitting footwear, lack of proper scrubbing and moisturisation. All of these can lead to dryness and formation of cracks or fissures in the heels. Cracked heels is a most common skin problem experienced by people of all ages. It looks untidy and also causes discomfort and pain. Also, these cracks can get deeper and may cause skin infections if proper precautions are not taken on time.

Here are some simple and effective remedies which you may try to get rid of those cracked heels:

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil is known for its excellent moisturising properties. Some fatty acids found in coconut oil (Capric acid, Lauric acid, etc.) have high antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. In addition to this, coconut oil is also rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E plays a major role in keeping the skin healthy, smooth and prevents drying. All these factors make coconut oil a superb healer for dried and cracked skin of feet.

How to use it?

For every remedy, you have to first soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Then scrub it gently, wash and dry it with a soft cloth. Now, apply coconut oil, massage it gently and leave it overnight. Avoid walking barefoot after applying oil. You can also wear socks to enhance the effect of oil. Follow these steps regularly for best results.

Rosewater and glycerin

Rosewater has a very soothing effect on the skin. It helps to maintain the natural ph of the skin and also acts as a mild antiseptic. Glycerine is a viscous liquid and is absorbed well into the skin. It moisturises the skin without making it oily. Rosewater and glycerine mixture has been used since a long time as a moisturiser for dry and chapped skin during winters or dry weather. This combination does wonders for cracked heels too.

How to use it?

Mix glycerine and rose water in equal amounts and store it in a bottle. Now, clean and dry your feet as described earlier and then apply this mixture on your feet. Rub it gently on your heels and leave it overnight. A couple of applications will show the changes.

Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is a colourless or white soft solid derived from petroleum. It is solid at room temperature and starts melting above 99 F. Paraffin wax acts as an excellent moisturiser because it forms a thin waterproof coating over the skin that helps in retaining the natural oils produced by the body. This "waterproofing effect" makes paraffin wax great for soothing and healing dry and cracked skin because it offers protection from external irritants.

How to use it?

Heat about 1 cup of coconut oil or mustard oil in a pan. Add 2 tbsp paraffin wax and keep stirring until the wax melts uniformly. Let it cool down a bit so that it is tolerable to your skin. Now apply it to your feet and wear socks. Leave it overnight and rinse with lukewarm water in the morning. Regular use of this mixture for 7-10 days may show good results.

Banana and honey

Applying banana on your heels is probably the most effective and inexpensive way to heal the cracks. A banana pack applied on the heels can help to provide much-needed moisture into the dry and fissured skin. Honey is thick in consistency and helps in sealing the moisture into the skin and also has anti-microbial properties. The combination of banana and honey acts as a great healer for cracked heels.

How to use it?

Mash one ripe banana and add one tsp of honey. Combine the ingredients thoroughly and then keep it aside. After soaking, scrubbing and drying your feet, apply banana-honey mixture on your heels. Wrap your heels with some cling foil and wait for 20-25 minutes. Then use lukewarm water to wash your feet and pat it dry. Repeat daily for two weeks to get noticeable changes.

Aloe vera

Aloe Vera is a popular ingredient in a wide variety of creams, lotions, gels and even drinks entering the market, nowadays. Externally as well as internally, aloe vera protects, heals and repairs with antibacterial, antifungal and cell rejuvenating properties. It is a good source of amino acids, minerals, enzymes, powerful antioxidants and vitamins. Aloe vera treats the skin cells from the epithelial level. This is why it is recommended by doctors to treat sunburns and stretch marks. Either you can use aloe vera gel directly, or you can make a pack using aloe vera along with some other ingredients of your kitchen.

How to use it?

Blend turmeric, tulsi leaves and camphor in equal amounts. Now mix all the ingredients with aloe vera gel and make a paste. Apply this paste on your heels and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash your feet with lukewarm water. Then apply any moisturising lotion to the heels. Repeat this procedure for a couple of days to get best results.

We hope, these simple and easy to prepare home remedies will help you in getting rid of those uncomfortable and irritating cracked heels!