1. Causes of Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can be caused by various factors:
- Dry weather, especially during winter, can cause the skin to dry out and crack.
- Prolonged standing or wearing tight shoes or sandals can contribute to cracked heels.
- Taking long hot baths for extended periods can also lead to cracked heels.
- Using harsh soaps and detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Walking barefoot for prolonged periods.
- Lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body.
- Dermatological issues such as fungal infections, atopic dermatitis, juvenile dermatosis, psoriasis, etc.
2. Signs to Identify Cracked Heels
Some common symptoms of cracked heels include:
- Itchy and flaky skin.
- Formation of cracks that may cause bleeding.
- Burning pain in the cracks.
3. Effective Tips to Treat Cracked Heels at Home
By devoting a little time each day to taking care of your cracked heels, you can achieve remarkable results. Here are some suitable methods for treating cracked heels:
Treat Cracked Heels with Natural Remedies
Lemon:
Soak your feet in a basin of warm water with the juice of half a lemon. Gently scrub the heels using a stone twice a week to remove calluses and prevent cracking. Lemon cleanses and acts as a natural antibacterial agent.
Banana:
Crush a banana and apply the mixture to your heels for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then soak your feet in cold water for 2 minutes. Repeat this process daily for noticeable results. Bananas provide nutrients that effectively heal and soften cracked heels.
Ripe Papaya:
Apply a mixture of pureed papaya and lemon juice to your heels three times a week. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Papaya provides valuable vitamins that help soften and heal cracked heels.
Honey:
Mix three tablespoons of honey with warm water. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes, then rinse. Honey softens the skin and has antibacterial properties.
Mustard:
Massage a little mustard oil onto your heels before bedtime. Wear thin socks overnight. Mustard oil helps soften the skin and heal cracked heels.
Aloe Vera:
Soak feet in warm saltwater for 5 minutes, then pat dry. Apply the gel from an aloe vera leaf to the cracked skin 1-2 times a day. Aloe Vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing and pain relief.
Sesame Oil:
Apply a thin layer of sesame oil to your heels and massage gently for about 10 minutes every night before bed. Sesame oil acts as an exfoliant and moisturizer for dry and calloused skin.
Treat Cracked Heels with Toothpaste
Soak feet in warm saltwater for 10-15 minutes, then dry. Mix 1 teaspoon of toothpaste with 1 vitamin E capsule. Apply the mixture evenly on the cracked skin. Leave it on overnight and wash off with water the next morning.
Use Creams to Treat Cracked Heels
Vaseline:
Mix 1 teaspoon of Vaseline with 3-5 drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture evenly on the cracks after soaking feet in warm saltwater for 10-15 minutes. Apply nightly for rosy heels.
You can also use specialized creams for cracked heels available in the market, such as Thun Moc leaves, Lotus – Star of the Sun, Neutrogena Foot Cream, Heel Spa, Kpem Apteka, Scholl, ISIS Pharma Secalia AHA.
4. Tips to Keep Your Heels Always Rosy
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily.
- Avoid prolonged standing or wearing tight shoes.
- Moisturize your heels to maintain skin moisture.
- Regularly check your feet, especially if you have diabetes or dry skin conditions.
- Use quality shoe insoles to reduce impact on the heels.
- Use silicone heel pads to keep the heel moisturized and prevent cracking.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please leave a comment below!