Health & Beauty

How to treat Cracked heels (Heel Fissures) at home!!

When the skin of your heel becomes dry and hard it starts to crack and bleed, fissures may also develop. Our feet carry our burden all day and lifelong so just as we keep our face and hair well nourished, we also need to keep our feet healthy and nourished. Cracked heels are not painful but lead to serious problems if left untreated.
Causes: Diabetic and obese persons are more likely to experience cracked heels. Vitamin C, vitamin B-3, and vitamin E deficiencies may contribute to dry, cracked heels. Too much hot shower, cold weather or too much scrubbing leads to rough heels.
Here are some easy and fuss free home remedies for cracked heels. But if these don’t work then consult podiatrist (foot doctor).

Home Remedies:

Heel balms: These are thick moisturizers that penetrate into the skin for intense moisturization & hydration and are easily available at medical shops.

Liquid bandage: liquid or spray bandages seal the wound and prevent infections or further cracking. This product comes as a spray or gel, covers the wound and prevents dirt/germs hence speed up the healing. Apply liquid bandage to clean and dry feet.

Honey: It is a natural moisturizer which will clean and softens the cracked heels. Use honey as a foot scrub and foot mask overnight, after a soak.

Coconut oil: It helps your skin to retain moisture and to repair dead cells. Massage with coconut oil after a foot soak and put on socks. Do it every night.

Vinegar Foot Soaks: Apple Cider Vinegar is antifungal and also soothes dry skin. Mix ACV in some warm water and dip your feet for some time, apply moisture after. Use this trick sparingly as it can further dry the skin.

Vegetable oil: Vegetable oils are loaded with nutrients and are readily absorbed by the skin. These oils help in rejuvenating the skin moreover repaire cracked heels by creating new cells. Massage with any vegetable oil and put on socks for better absorption.

Shea butter is a very strong moisturizer that calms inflammation and itchiness too. Apply this to your feet like any other lotion, do this after soak for better penetration.

Bananas: Bananas are rich in vitamin A, B6 and C that keeps the skin moist and hydrated. Mash 2 bananas and use them as a pack on feet leaving for 15 minutes. This will soften and nourish the heels.

Paraffin Wax: Only use white candle wax (not coloured) and melt it with some mustard oil. Coat your heels with wax and leave it for some time. Firstly, It will lock the moisture in and then aid the blood circulation to soften the skin.

Oatmeal scrub: Oatmeal has been used for skin remedies for ages. It is very nutritional and a natural scrub. Grind two spoons of oatmeal and mix with any oil (jojoba or olive oil) for massage. Leave it for 15 minutes as this will exfoliate the heels and moisturize them.

Vaseline and lemon juice: The acidic properties of lemon will help to get rid of dry skin and Vaseline will moisturize the heels. Mix both and apply to your feet, put on woolen socks for better absorption.

Sugar and Lime: Another easy home-made scrub for feet. Dip two halves of lemon in sugar and rub it gently to your feet until the granules have melted. It will clear off the dead skin on your heels.

Rice flour and honey too can be used to scrub off dry dead skin.
Pumice stone prevents thickening of skin so uses it after shower twice a week at least.

Quick Tips

Give your heels some extra love and care before going to bed. Soak your feet for about 10 minutes in water and scrub the heels. Apply a heavy moisturizer or petroleum jelly and slip on a pair of thin cotton socks at bedtime to let the moisturizer soak in.

If you’re prone to cracked heels, wear well fitted, cushioned and closed shoes. Wash your feet every day, trim your toenails and get a pedicure once a month or so.