Cracked heels are a very common
problem and can range in severity from a cosmetic issue to a painful problem. Cracked
feet, also known as heel fissures are a common problem for people of all ages, mostly caused
by lack of moisture.
In addition to dry, thickened
skin, the problem may be accompanied by symptoms like redness, itching,
inflammation and peeling skin. Taking proper precautions right away can
prevent cracks from getting deeper and causing bleeding and pain.
Rosewater and
Glycerin
The combination of glycerin
and rose water makes an effective home treatment for cracked heels.
Glycerin softens the skin, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics. Rose
water adds vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E as well as antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Just mix equal amounts of
glycerin and rose water thoroughly and rub it on your heels and feet daily
before going to bed at night.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another
incredible remedy for dry, cracked feet. It helps moisturize your feet and also
fights fungal and bacterial infections, thanks to its antimicrobial and
antifungal properties.
Before going to sleep, soak
your feet in warm water and scrub with a loofah.
Dry your feet thoroughly and
then apply coconut oil generously on your feet.
Put on a pair of clean, cotton
socks for the night.
The next morning, remove the
socks and wash your feet.
Do this daily for several days
until you are satisfied with the results.
You can also use olive oil in
the same way.
Rice Flour
Exfoliating the skin on your
feet and heels will help remove dead skin, thus preventing cracking and
dryness. Rice flour can be used a part of a homemade exfoliating scrub.
To make the scrub, mix a
handful of ground rice with a few teaspoons of honey and apple cider vinegar.
Stir it until it becomes a thick paste. If the cracking on your heels is
extremely bad, add a tablespoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil.
Soak your feet in warm water
for 10 minutes and then gently scrub them with the rice flour paste.
Repeat the process a few times
a week until you are satisfied with the results.
Honey
Honey is great to moisturize
your feet and has great antibacterial properties.
Mix one cup of honey to half a
bucket of warm water.
Soak your feet for about 15-20
minutes.
Scrub off gently for soft and
supple feet.
Lemons
The acidic property in lemons
can be very effective in softening rough skin that leads to cracking.
Soak your feet for 10 to 15
minutes in warm water with lemon juice added to it. Avoid using very hot water,
which can cause your feet to dry out more.
Scrub your cracked heels using
a pumice stone.
Wash your feet and pat dry with
a towel.
Banana or Banana
and Avocado Foot Mask
Take the pulp of a ripe banana
and apply over cracked parts of the heel and feet. Keep on for about 10 minutes
and wash off.
You can also create a foot mask
at home using a ripe banana and avocado.
Take a ripe banana and half an
avocado, or the flesh of half a coconut (green coconut). Blend everything in a
blender together.
Apply this thick creamy paste
over your heels and feet.
As avocados and coconut are
rich in several essential oils and vitamins and fats, this paste will
help treat cracked heels and keep them soft and moisturized.
Epsom Salt
Epsom facilitates the process
of healing cracked feet as it promotes circulation. Plus, the magnesium in
Epsom salt promotes skin health and draws out toxins.
Add one-half cup of Epsom salt
in a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in it for 10
minutes.
Gently rub your feet
with a pumice stone for a few minutes.
Put your feet back in the Epsom
salt soak for another 10 minutes.
Finally, dry your feet
thoroughly and apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
Repeat daily for two or three
days.
Oatmeal
Take 1 tbsp powdered oatmeal
and some jojoba oil to make a thick paste.
Apply this over your feet,
especially well over the heels and any cracked parts.
Leave this on your heels for
about half an hour and rinse off with cold water. Pat dry.
Do this every alternate day to
remove all cracks.