When it comes to skincare, we tend to neglect our feet, which results in cracked heels. However, it is a common foot issue that can affect anyone at any age. The cracks can get worse with certain weather or skin conditions. Even sometimes lotions, foot creams and a lavish pedicure could not help with the persistent cracked heels.
If you want to have smooth soles and are looking for some at-home cracked heels treatment options, this blog is perfect for you. Scroll down to understand what causes cracked and rough heels and how to get rid of them.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Having rough heels can be annoying and deter you from wearing your favorite footwear. Sometimes, it can be painful and affect your daily lifestyle. If you’re not sure what’s the reason behind your chapped soles, the following might help you find out:
1. Prolonged Standing
Standing on firm floors for a long time may stretch the heels and also cause constant friction, which may result in cracks and open sores.
2. Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot can accumulate dirt on the foot, which can increase the risk of a cracked foot. Moreover, wearing open-back sandals can also allow fat under the heel to expand and, therefore, increase the possibility of chapped heels.
3. Aging Skin
As your skin ages, it turns thick and dry and loses elasticity. It brings more dryness and makes it rough and scaly, causing flaky heels.
4. Not Exfoliating
Not washing and scrubbing your feet can lead to the accumulation of dead skin cells that make your heels rough and cracked.
5. Dry Skin
Low temperatures, windy weather, and winter can rip off moisture from the air and your skin, making your feet dry, rough, and chapped.
6. Medical Conditions
Various health conditions such as psoriasis, athlete’s foot, and eczema can lead to cracked skin and heels. Diabetes can also lead to painful cracks in feet that are prone to infections.
DIY: Cracked Heels Remedy Options
The affordable solution to heel fissures is available right inside your kitchen. See the list below for effective home remedies for cracked heels:
Honey and Oatmeal Foot Mask
Mix equal parts of honey and oatmeal and apply to the feet as a thick paste. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and wash with warm water. It moisturizes your skin while exfoliating it, making it feel soft and silky.
Avocado and Coconut Oil Foot Mask
You may have used coconut oil for hair, but this non-sticky can also nourish and protect your skin. To use coconut oil for cracked heels, mash one ripe avocado and add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut to the avocado, making a creamy paste. Place this mixture on your feet and leave it to act for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Nourishment and moisturization will be given to the skin, repairing rough heels.
Research Says
| As per a study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, the condition of cracked heels or xerosis can be significantly improved with the use of urea cream (upto 40% concentration). |
Baking Soda Foot Soak
Mix four tablespoons of baking soda in warm water in a basin or foot bath. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes and wash them with warm water. The soaking will be helpful to soften and remove the dead skin on your feet, making it easier to remove the dry and dead skin.
Yogurt and Lemon Juice Foot Cleanse
Yogurt and lemon juice are a combination of ingredients that, when applied on the feet, exfoliate and brighten the skin, which helps heal painful cracks in the heels. Apply yogurt and lemon juice in equal quantities on your feet for 15-20 minutes, then warm water wash.
Effective Tips to Treat Cracked Heels
Take a few extra measures to keep your heels soft and supple. Practice the following tips along with the cracked heels remedy for faster healing of your heels:
- Wear socks with medicated creams and ointments to lock in moisture and soothe the irritation.
- Scrub dead skin cells off of your heels with a pumice stone, so that the moisturizers can get absorbed more effectively..
- Wear comfortable shoes that cover and cushion your feet. This will prevent excess drying and skin friction. .
- Apply hypoallergenic lotions and creams that are highly moisturizing..
- Drink sufficient water to hydrate your skin during hot weather..
- Keep your feet dry, and wash your socks daily..
Conclusion
Cracked and rough heels can happen due to various reasons such as dry and humid weather, health conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis, improper foot care, and uncomfortable shoes. Trying home remedies for cracked heels can hydrate your feet and heal the cracked skin. These include using simple ingredients such as honey, oatmeal, avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, baking soda, and coconut oil for cracked heels. Along with the cracked heels treatment, you can wear protective socks, use hypoallergenic lotions, and exfoliate regularly to improve the condition of your feet.
