Cracked heels are a very common problem and can range in severity from a cosmetic issue to a painful problem.
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.
Some of the causes of cracked heels are dry air, lack of moisture, improper foot care, an unhealthy diet, aging, prolonged standing on hard floors and wearing the wrong types of shoes. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, corns and calluses, diabetes and thyroid disease may also contribute to the problem.
There are several home remedies for cracked heels that you can try to resolve the problem.
Here are the top 10 remedies for cracked heels.
Contents
1. Vegetable Oil
A variety of vegetable oils can be used to treat and prevent cracked heels. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or any other hydrogenated vegetable oil will work. For best results, use this remedy before going to bed to allow ample time for the oil to fully penetrate your skin.
- First soak your feet in soapy water and scrub your feet with a pumice stone.
- Wash your feet and then dry them thoroughly
- Apply any vegetable oil liberally on your heels and soles.
- Put on a pair of clean socks and leave them on overnight while you sleep. In the morning, your heels will be noticeably softer.
- Repeat this for a few days until the cracks in your heels are gone completely.
2. 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.
3. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac, also known as margosa leaves or neem, is an effective remedy for your cracked feet, especially when they become itchy and infected. Neem soothes dry, irritated skin and fights infection, thanks to its fungicidal properties.
- Crush a handful of Indian lilac leaves to make a fine paste and add three teaspoons of turmeric powder. Mix it well.
- Apply the paste on the cracks and leave it on for half an hour.
- Wash your feet with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Paraffin Wax
If the condition of the cracks on your heels is really bad and causing a lot of pain, a paraffin wax treatment can provide quick relief. It works as a natural emollient to soften your skin.
- Melt one block of paraffin wax in a double boiler and mix in two tablespoons of mustard oil or coconut oil.
- Allow it to cool until a thin layer forms on the top. Now, dip your feet in the mixture, wait for 5 to 10 seconds and dip again. Do this a few times or until you have several layers of wax built up.
- Cover your feet with a plastic and leave it on for 30 minutes before removing the plastic and peeling off the wax from your skin.
- Repeat the treatment one or two times a week.
Note: Make sure you do not dip your feet in the paraffin wax mixture when it is hot. Do not use this remedy if you are diabetic or have poor circulation.
7. Epsom Salt
If you have cracked heels, it’s important to take extra care to keep your heels well moisturized. You can do this simply with an Epsom salt or a sea salt foot soak. It will also help improve circulation.
- Mix one-half cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water.
- Soak your feet in this solution for 10 minutes.
- Scrub your feet with a pumice stone and again soak in the foot soak for 10 minutes.
- Pat your feet dry and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to lock in the moisture
- For best results, put on a pair of socks to prevent the added moisture from evaporating.
8. Bananas
Ripe bananas are one of the cheapest home remedies for cracked and dry heels, thanks to their moisturizing properties.
- Mash one ripe banana into a smooth paste. Clean your feet thoroughly and apply the banana paste on your heels.
- Let it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so that your skin can absorb the natural nourishment. Wash your feet gently with some warm water and then soak your feet in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Do this daily for a few weeks to restore soft and smooth heels.
9. Honey
Honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent treatment for dry and cracked heels.
- Stir one cup of honey in a foot tub filled with warm water.
- Soak your feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Scrub your feet gently.
- Do this daily or several times a week until you see improvement.
10. Petroleum Jelly
You can use petroleum jelly on dry, rough skin to prevent cracked heels and leave your feet soft and well moisturized.
- Scrub the hard dead skin around your feet after soaking them in warm water and then apply petroleum jelly over the entire heel area. You can also mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in petroleum jelly and then apply.
- Cover your feet with socks so that the petroleum jelly soaks into the skin.
- For best results, do this daily before going to bed.
At the first sign of cracked heels, try these natural treatments to restore soft and smooth skin on your heels. Also, keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and follow a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids.
In case you develop severe cracked feet, or have diabetes or impaired circulation then make sure you consult a podiatrist or doctor.
My mom has used every product in the market but none has worked…thanks for your tips ,hopefuly they’ll work for her..thanks!
Have she try castor oil?
Use T-gel shampoo (the kind for severe scalp dryness) and a pumice stone everyday until they are smooth. Apply coconut oil after shower and wear socks.
Dear sir/Madam
It is useful remedies which is useful to us which we can do it at home.
Thanks
RAMYA
All the tips are very usefull and easy to try at home. Thanks for the tips
All the tips r very easy & thanks it helped me to give my grand mom get ride of her cracked heel
I had very bad heel cracks and your tips have really worked. My heart-felt profuse thanks to you. Please keep spreading your knowledge for the benefit of all like me. May God’s choicest blessings be showered on you.
Gud tips.. I will try that one:)
very nice tips .these are very helpful and beneficial
These are very useful tips. I find the banana one very amusing yet helpful
Thanksssss a ton…this remedies really worked alottt
I have tried petroleum jelly its too good, keep giving some more tips .
Thanks
these r really good remedies to treat at home, actually we can do it easily instead of going to a spa everytime our heels get cracked..
Very useful tips indeed.
One small tip from my side,after applying oil to your feet ,wrap with cling wrapper or plastic cover and then wear socks.
these remedies R realy easy and I used dem fo my mom’s cracked heel!! Tnks alot!!:)
I haven’t try any of your remedies yet, but they all sound great. Thanks!!!!!!
Linda, and everybody- listen here! I have tried these things as suggested and I can be telling you, my feet are so soft, I feel like new lady! My husband even gives me the tickle, likes the subtle coconut oil banana scents! Do try it! You have nothing to loose but the banana! Thank you so much!
These are very useful .Thanks
THIS IS VERY NICE MY WANTS TO TRY ALL THESE FOR HER HEELS AND AS I’VE A SKIN CARE PAGE I ALSO HAD GIVEN THESE REMEDIES ON MY PAGE 🙂
Those r great remedies indeed…i hope one of them is gonna work 4 my badly cracked heels…once again m gona start wth the banana:D
I soaked my feet for 20 minute a day for 2 weeks in vinegar and used a fine grater to remove the dry skin. I then put lotion on my feet with socks and my feet looks great. I no longer have any cracks on my heel.
What sort of lotion did you use after soaking feet in vinegar
use nivea lotion
thanks a lot, best remedies i beleave i gonna try today
Petroleum jelly with sofradex works better & gives wonderful results
Im.so glad i found this site Im.gonna try them HOPEFULLY IT will work thanks
We are trying the olive oil and saran wrap as we speak … all seem very great
wow these tips realy are useful. I have tried almost all crackd heels related products but nothing worked. Tnx 2 ur tips now my heels r as soft as a feather. I followed the petroleum jelly method, cheap but effective. I started 2 c results da morning afta my 1st application. Try it out guys! Tnx 4 da tips, we wld laq sum tips on growing long hair at home fast
Folic acid works wonders and trimming every 5 weeks
idnt try yet .athough i think all tips must work.thanks alot
I have a very bad cracked feet and toes,i just this will work for me. Am gonna try it this nite.
I went to a foot doctor a few months ago with heels that were so cracked she said if I had come in when they were fresh she would have stitched them. She told me to get 100% African Shea butter.you can buy it at Rainbow blossom but it is pricey. I ordered it online at Cleopatras Choice for $12.00 a pound. My heels were crack free for the first time in years within 2-3 weeks. It’s amazing! I have tried everything for years and this is the first success I have had.
how long have you suffered this problem?? I have hyperkeratosis since birth and have tried everything in vain. any tips for that?
hey Judy,i was just wondering if you wear a socks after applying the African Shea butter????
Vaseline/Patrolleium Jelly does not work for me. If anything, its makes my cracked feet more irritable.
I’ve used a pumice stone and moisturizing lotion for two years now. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I found soaking my feet in warm bathwater with a little bit of head and shoulders helps loosen some of the dead skin. Love to ideas, thinking about trying the warm water and lemon juice thing. If there’s anything more you’d like to give me let me know. Thanks.
REGARDS
These tips are wonderful tried & got rid of cracked heels . Thanks for these easy , economic and reliable useful tips . Blessings be showering on all of you.
Thank you for all the ideas! What works best for me is to put bag balm on my feet at night then socks, they feel as soft as a new baby!
thanks for ideas
Very helpful tips u gv…all tips are vry easy to make at home…thank u so much
Will try this treatment for cracked heels, thanks!
Wonderful guidance………. Very very thanks…….
I use Gold Bond Ultimate healing with Aloe lotion at night with socks and morning before I put my shoes on. It is Awesome for cracked and rough feet!!!
Thnx a lot
I tried everything for years with no help. Finally I tried zinc oxide with great results. One can find it over the counter at any pharmacy. Once I started experiencing good results my husband mentioned that it’s what he uses on his cow’s hooves too. Maybe he could have mentioned this a few years ago, to save me a few years of aggravation and pain. Anyway, zinc oxide is also found in Balmex baby butt ointment. That’s what I started with, then switched over to the pure stuff. Either will work. I hope this helps someone else who has suffered as much as I have.
Awesum tips on all foot home Remedies..thanx will definitely pass on to my freind who suffers extremely..”God Bless”
Waxes and heavy oils actually smother the skin cells causing them to die instead of moisturising your heels and so you need to keep exfoliating the dead skin and the crack will never heal completely. Hydrogenated oils have been heated to very high temperatures, destroying their medicinal and healing properties. Use cold pressed avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, they are easily absorbed into you skin, are very moisturisising and are highly beneficial packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids.. omega rich and within a week or two your cracks will be gone.
Very effective i think vil start 2day onwards …thanx
Thanks for this tips.. it’s very beneficial to us especially the working moms. I tried products before but it does not work. God bless!
Thanks for the tips, am gonna try immediately and I know its gonna work cos they r all natural things from God
I use desitin maximum strength diaper rash cream then socks at bedtime. 40% zinc oxide. And my feet were awful. I just randomly tried it because they hurt so bad in the middle of night. Great stuff;!
Thank you very much for giving home remedies for toothache .
Useful tips thanx
thank u very much l couldnt put on open shoes becoz of the cracks l had on my heels l used lemon n l juz two days the cracks were gone. thank u may God bls u
Thnx alot 4 th tips,tried them out n’ they rily workd.
Thanks for advice
Get a 1/4 sheet Palm sander and use 220 grit sand paper. Smoth and rub your favorite moisturizing lotion, works great
All the tips which u r given is very easy and very useful….thanks for this remedies
In an attempt to help my wife to have “happy feet”, I’m trying out one the these recipes. They are very easy to follow. Will post soon for the results.
it is really do good work , thanks for this
thanks yr for this
Yes this worked. I used pure coconut oil from da kitchen.
Da heels eis good in 1 and half weeks.
So thanks much.
I have not tried it but it seems like it will work !!!!!
Blue listerine vinegar hot water soak feet 15 minutes than wipe with rag
I was suffering from cracking heels for a long time. But applying this lemon tips I came out this problem and now I don’t feel like hesitation. Before this I was having hard time to fast recovering..really thanxxxx
very thanks to this tips
Hi everyone
I always have had heel crack problems.Recently someone shared a home remedy formula that worked for me so I thought it would be a good idea to share it so others benefit from it too. Hope so…
The formula is:
2 spoons of pure vaseline
1 table spoon of olive oil (organic)
1 table spoon of honey as well organic
1 yolk of an organic egg
Mix them well and keep it on the fridge
Apply on your heel any time after shower or night time before going to bed
What helped a bit too was as well loosing some weight
Extra kg apply extra presure on your heels and that makes them crack
Hope it works for you as it worked for me
Sir/Mam,
The above given tips are really easy to do in home. Thank you for giving these tips and undoubtedly its very useful for us.
..realise after I shouldn’t when I’m walking on tiptoe in pain. Cracked feet are a bind and we continually search for things to improve them so these sites are useful.
I am suffering from severe cracks from 5 years. I tried so many medicines but still suffering. Your tips are easy to use I will try it. Hopefully it does the job…
very good & easy tips to follow at home. i like it & i will surely follow it. thanx.
Great tips.I’m going to try them.
I’v been sufering from severe crack but since i trie ur tips it realy work 4 me. Thank u God bless u
Thnks a lot …. I hav tried with olive oil.. and it really worked …
I have had dry heels for 10 years I use a pumice stone to keep them in check. All of these remedies sound very interesting and I’m going to try the olive oil right now! I will come back in a couple days and post how it went.
Has anyone tried vicks vapor rub I have been using it for years there is menthol in the rub that acts also as a germ killer.
I have suffered with dry cracked heels and dry feet. I have soaked, scraped, rubbed, etc and have had only minimal success. I am going to try all until I find a keeper.
My husband started going for morning walks and his heals became fine
very effective tips thank u so much
I have tried every thing for years nothin works my heels are so bad right now can’t hardly walk on them I’m gonna try your home remindy I hope they thank you very much
I used sunflower seed following the steps above n it worked very well
I hope this works for my mom’s heels, they are very dry, she has tried a lot of products, but I think they don’t work.I hope these remedies work.
I hope this works for my mom’s heels, I think it might work