Heal The Heels Naturally With These 12 Effective Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Heel fissures or cracked heels are yet another widespread foot issue that, besides being aesthetically unpleasing, is also uncomfortable in most cases. Due to dryness, pressure, or neglect, they escalate to form deeper crack lines and even infection. 

It is a common foot ailment that can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if ignored. Thankfully, there are a number of efficient natural treatments that can prevent, treat, and soothe cracked heels. In order to encourage healing, these natural cracked feet remedies emphasise hydrating, exfoliating, and increasing skin suppleness. Home remedies can provide comfort and restore the health of your heels, whether you use basic kitchen materials or incorporate self-care practices like foot soaks and massages. 

Here, you will find a range of easy home remedies for cracked heels and recommended treatments and tips for maintaining healthy feet in the future.

Table Of Contents

1. How To Treat Cracked Heels At Home? 12 Effective Home Remedies

2. What Is The Fastest Way To Heal Cracked Heels? 

3. Dietitian's Recommendation

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

How To Treat Cracked Heels At Home? 12 Effective Home Remedies

The best home remedies for cracked heels are:

1. Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Ghee, a staple in Indian homes, is rich in healthy fats and has deep moisturising properties that help heal dry and cracked skin. It is the best remedy for cracked heels because its moisturising properties deeply nourish the skin, prevent dryness, and accelerate the healing of cracked heels.

How To Use:

• Warm some ghee and massage it generously into your cracked heels before bedtime.
• Cover your feet with socks and leave them overnight.
• Wash off in the morning.
   

2. Neem (Indian Lilac)

In Ayurveda, Neem is famous for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities. It helps prevent infections that might arise from cracked heels and also soothes the skin. Neem's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties promote healing and help protect against infections caused by cracked heels.

How To Use:

• Heat a small amount of neem leaves in water and allow it to cool down. 
• Submerge your feet in the water infused with neem for 15-20 minutes. 
• You can also apply fresh neem paste directly to the cracked areas.

ToneOp Care’s Neem Seed Oil Capsules are nature’s defence formula against skin infections, acne & pigmentation.

3. Turmeric And Milk Paste

Turmeric, frequently referred to as "the golden spice," is famous for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. When mixed with milk, it creates a calming mixture that aids in the healing of the skin. Turmeric’s antiseptic nature helps in healing cracked heels, and milk provides moisturising benefits, making this remedy an effective treatment.

How To Use:

• Combine one teaspoon of turmeric powder with milk to make a paste.
• Apply this paste to the affected areas and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.

ToneOp Care’s Turmeric, Ginger, and Garlic Oil Capsules are nature’s incredible trio for boosting immunity, maintaining blood cholesterol, improving digestion, evening out skin tone, and reducing joint and muscle pain.

Also Read: Discover The Incredible Benefits Of Drinking Turmeric Water Daily!

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular remedies for cracked heels in India. It is an excellent natural moisturiser and helps restore the skin's elasticity. Coconut oil has deep moisturising properties and helps to soften the skin, which prevents further cracking and heals existing fissures.

How To Use:

• Apply pure coconut oil to your heels before bed.
• Massage gently and cover your feet with socks to lock in moisture.
• Wash off the next morning.
   

5. Aloe Vera

In India, aloe vera is frequently used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including cracked heels, due to its calming and restorative qualities. Aloe vera promotes cell regeneration and provides moisture to dry skin, which helps in healing cracked heels.

How To Use:

• Apply fresh aloe vera gel straight on your cracked heels after extracting it from the plant.
• Let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
   

6. Rice Flour Scrub

A mild exfoliator like rice flour can help get rid of dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin. Rice flour helps exfoliate dead skin and reduces thick calluses, while honey and rose water hydrate the skin, preventing dryness.

How To Use:

• Mix rice flour with a little honey and rose water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste to the heels and scrub gently in circular motions for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturise.
   

Also Read: How To Apply Rice Flour On The Face? DIY Masks, Benefits 

7. Salt and Baking Soda Foot Soak

Salt and baking soda are common ingredients in Indian households that work effectively in foot soaks to treat cracked heels. This soak helps soften the skin and remove dead cells. Baking soda helps exfoliate dead skin, while salt has antibacterial properties that keep your feet clean and healthy.

How To Use:

• In a bucket of warm water, mix 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 teaspoons salt. 
• Soak your feet for 20 minutes, then scrub with a pumice stone to exfoliate.
• Apply a moisturiser afterwards.
   

8. Papaya Mask

Rich in vitamins and enzymes, papaya helps soothe and nourish rough, damaged skin. It is a popular remedy for cracked heels in India. Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps remove dead skin and promotes healing, making it ideal for cracked heels.

How To Use:

• Mash a small piece of ripe papaya into a paste.
• Apply it to the cracked areas of your heels and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
• Apply a moisturiser after rinsing with lukewarm water.

9. Castor Oil and Lemon Juice

Castor oil is another excellent remedy for cracked heels due to its high moisturising content. Lemon juice, on the other hand, helps exfoliate dead skin and improve skin texture. Castor oil deeply nourishes the skin, while lemon juice’s acidic properties help exfoliate and prevent infection.

How To Use:

• Combine an equal amount of castor oil with lemon juice. 
• Put the combination on your cracked heels and softly massage. 
• Leave it on for an hour or overnight for best results.
   

10. Rose Water and Glycerin

Rose water and glycerin are two common ingredients in Indian households, and together, they make an effective remedy for cracked heels. Glycerin attracts moisture to the skin, while rose water soothes and hydrates, helping to repair and restore cracked heels.

How To Use:

• In a bucket, combine equal parts glycerin and rose water. 
• Massage the mixture into your heels before bed.
• Leave it on overnight for soft, smooth heels.
   

11. Homemade Foot Balms

You can create your own foot balm using natural ingredients such as beeswax, paraffin, vaseline, coconut oil, and argan oil. 

How To Use:

• Melt two tablespoons of beeswax with three tablespoons of coconut oil.
• For relaxation, add a few drops of essential lavender oil.
• Allow the mixture to cool and solidify.
• Apply to your heels daily.
   

12. Vinegar Foot Soak

A vinegar foot soak can be an effective home remedy for cracked heels due to its antimicrobial properties. These help eliminate bacteria and fungi that can worsen foot conditions. The acetic acid in vinegar softens dry and dead skin, making it easier to exfoliate and promoting healing of cracked heels.

How To Use:

• Add ¼  cup of white vinegar to a basin of warm water.
• Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse and moisturise.

Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Body Scrub, Its Types And Ways To Exfoliate Your Skin! 

What Is The Fastest Way To Heal Cracked Heels?

The fastest way to heal cracked heels involves a combination of hydration, exfoliation, and protection to promote skin regeneration. Here’s the science behind it:

1. Moisturisation

The skin on cracked heels is dry, which leads to cracking. Using thick moisturisers like petroleum jelly, shea butter, or coconut oil creates a barrier that locks in moisture. The moisturiser benefits help restore the skin's elasticity and prevent further dryness. Applying moisturiser before bed and wearing socks overnight enhances absorption and speeds up healing.

2. Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation removes dead skin and calluses that can contribute to cracks. Using a pumice stone or gentle scrub (e.g., with rice flour or baking soda) softens the thickened skin and allows moisturisers to penetrate deeper.

3. Protection

Keeping your feet covered with socks, especially when moisturising, helps prevent additional friction that can worsen cracks. Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes also reduces pressure on the heels, preventing further damage.

4. Hydration

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within, aiding the skin's natural repair processes. Hydration is essential for the healing of cracked heels by preserving the skin's moisture balance and avoiding dryness and brittleness. When your feet are dehydrated, their skin becomes less elastic and more prone to pain and breaking. Maintaining proper hydration keeps the skin supple, smooth, and more resilient to cracks by restoring its natural moisture content.  

Dietitian's Recommendation

As a dietitian, I suggest increasing the consumption of foods that will help nourish the skin and improve the condition of cracked heels, as well as the use of local treatments. Omega 3 fatty acids from sources including ToneOp Care’s Flaxseeds, Flaxseed Oil Capsules, Krill Oil Capsules, Fish Oil Capsules, walnuts, and fatty fish should also be part of your diet to improve skin tone and elasticity. Don’t forget water!

Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E found in almonds, spinach, and avocados help in healing; trace minerals like zinc from ToneOp Care’s Pumpkin Seeds, lentils, and beans help tissues repair themselves. Make it a point to drink a lot of water and herbal teas to help avoid skin dryness. This, if supplemented with proper moisturising and exfoliation, will go a long way in combating cracked heals reliably.
 

                                                                              Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Although cracked heels are uncomfortable and unpleasant to look at, it is possible to moisturise the skin on your feet and attain smooth feet through regular homemade treatments. No matter which strategy you decide to follow, soak, rub or nourish certainly with natural remedies; these tips are easy, efficient, and cheap. 

For people who don’t want more such problems in the future, taking good care of your feet, especially your heels, is essential because the above ways will help you do that if done consistently and properly. Feet certainly should be treated well, and you should take care of your feet and feel the difference between comfortable and healthy heels.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to heal cracked heels?

The healing time for cracked heels depends on the severity of the cracks and the consistency of care. Mild cracks may heal in a few days to a week with proper moisturising, exfoliation, and protection. Deeper cracks may take longer, requiring several weeks of care.

2. Can cracked heels be cured with just moisturisers?

While moisturisers are essential for healing, they alone may not fully address the problem. Combining moisturising with regular exfoliation and protection and avoiding harsh conditions like walking barefoot or wearing ill-fitting shoes can speed up healing.

3. Is it safe to use a pumice stone on cracked heels?

Yes, gently using a pumice stone can help exfoliate dead skin and reduce calluses contributing to cracked heels. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can worsen the cracks or cause injury. Use it after soaking your feet to soften the skin.

4. Can cracked heels lead to infection?

Yes, if left untreated, cracked heels can become deep and open the skin, leading to infection. Bacteria can enter through the cracks, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It’s important to keep your heels moisturised and covered to prevent infection, especially if the cracks are severe.
 

References

• https://www.singlecare.com/blog/home-remedies-for-cracked-heels/
• https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/7-best-and-easy-home-remedies-to-soften-cracked-heels-3682880
• https://zeenews.india.com/health/7-best-home-remedies-for-cracked-heels-2513783
• https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-home-remedies-for-cracked-heels/
   

About ToneOp Care 

ToneOp Care is the ultimate destination for high-quality nutraceutical supplements and ayurvedic products in India! We are proud to offer a significant range of products designed to support your health and well-being, including weight loss, muscle gain, immunity, skin and hair care, and women's health. All our products are manufactured in India using the latest technology and facilities, ensuring the highest quality standards.