8 Remedies for Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can be caused by several different things – from the types of shoes you wear to a specific health condition. Help is closer than you think! Whatever the reason, dry heels can be irritating and painful. If you need relief, you’ll want it quickly.

Preventing the development of sore, hard heels is certainly better than having to deal with a full-blown case. Wearing closed shoes and moisturising your feet regularly will go a long way toward achieving this. However, if you find yourself already in the throes of this bothersome condition, we’ve got some natural remedies case to help sort it out.

Hello, Aloe

Fill a dishpan with lukewarm water and some mild soap. Rub your feet until you can feel the skin soften a bit. Use a towel to pat them dry and then massage some aloe vera gel (either prepared or from a leaf) into the roughest parts of your heels. Repeat this procedure twice more. For best results, do this at night before going to sleep. Cover your feet with aloe, then wear socks to bed.

Cocoa butter up cracked heels

Cocoa butter is one of the richest and most emollient treatments you can find – and it couldn’t be easier to use on your feet. Just apply it liberally every evening before bed so that it can work miracles on your tootsies overnight.

Cast an eye on castor oil

Castor oil is everywhere. It’s used in soaps, perfumes, waxes, inks and…brake fluid. Don’t be alarmed. It’s derived from a safe and humble bean: the castor. Such are its lubricating and moisturising powers, you don’t need loads of it to see the benefits. To help your feet, soak up a generous amount of the oil on a cotton pad and apply to the toughest skin on your feet. Let it penetrate well and – as if by magic – in a short while, you’ll feel soft and smooth. Words of warning: if your skin is so cracked that the skin is raw or open, do not use this oil. If you’re pregnant, avoid using castor-based products. 

Your pal, papaya

Papaya is prized for its exfoliating ability. This means it’s a treat for your feet. Just cut a piece of papaya and blend it into a puree. Put the mashed fruit on cracked skin 3 times a day for 15 minutes. Even if your skin is raw and covered in deeper cracks, you can safely use papaya to repair and restore it to its former glory.

Go bananas

Ripe bananas aren’t just for smoothies and cakes. You can use them as you would papaya. Mash one soft banana into a puree. Spread it liberally to the bottoms of your feet and let it penetrate your heels for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the fruit. Repeat this procedure once a day (preferably at night) until your skin is supple.

Glide into glycerin

Blending rose water with vegetable glycerin will do wonders for sore, dry heels. As one of the best moisturisers available, you’ll find glycerin is an ingredient in many high street moisturisers. Add rose water to the equation and hard skin is history. Mix these two beauties together and use your fingertips to massage into your feet. Leave it to do its thing for 15 minutes, then rinse well with cold water.

Avocado and banana to the rescue

Another superhero duo is fresh avocado and banana. They form a perfect dream cream. Scoop out the flesh of half an avocado and put it in a dish with one small banana. Blend them until they are well incorporated and smooth. Generously rub this mask into your feet and massage gently for a few minutes. Rinse. Repeat every other day until your skin shapes up!

Puttin’ on the pumice

If you’re looking for true elegance and simplicity, you’ll find it in a pumice stone. No matter which remedies you try, this one is a must. Even if you can only manage a monthly pampering for your cracked heels, this is the way to go. Combine a pumice stone with a therapeutic foot bath and you’ll be smiling. Fill a dishpan with warm water (add some aromatherapy oils and mild soap for sheer luxury), stick your feet in and let them rest for a few minutes. Grab your pumice and, using a circular motion, gently rub it on your hard skin. Dead cells will be vanquished! Rinse your feet well, then dry thoroughly. Seal in the moisture with a good cream. Make this a habit as often as possible until your heels are silky smooth.

So, there you have it! We hope these healthy home remedies will have you jumping for joy. Enjoy looking after your body and your body will repay you in kind. Result!