Heels can crack when the skin that covers them becomes dry and does not expand as much as it should when walking.
This is a common problem that is especially dangerous for people who are overweight or obese, have vascular insufficiency, or have diabetes.
Also, consistent pressure while walking can cause heels to bleed, which makes it easier for harmful microorganisms that cause disease and infection to get in.
To avoid this, don’t wear shoes that are too high or too narrow, stay hydrated, eat a balanced and healthy diet, don’t take too many hot baths, don’t scratch your heels if they itch, and use insoles to cushion the blows.
But if you already have cracked heels that hurt and bother you, try these home remedies to feel better.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a shrub with a short stem and gray-green triangular leaves with small teeth. Inside the leaves is a shiny gel that can help heal cracked heels.
Several studies have shown that this substance has great anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing, toning, and deep penetrating effects on the skin. This is because it can hold onto water and contains vitamins A and E.
It also has chemicals like acetylsalicylic acid, auxins, and gibberellins that seem to work as painkillers, numbing agents, and healing agents. This makes it a good choice for healing wounds and cracks in the heels.
How to:
To use the healing and protecting properties of aloe vera on cracked heels, you must first soak your feet in warm water and then rub them gently with a pumice stone or loofah to remove any dead skin.
Then wash and dry it well (If your heels are cracked, you should always dry them by tapping them gently. Never rub them, as this can make things worse.)
Put on socks and put a thick layer of aloe vera gel on the heels (preferably cotton but can also be wool).
Leave overnight, then rinse with lukewarm water the next day. Every day or every other day, do this again.
Banana
The banana is not only one of the most popular foods in the world, but it is also a super complete fruit that provides essential nutrients. Many of its protective, moisturizing, and rejuvenating effects on the skin come from these.
Because of this, it is often used as a home remedy for cracked heels because it makes the skin more elastic.
How to:
You can use bananas by making a paste out of them. After soaking the heels in warm water and drying them, apply the preparation and rub it into the cracked heels. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Then wash your feet again with warm water and pat them dry. You can do this process as many times as you want until you see the results you like.
Baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline compound that is also called sodium hydrogen carbonate or baking soda.
Since it can release carbon dioxide when it comes into contact with acids, it became an important part of making soft drinks and cleaning products.
It is also used in medicine because it has anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties that help get rid of dead skin and heal cracked heels.
How to:
Soak your heels in warm water, and when they’re dry, put a mixture of baking soda and oil on them (the proportion is 2 tablespoons well dissolved per cup of warm water).
Then, rub gently with a loofah or pumice stone without letting the mixture dry.
The last step is to rinse with clean, warm water and dry with a towel. Because baking soda has an exfoliating effect, you should only do this two or three times a week at most.
Listerine & vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular dressings, but it is also an important part of many home remedies.
It can help soften rough, dead skin on cracked heels, making it easier to get rid of.
How to:
One cup of Listerine, one cup of white vinegar, and two cups of water should be mixed together. Soak your feet for 15 minutes, then take them out and use a loofah or pumice stone to scrub them. Then wash it with clean water and gently dry it. After this, don’t forget to put a little moisturizer on your skin.
Vaseline & lemon juice
Vaseline is a mixture of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons that is also called petroleum jelly, petroleum jelly, or petrolatum. It is made from a heavy part of petroleum that is refined.
It is often used in skin care, especially to treat dry skin, because of how well it moisturizes. It is also more important than lotions because it doesn’t irritate the skin.
Lemon is a popular food and dressing, but it can also go well with petroleum jelly because its citric acid helps the skin peel and make new cells.
How to:
First, soak your feet in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes to make your heels moist. Then use soft strokes to dry them.
Once you’re ready, mix together two tablespoons of petroleum jelly and ten drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to the damaged areas, cover with wool socks, and let it sit overnight.
You can take it off with warm water the next day. Attempt to do this every day or every other day.
Honey
Bees use the nectar from flowers to make honey, which is a food. It is made up of between 70 and 80% sugar and the rest is made up of water, minerals, proteins, and acids.
It is often put on the face as a mask to soften and renew the skin. But this benefit isn’t just for the face. It can also help heal dry, cracked skin on the heels.
How to:
Add a cup of honey to a large bowl of warm water and stir until the honey is dissolved. When it’s about room temperature, put your feet in it and let it work for 15 to 20 minutes.
You can massage gently to make the effects stronger and help the preparation work better.
Then, you can use a loofah or pumice stone to scrub your wet feet, rinse them again, remove any leftover preparation with warm water, and dry your feet with small strokes.
You can do this process as many times as you want, but it is best to do it before you go to sleep.