One of the most common problems of the feet is undoubtedly our cracked heels. Children and adults both suffer from this scary issue, as cracked feet can lead to a lot of pain, may bleed and cause trouble to the ones suffering from the same. In addition, they are ugly and unattractive to look at, and people can see them when you are wearing shoes that do not cover your heels.
What causes cracked heels?
Some of the reasons why your heels crack are:
- When you don’t keep your feet moisturized
- Cold winter conditions
- When your shoes are ill-fitting
- When you don’t drink enough water
- When there is a deficiency of minerals and vitamins in your body
- When you wear footwear that have open backs
- Scrubbing your dry feet
The good news however, is that healing cracked heels is not that difficult and you can do it by following some simple home remedies only
Follow these tips
Vegetable oil at your rescue
Firstly, clean your feet with warm water and towel dry them. Then take some vegetable oil and apply on your cracked feet. Leave it overnight and do not forget to wear thick socks to keep your feet covered while you sleep. Wake up the next morning and wash it off. Do this everyday before dozing off. The hydrogenated vegetable oil loaded with fats keeps your feet’s skin nourished and well hydrated, thus preventing cracks.
Some coconut oil
Coconut oil helps to heal dry skin by removing dead cells thanks to its hydrating and moisturizing properties. Massage your cracked heels with coconut oil, and wear socks before sleeping at night. Do this everyday for effective results.
The glycerin and rosewater mix
Take equal amounts of both the ingredients, and gently rub it on your cracked heels. Do this daily before you go to bed every night. Glycerin is one of the main ingredients in cosmetics due to its moisturizing properties, whereas rosewater is loaded with vitamins and has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties, which helps to heal your feet.
The vaseline and lemon trick
You need warm water, 4 to 5 drops of lemon juice and a tablespoon of Vaseline for this. Keep your feet soaked for about fifteen minutes in warm water, and then pat it dry. In a bowl, mix the Vaseline and lemon juice, and then apply it on the cracks of your feet till your skin absorbs the mixture. Wear woolen socks and leave it overnight. Go to sleep, and then next morning, wash off your feet. The lemon has acidic properties and oxidants that help to relieve you of pain and the moisturizing properties of Vaseline make your feet soft and supple.
Jojoba oil with oatmeal
Take 2 tablespoons of oatmeal powder and add a tablespoon of jojoba oil to it. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly, and make a thick paste out of it. Apply this on your feet, and let it sit and dry for at least half an hour. Wash it off with lukewarm water, and towel dry it then. Follow it up by applying a good moisturizer to your feet. Both jojoba oil and oatmeal have good moisturizing power that helps to keep your feet moistened.
The wax and oil mixture
For this, you need a tablespoon of paraffin wax, and 3-4 drops of coconut or mustard oil. Take a pan, melt the wax and mix it with the oil. Let it cool till it comes down to room temperature. Apply this on your cracked heels. Paraffin wax has emollient properties that makes your skin soft and tender. For best results, you should do this at least twice a week before dozing off to sleep at night.
The vinegar touch
Vinegar has acetic acid that helps to make your skin soft by acting as a natural exfoliator. Add olive oil or any other moisturizing oil to a bucket of water and pour one-fourth cup of vinegar to it. Soak your feet on it for at least 15 minutes, and use a pumice stone to scrub your wet feet. Let it dry naturally later.
Olive oil will do it all
Olive oil has antioxidants and moisturizing properties that keeps your feet well-nourished and soft. Simply dab olive oil on a cotton ball, apply it on your cracked feet, and then give yourself a nice and light foot massage. Wear socks to keep your feet covered for about an hour, and then wash off your feet with warm water.
The magical neem
Neem is known for its medicinal value, owing to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Make a thick paste by crushing neem leaves, and add some turmeric powder to it if you want to. Apply this on the cracks, and leave it for at least an hour before washing it off.
Save on unnecessary cost, and start your feet care routine at the comforts of your home, now!
