Having cracked heels is a common problem, especially in winter. Apart for dry, thickened skin, this skin problem may show some common symptoms like redness, inflammation, itching, as well as peeling skin. In this article, I want to show you some of the best ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight.
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How To Heal Cracked Heels – Top 24 Natural Ways To Apply At Home For Everyone
In this article, I will show you some of the best ways that can help you get rid of cracked heels at home. So, if you want to know how to reduce the symptoms of cracked heels, read on this article to discover causes and symptoms of this common skin condition and then try to apply one or more of these home remedies for good.
CONTENTS
I. Causes And Symptoms Of Cracked Heals
Some of the common reasons for cracked heels include:
- Dry air and lack of moisture
- An unhealthy diet
- Improper foot care
- Aging
- Overexposure to pollution
- Wearing wrong types of shoes
- Standing on hard floors for a long time
- Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disease and diabetes
One of the early symptoms of cracked heels is the formation of thick and discolored callus tissue that can lead to pain with daily activities like running or walking. If untreated, you can notice small or deep breaks that can cause bleeding and even an infection. The skin around your heels can begin to become severely inflamed or redden.
Read on How to Get Rid of Itchy Skin Rash on Body – 20 Tips to discover some of the best ways that can help you deal with itchy skin rash effectively.
II. Natural Treatments For Cracked Heels
There are a few natural treatments for cracked heels that you should try to reduce the symptoms of cracked heels effectively. Try these natural treatments to help you restore smooth and soft skin on your heels.
1. Indian Lilac
Using Indian lilac or neem is a great way on how to heal cracked heels in winter that you should try, especially when your cracked heels become itchy and infected. This herb can soothe irritated skin and help to fight infection due to its fungicidal properties.
Directions:
- Crush some Indian lilac leaves to create a fine paste.
- Add 3 tsp. of turmeric powder to this paste and then mix it well.
- After that, apply this paste on your cracked heels and wait for 30 minutes.
- Finally, wash it off with warm water before drying it using a clean cloth.
List of 14 Ways On How To Take Care Of Sensitive Skin For Men And Women will show you some of the best ways that can help you take care of your sensitive skin for both males and females, so check it out!
2. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils can be used to prevent and heal your cracked heels. Sesame oil, olive oil and coconut oil will be helpful. To get the best results, you can use this home remedy daily before going to sleep.
- At first, soak your cracked heels and feet in soapy water and then scrub them with a pumice stone.
- Wash them off and then pat them dry
- Then, apply any of these vegetable oils on your cracked heels and feet.
- Wear a pair of clean socks and let it sit on overnight. The next morning, your heels will become softer.
- Repeat this process for several days until you have an improvement.
If you want to know best ways to use extra virgin olive oil for acne-prone skin, read on 19 Ways On How To Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Acne Skin
3. Lemons
When it comes to ways on how to heal cracked heels in winter, you should not skip out lemons. The acidic properties found in lemons can help you soften your rough skin.
Directions:
- Soak your cracked heels and feet for about 10- 15 minutes in lukewarm water with some lemon juice added.
- Scrub your cracked heels and feet with the help of a pumice stone.
- Finally, wash them off and pat them dry with a clean towel.
To know some of the best juice recipes that you can make with ease at home, read on List of 25 Best Healthy Juice Recipes to Make at Home
4. Epsom Salt
If you have dry and cracked heels, you should keep your heels and feet moisturized. And you can use Epsom salt to soothe cracked heels and improve blood circulation.
Directions:
- Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a foot tub packed with lukewarm water.
- Then, soak your cracked heels and feet in this solution for about 10 minutes.
- Use a pumice stone to scrub your feet and then soak your feet in the foot soak for about 10 minutes.
- Next, pat your feet dry before applying some petroleum jelly or foot cream in order to lock in the moisture
- Finally, wear a pair of socks to prevent the evaporation of moisture.
Read More: 32 Best Ways On How To Remove Dead Skin Cells Naturally
5. Rice Flour
Exfoliating the skin on the heels and feet can help clean out dead skin, thus preventing dryness and cracking. Therefore, you can use rice flour as a natural exfoliating scrub. Actually, this is one of the best ways on how to heal cracked heels in winter that you should add to your body skin care routine.
Directions:
- Mix some ground rice with a few tsp. of apple cider vinegar and honey.
- Stir it well until you get a thick paste. If required, you can add 1 tbsp. of sweet almond oil or olive oil.
- Then, soak your cracked heels and feet in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes before using the rice flour paste to gently scrub your feet.
- Repeat this process several times a week for the best results.
See More: 35 Best Ways On How To Exfoliate Skin Naturally At Home
6. Banana And Avocado
Avocados are rich in essential vitamins, oils and fats that can help heal dry skin while banana works as a natural moisturizer, making your skin smoother and softer. Therefore, the combination of banana and avocado can be a great way on how to heal cracked heels in winter.
Directions:
- Blend a ripe banana and 1/2 avocado to get a thick, creamy paste.
- Apply this paste over your cracked heels and feet.
- Leave it on for 15- 20 minutes before washing them off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this home remedy daily until your heels become soft.
Read More: 19 Ways On How To Use Avocado For Acne Skin And Scars
7. Coconut Oil
According to a study about how to deal with dry skin using coconut oil [1], this oil can hydrate your dry skin and also clean out dead skin cells. Besides, this oil can penetrate to the deeper skin layers and nourish them naturally. Actually, this is known as one of the best ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight this winter for you.
Directions:
- Apply 2 tbsp. of coconut oil on your feet.
- Put on a pair of socks and leave it on for overnight.
- Then, take a shower in the morning.
- Repeat this remedy for several days to get soft and smooth feet.
See More: Top 34 Tips On How To Improve Skin Naturally With Oils
8. Paraffin Wax
If your cracked heels are associated with a lot of pain, you can consider using a paraffin wax treatment to get a quick relief. Actually, it acts as a natural way to soften your skin. To use paraffin wax, follow the instructions below:
Directions:
- Melt a paraffin wax and mix it in 2 tbsp. of coconut oil or mustard oil.
- Let it cool down until there is a thin layer on the top.
- Then, soak your cracked heels and feet in this mixture. Wait for 10 seconds before soaking them again.
- After that, cover your feet using a plastic and wait for half an hour.
- Remove the plastic and then peel off the wax from the skin.
- Repeat this home remedy once or twice a week.
- Note: Do not soak your cracked heels and feet in hot paraffin wax mixture. Also, do not use this home remedy if you have poor circulation or diabetes.
9. Rosewater And Glycerin
The mixture of rose water and glycerin is a great way on how to heal cracked heels in winter. Actually, glycerin can soften the skin while rose water can add many essential vitamins, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties to your skin. Simply, mix glycerin and rose water in a ratio 1:1 and then apply it on your cracked heels daily. It is best to apply before going to sleep at night. The next morning, wash them off with warm water.
Alternatively, you can mix 1 tbsp. of salt, 2 tbsp. of glycerin, ½ cup of fresh lemon juice and 2 tsp. of rose water in some warm water. Then, soak your feet in this solution for about 15-20 minutes. Use a pumice stone to scrub your heels. However, as lemon juice can cause skin irritation and dryness, you should do a patch test before try out this remedy.
10. Bananas
Using bananas is one of the greatest ways on how to heal cracked heels in winter due to their moisturizing properties. If you want to use bananas to help you get rid of cracked heels, take the following steps:
Directions:
- At first, clean your heels and feet thoroughly
- Then, mash a ripe banana to get a smooth paste and rub the banana paste on your cracked heels.
- Leave it on for 10- 15 minutes so that the skin can absorb all of their moisturizing properties.
- After that, wash your feet with some lukewarm water before soaking your feet in cold water for about 5- 10 minutes.
- Repeat this home remedy daily for several weeks for the best results.
11. Petroleum Jelly
You can consider using petroleum jelly on rough and cracked heels to make your feet soft and moisturized. Here is the instructions for you:
Directions:
- Soak your feet in lukewarm water and then remove the dead skin cells around your feet.
- Next, apply some petroleum jelly over your heel area. For a better result, you can add1 tsp. of lemon juice to petroleum jelly and then use this mixture.
- Wear a pair of socks so that petroleum jelly can penetrate your skin.
- Do this home remedy on a daily basis before going to sleep.
There are other great ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight in winter in this article for you to discover and make use at home. So, you should keep reading this article and then try to apply one or more of these home remedies at home.
12. Vaseline And Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has acidic properties while Vaseline has moisturizing properties. Therefore, the combination of Vaseline and lemon juice can help you heal dry and cracked heels and feet.
Directions:
- Soak your cracked heels and feet in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse them off and then pat them dry.
- Then, mix 1 tsp. of Vaseline and 4- 5 drops of lemon juice and apply this mixture over your cracked heels until it is completely absorbed into the skin.
- Put on a pair of socks and leave it on overnight.
- Wash them off the next morning
- Repeat this remedy regularly before going to sleep.
13. Oatmeal
According to a research about oatmeal [2], this ingredient contains moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties so you can use this ingredient to remove dead skin cells and simultaneously soften the skin.
Directions:
- Mix 1 tbsp. of oatmeal powder and 4- 5 drops of olive oil to create a thick paste.
- Apply this paste over your feet, especially over your cracked heels.
- Let it to sit on for about 30 minutes.
- Finally, rinse it off with cold water before patting it dry.
- Repeat this home remedy every alternate day until your cracked heels go away.
14. Baking Soda
When it comes to ways on how to heal cracked heels, you should try using baking soda. Actually, baking soda is well known for its ability to remove dead skin cells. Also, it can soothe the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Directions:
- Fill 2/3 of your foot basin with warm water and mix in 3 tbsp. of baking soda.
- Mix it well until baking soda completely dissolves in the water.
- Then, soak your feet in this basin for about 10- 15 minutes.
- Remove your feet from and gently scrub it with a pumice stone.
- Finally, rinse it off with clean water.
- Do this home remedy twice a week.
15. Honey
Honey contains antibacterial and moisturizing properties, making it one of the best ways on how to heal cracked heels in winter for you to apply.
Directions:
- Add one cup of honey to a foot tub packed with lukewarm water.
- Soak your cracked heels and feet in this solution for about 15- 20 minutes.
- Then, gently scrub your feet.
- For the best results, do this process daily or a few times a week.
16. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can soothe dry and cracked heels and according to a study [3], aloe vera can help increase the collagen synthesis. Actually, the amino acids found in aloe vera are responsible for its effects.
Directions:
- Soak your cracked heels and feet in warm water for several minutes.
- Pat them dry and then apply aloe vera gel on your affected areas
- Put on a pair of socks and leave it on for overnight.
- Repeat this remedy daily before going to sleep for 4- 5 days.
17. Pumice Stone
The pumice stone has a rough surface that can easily remove the dead skin cells, leaving the soft skin of your feet. Actually, this is one of the most effective ways on how to heal cracked heels that you should include in your skin care routine.
Directions:
- Soak your feet in lukewarm water for about 10- 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub your feet by using a pumice stone
- Rinse it off with clean water and pat it dry.
- Then, moisturize your feet with a cream or lotion.
- Repeat this home remedy once per day.
- Note: Avoid scrubbing your skin too harshly because the pumice stone can damage the healthy skin layers.
18. Shea Butter
Shea butter is known as a natural moisturizer that can help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Moreover, it also contains healing properties that help improve some skin conditions associated with dryness. So, it can also be known as one of the best ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight that you can make use effectively this winter.
Directions:
- Apply 1-2 tbsp. of pure shea butter on your feet.
- Gently massage them for 1- 2 minutes.
- Put on a pair of socks and leave it on for overnight.
- Repeat this home remedy for several nights for the best result.
19. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another great way on how to heal cracked heels in winter that you should try! Actually, it contains nourishing properties that can make your skin around your heels supple and soft.
Directions:
- Apply 1 tbsp. of olive oil on your cracked heels by using a cotton ball
- Gently, massage your feet in circular motions for about 10-15 minutes.
- Put on a pair of cotton socks and leave it on for an hour.
- Finally, wash it off with clean water.
- Repeat this home remedy every day.
20. Sesame Oil
According to a study about properties of sesame oil [4], this oil is rich in nourishing and moisturizing properties. Therefore, it can help soothe and soften dry and cracked feet naturally and effectively.
Directions:
- Apply 4- 5 drops of sesame oil on your cracked heels.
- Gently massage it until the sesame oil is absorbed by your skin
- Repeat this home remedy daily before you go to sleep.
Actually, using sesame oil is known as one of the most effective ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight this winter that you should try out!
21. Listerine
Listerine can help to soften your hardened dead skin around your heels and make it easier to be removed. Actually, listerine is an antiseptic and it soothes the skin thanks to its phytochemicals such as menthol and thymol.
Directions:
- Mix 1 cup of Listerine and 1 cup of white vinegar in 2 cups of warm water
- Soak your feet in a foot basin with this liquid for about 10-15 minutes.
- Then, remove your feet from the soak and scrub your skin to slough off dead skin cells with a pumice stone.
- Rinse it off with water, pat it dry, and then moisturize as normal.
- Repeat this home remedy daily for 3-4 days until you get your desired result.
Do you want to know other effective ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight in winter? If your answer is “yes”, keep reading this interesting article and then consider applying one or more of these home remedies as soon as possible.
22. Apple Cider Vinegar
Other great ways on how to heal cracked heels that you should know must include apple cider vinegar. The mild acids found in apple cider vinegar can soften your dry and cracked skin areas, making it easier to exfoliate. After exfoliating, your fresh and healthy skin will be revealed.
Directions:
- Fill your foot basin with 3-4 cups of warm water.
- Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to the basin and then mix it well.
- Soak your feet in this basin for 15 minutes and then scrub them to remove dead skin cells
- Repeat this home remedy about 3-4 times a week
23. Tea Tree Oil
This is another one among the most effective ways on how to heal cracked heels overnight in winter that you should not look down, yet try using for good. Tea tree oil can clean and condition your skin, making it softer after using.
Directions:
- Mix 5- 6 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tbsp. of olive oil or coconut oil together.
- Apply his mixture on your cracked heels and feet
- Then, massage it for 1-2 minutes.
- Wear a pair of socks and let it sit on overnight
- Repeat this home remedy daily before going to sleep until you achieve your desired result.
- Note: Avoid using tea tree oil directly because it can result in rashes.
24. Vitamin E Oil
This is the last but very important one on the list of ways on how to heal cracked heels that I want to mention in this article and want all of my readers to apply as soon as possible, especially those who are suffering from the pain caused by cracked heals. The oil from vitamin E [5] can nourish and hydrate your dry and cracked heels, making it smoother and softer.
Directions:
- Take the oil from 3- 4 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply this oil on your cracked heels and gently massage it for 1- 2 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a day.
With the application of home remedies mentioned above, it may take you about 7-14 days to see the signs of healing. There are a few ways to boost up the healing process such as keeping your feet moisturized, relaxing your feet, not exposing them to pollution and treating medical conditions. But, if you develop severe cracked heels and feet, or have impaired blood circulation or diabetes, remember to consult a doctor
After knowing how to heal cracked heels overnight, I hope that all of my readers of Healthy Guide can try out one or more of these natural remedies for your cracked heels and see the improvement. If you know other great ways on how to heal cracked heels at home, share with us by leaving your comments below.
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