7 home remedies for cracked heel

Some home remedies for cracked heels are exfoliants, such as rice, honey and vinegar scrub, which help remove dead skin cells and the rough skin layer, or moisturizers, such as lemon and patchouli cream, which promote deep hydration of the skin, keeping the skin smooth and supple.

The appearance of cracks in the feet can cause discomfort and affect anyone at any age, and are generally related to the frequent use of sandals or flip-flops, very hot baths, drinking little water during the day or even health problems, such as diabetes, for example.

Therefore, a good way to improve cracked heels is to exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, especially when there are already cracks, and moisturize, which can be done every day. However, if the crack does not improve, you should consult a dermatologist to advise on the most appropriate treatment.

1. Rice, honey and vinegar scrub

The rice, honey and vinegar scrub helps remove dead skin cells in addition to moisturizing the skin. However, the exfoliation should only be used about twice a week, so as not to damage the skin excessively. This homemade exfoliant is perfect to use after a shower and to replace a foot file, for example.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of raw rice blended in a blender;
• 1 spoon of honey;
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar;
• 1 spoon of olive oil.

Preparation mode

Mix all the ingredients until you get a thick paste and then soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes and massage gently with the exfoliant. You can leave the exfoliant on your feet and just remove the excess or wash your feet and apply the homemade moisturizer indicated above, for example.

2. Cornmeal and Peppermint Scrub

Cornmeal and sea salt remove tough skin, peppermint oil is invigorating, and almond oil has moisturizing and nourishing properties.

Ingredients

• 45 g of fine corn flour;
• 1 tablespoon of sea salt;
• 1 teaspoon of almond oil;
• 3 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Preparation mode

Mix everything in a bowl and add warm water to form a consistent paste. Sit down and massage your feet, focusing on the roughest areas. Then wash your feet with warm water and soap.

3. Cornmeal and almond oil scrub

This mixture is ideal for those who have very dry feet and already show some signs of cracking, as it allows the skin to be well hydrated, while the cornmeal removes dead cells, reducing thick skin.

Ingredients

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients and then rub on the feet in circular movements, focusing more on the heels. After exfoliation, you should moisturize your feet very well with a specific foot cream and let it dry naturally to avoid bad smells.

4. Baking soda paste

Paste with baking soda is an excellent home remedy to ensure deep hydration of the foot, eliminating dry skin and putting an end to cracks that may appear on the heel.

Furthermore, the presence of sodium bicarbonate also prevents the emergence of infections and mycoses on the foot, which can arise due to cracks that facilitate the accumulation of various types of microorganisms.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of pork or lamb lard;
• 3 tablespoons of moisturizing cream;
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

Preparation mode

Combine the ingredients in a clean, dry glass jar and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous paste. This mixture can be kept in a glass jar for about 1 month, as long as it is stored in a cool place without direct sunlight. To use, simply apply this mixture to your feet after showering, for example, replacing moisturizing cream.

Lard can be easily found at the butcher’s, however, it can also be replaced with some type of moisturizing oil, such as sweet almond oil or glycerin, for example.

5. Pineapple Moisturizer

Pineapple is a fruit that contains a lot of water, vitamins and antioxidants that are important for nourishing the skin. Thus, it can be used as a homemade solution to hydrate the skin after exfoliation, for example.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of pineapple peel.

Preparation mode

Cut the pineapple, removing all its skin into large strips. After a bath, or after taking a foot bath, for example, place a strip of pineapple skin around your heel and then put on a tight sock so that the pineapple skin doesn’t move and leave it on throughout the night. In the morning, wash your feet with warm water and repeat the procedure for 4 days in a row.

6. Garlic and Corn Oil Moisturizer

A great homemade solution for cracked heels is to apply a homemade moisturizing oil prepared with corn oil and garlic. This mixture, in addition to deeply hydrating the skin, due to the oil, also eliminates bacteria that may be drying out the skin even more, due to the properties of garlic.

Ingredients

• 6 sliced ​​garlic cloves;
• Half a glass of corn oil.

Preparation mode

Heat the ingredients in a bain-marie for about 10 minutes, mixing with a wooden spoon. Then, let it cool down and apply the mixture to the cracked heels, twice a day. This solution can be used as a substitute for conventional moisturizing creams.

7. Lemon and patchouli cream

Lemon essential oil softens calluses, while patchouli essential oil treats cracked skin and cocoa butter is great for hydrating and nourishing the skin.

Ingredients

• 60 g of cocoa butter;
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil;
• 5 drops of patchouli essential oil.

Preparation mode

Place the cocoa butter in a pan, heat until it melts and then remove from the heat and add the oils, stirring. Then, place the mixture in a clean, dry bottle and let it cool. Massage your feet with the cream before going to bed. To improve hydration, you can put on a pair of cotton socks before going to bed. See also how to perform the perfect foot hydration ritual.