Maddie James
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common and uncomfortable foot condition that can affect anyone. The skin of the heel may become dry, hard, flaky, crusty, and even yellow in colour. While cracked heels are typically mild, they can sometimes lead to pain, itching, or bleeding. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help treat and prevent this condition. One such remedy involves using candle wax to create a balm that can be applied to the affected area. This natural treatment has been passed down through generations and is believed to be an effective way to heal cracked heels and relieve associated symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Paraffin wax, Candle wax, Onion, Oregano oil |
| Method | Heat one cup of paraffin wax on a stove at a very low temperature, add two white wax candles, wait till it melts, take it off the stove and wait till it cools down. |
| Usage | Rub the cream on your hands and feet. Use it at night because of the smell or during the day. |
| Other remedies | Heel balms, Honey, Coconut oil, Moisturizing heel sleeves, Liquid bandage, Super glue |
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What You'll Learn
Melt paraffin wax and candle wax together
To cure cracked heels with melted paraffin wax and candle wax, follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare your ingredients and tools. You will need paraffin wax, candle wax, a slow cooker or pot, a stove, a glass container, and any additional ingredients for your preferred variation of this remedy. Ensure that you use premium-quality paraffin wax and plain white candle wax, as coloured wax may worsen the discomfort from your cracked heels.
Next, begin the process of melting and combining the waxes. If you are using a slow cooker, install a liner and add approximately 3/4 cup of coconut oil, followed by 1/2 cup of paraffin wax. You can also add in a few drops of essential oils like lavender and tea tree for their pleasant scent and therapeutic properties. Turn on the slow cooker to its lowest setting and let the ingredients warm and melt together. Alternatively, if you are using a pot on a stove, heat one cup of paraffin wax at a very low temperature until it is almost boiling. Break two white wax candles into pieces and add them to the melted paraffin, stirring until the candle wax has fully melted.
Once your wax mixture has melted, it's time to transfer it to a glass container for cooling. If you used a slow cooker, simply pour the contents of the liner into your glass container. If you used a pot, remove it from the stove before pouring. Allow the mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature. Your homemade heel balm is now ready for application!
To use your wax-based heel balm, first, make sure your feet are clean and dry. Then, apply the balm generously to your heels and any other affected areas. For best results, wear cotton socks over the balm and leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse your feet with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment for 7 to 10 days to see effective results.
In addition to using your wax-based heel balm, remember to practice good foot care habits. Limit your bath or shower time to 5-10 minutes to prevent excessive drying of the skin. Always blot your feet gently when drying them, and choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Moisturize your feet regularly, especially within 5 minutes of bathing, to lock in moisture. With consistent care and the help of your homemade wax remedy, your cracked heels should start to improve.
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Soak feet in lukewarm water
Soaking your feet in lukewarm water is an effective way to treat cracked heels. This method helps to hydrate the skin, which is crucial because cracked heels are caused by dry and thickened skin.
To start, fill a basin or tub with lukewarm water and soak your feet for up to 20 minutes. Avoid using water that is too hot, as this can further dry out the skin. Instead, opt for a comfortable temperature that will help soften the hard, thick skin on your heels.
After soaking, gently dry your feet with a towel. Be careful not to scrub your feet when they are dry, as this can irritate the skin. Instead, use a soft towel to pat them dry.
Once your feet are clean and dry, you can apply a moisturiser of your choice. Look for thick moisturisers or heel balms that contain ingredients like urea, alpha-hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and promote skin healing.
For best results, consider wearing cotton socks after moisturising. This helps to trap the moisture and prevent it from rubbing off, allowing the product to penetrate and soften your heels.
In addition to soaking and moisturising, you can also use exfoliating tools like a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove any remaining hard, thick skin. This step should be done carefully and gently to avoid causing further irritation or damage to the skin.
By combining regular soaking, moisturising, and gentle exfoliation, you can effectively treat and prevent cracked heels. Remember to be consistent with your foot care routine and always consult a healthcare professional if your condition does not improve or worsens.
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Exfoliate with a pumice stone
Exfoliating with a pumice stone is an effective way to cure cracked heels. This method is particularly useful for removing hard, thick skin, which is often the cause of cracked heels.
To begin the process, fill a basin or tub with lukewarm water and soak your feet for around 20 minutes. The warm water will help to soften the hard skin, making it easier to exfoliate.
After soaking your feet, gently scrub the affected areas with a pumice stone. Use gentle, circular motions to slough away the dead skin cells and smooth the rough patches. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, especially if your heels are already painful or bleeding.
Once you have finished exfoliating, rinse your feet with clean water and gently pat them dry with a soft towel. It is important to be gentle at this stage, as excessive rubbing can irritate the skin and undo the exfoliation process.
Finally, apply a thick layer of moisturizer to your heels. Look for moisturizing creams that contain urea, alpha-hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid, as these ingredients are particularly effective for hydrating and repairing dry, cracked skin. You can also use natural remedies such as coconut oil, honey, or shea butter, which are known for their moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
For best results, wear cotton socks after moisturizing to help lock in the moisture and prevent further dryness.
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Apply a heel balm
Applying a heel balm is a popular way to treat cracked heels. The first step is to soak your feet in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes. You can add a foot soak, or use therapeutic oils and vitamins to help treat your dry skin. After soaking, gently pat your feet dry.
Next, exfoliate your feet with a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin. This helps to prevent the formation of cracks in the skin. Once your feet are dry and exfoliated, you can apply a thick layer of heel balm to the affected area. Heel balms are designed to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dead skin. Look for balms that contain ingredients like lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin, or ceramides.
After applying the balm, you can put on cotton socks to help with absorption and prevent the balm from rubbing off. This is especially important to do at night, as it will keep your feet from drying out during sleep. You can also apply petroleum jelly over the balm to further lock in moisture.
Some heel balms may cause minor stinging or irritation, which is normal. However, if the irritation persists or becomes severe, consult your doctor. For severe cases of cracked heels, a prescription-strength balm or steroid cream may be necessary to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
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Wear socks to lock in moisture
While there are many home remedies for treating cracked heels, wearing socks is an important part of the healing process. After exfoliating and moisturising your feet, it is recommended to put on socks to avoid spreading any grease around and to lock in moisture. This is especially important to do at night after you've moisturised your feet, as it is thought to keep feet from drying out during the night, allowing the product to do its job.
Cotton socks are the best option, as they are more breathable and comfortable. You can also buy moisturising heel sleeves, which are similar to socks but contain therapeutic oils and vitamins to help treat dry skin.
If you've used a home remedy such as paraffin wax and candle wax, you should also wear socks to avoid getting wax on other surfaces.
If your cracked heels are severe or do not improve with home remedies, talk to a board-certified dermatologist.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle wax, typically from white wax candles, can be melted with paraffin and applied to the hands and feet to help cure dry skin.
Heat one cup of paraffin in a pot on the stove at a low temperature. Add two white wax candles, broken into pieces, and wait for the wax to melt. Remove the mixture from the stove and wait for it to cool down before applying it to your hands and feet.
Some people may not like the smell of paraffin, so it is recommended to use the mixture at night or during the day when you don't mind the scent. Always wash your hands and feet with normal soap after using the mixture.
Yes, there are several home remedies that can help cure cracked heels, including heel balms, liquid bandages, coconut oil, honey, and moisturizing creams or ointments. It is also important to limit bath times, gently dry your feet, and moisturize within five minutes of bathing.
