Maddie James
Cracked heels are a common foot problem that can occur due to various reasons, including dry weather, wearing unsupportive footwear, or underlying medical conditions. While cracked heels are usually not a cause for concern, they can sometimes lead to discomfort and pain. Several home remedies can be used to treat cracked heels, including the use of balms, exfoliation, and moisturizers. Additionally, natural remedies such as honey, coconut oil, and oregano oil have been known to help. In more severe cases, liquid bandages or even super glue can be used to seal deep cracks and prevent infections. For those who suffer from cracked heels due to a medical condition, it is important to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Paraffin wax, white candle wax, oregano oil |
| Method | Melt paraffin wax and candle wax in a pot, cool the mixture, and apply to hands and feet |
| Other remedies | Honey, Coconut oil, raw shea butter, Onions, balms, exfoliation, Liquid bandage, insoles, tissue glue, antifungal medication, cotton socks, drinking water, moisturizers, pumice stone, orthotics, pressure assessments |
| Causes | Dry skin, genetic factors, lifestyle, health conditions, wearing the wrong shoes, extreme temperatures, harsh soaps, scented skincare products, age, eczema, fungus |
| Prevention | Proper footwear, moisturization, avoiding open-backed shoes and sandals, wearing socks in cold temperatures, using mild soaps, staying hydrated |
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies for cracked heels
Cracked heels are a common foot problem, often caused by dry skin, and can usually be treated with home remedies. However, if you have a severe case of cracked heels, or an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, it is important to see a doctor.
Home remedies
- Moisturise: To treat cracked heels, it is important to keep your feet hydrated. Moisturise your feet several times a day, especially after a shower or bath, as this is the best time to lock in moisture. You can also wear socks after moisturising to prevent the product from rubbing off and to help with absorption. Look for products with lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin, or ceramides. If you are prone to contact allergies, avoid lanolin. For very dry and cracked skin, you may need a thicker moisturiser, such as a high urea-based moisturiser.
- Exfoliate: Before moisturising, use a pumice stone to remove any hard, dead skin that may prevent the moisturiser from absorbing effectively.
- Foot soaks: Set aside time weekly to soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil or a pre-packaged foot soak.
- Liquid bandage: Apply a liquid bandage to seal the wound and prevent infections or further cracking. This can be found over the counter at a drug store or online.
- Honey: Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and can help heal and cleanse wounds. You can use honey as a foot scrub after a soak or apply it as a foot mask overnight.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and can help your skin retain moisture. Apply coconut oil after a foot soak to improve dry skin.
- Paraffin and candle wax: Heat one cup of paraffin in a pot on the stove at a very low temperature. When it is nearly boiling, add pieces of two white wax candles and wait for the wax to melt. Take the mixture off the stove and wait for it to cool down. Use the cream to rub on your feet.
- Onions: Although unconventional, onions have antimicrobial properties. Some people recommend placing slices of onion on the soles of your feet, wrapping them in plastic wrap, and wearing socks overnight.
Preventative measures
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes that provide ample heel support. Avoid open-heel shoes, high heels, tight shoes, sandals, and thongs.
- Drink water: Staying hydrated is vital for skin health. Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.
- Avoid harsh products: Some soaps and scented skincare products can irritate the skin and cause dryness.
- Protect your feet from extreme temperatures: Avoid overexposure to sunlight, remove damp socks or shoes promptly, and wear thick socks in cold temperatures.
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How to prevent cracked heels
While it is common for the skin on your feet to become dry and cracked, there are several ways to prevent cracked heels. Here are some tips to help keep your feet healthy and crack-free:
Choose the right footwear
Your choice of footwear plays a significant role in preventing cracked heels. Opt for closed-toe shoes that provide good heel support, and avoid open-heel shoes, high heels, tight shoes, sandals, and flip-flops. Wearing insoles or heel pads can also help cushion your heels and provide additional support.
Moisturize regularly
Moisturizing your feet is crucial to preventing cracked heels. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer, ointment, or cream (not lotion) several times a day, especially at night before bed. Look for products containing lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin, or ceramides. You can also use natural remedies such as raw honey, shea butter, or paraffin wax mixed with mustard oil. After moisturizing, put on a pair of cotton socks to help lock in the moisture.
Exfoliate and soak your feet
Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin and prevent the build-up of calluses. Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone gently on your feet, especially around the heel area. Soaking your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes once a week can also help soften the skin and prepare it for exfoliation.
Limit bath time and choose gentle cleansers
Long baths or showers can dry out your skin, making cracked heels worse. Limit your bath or shower time to 5-10 minutes, and always use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Blot your skin gently with a soft towel instead of rubbing it vigorously.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, including the skin on your feet. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to dry skin and increase the risk of cracked heels.
See a medical professional if needed
If you have severe cracked heels or if they are caused by a medical condition, it is important to seek professional help. A dermatologist or podiatrist can provide you with specific advice and treatment options to address your cracked heels effectively.
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When to see a doctor
While cracked heels are usually not dangerous, there are some instances where you should seek medical advice.
Firstly, if your heels are severely cracked, you should see a doctor. Deep heel fissures can cause pain and discomfort when walking or going barefoot, and may require a more intensive treatment plan. If your cracks are bleeding, you should seek medical attention to prevent infection and promote healing.
Secondly, if you have an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, it is important to consult a doctor. People with diabetes are more prone to developing cracked heels, and the condition can lead to serious complications. It is recommended that those with diabetes check their feet daily and practice proper foot care to prevent and treat cracked heels.
Additionally, if your cracked heels are caused by another medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, juvenile plantar dermatosis, or Sjögren's syndrome, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor can help you manage the underlying condition and provide guidance on treating your cracked heels.
Furthermore, if you are unsure about how to treat your cracked heels or if home remedies are not providing relief, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist or a doctor specialising in foot and ankle conditions. They can recommend prescription-strength creams, balms, or steroid creams that are more effective than over-the-counter options.
Finally, if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, odour, or leaking cracks, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. An infected crack can lead to a skin infection called cellulitis, which requires prompt treatment.
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Natural remedies for healing
Cracked heels are a common foot problem that can occur in both adults and children, often affecting women more than men. It is usually caused by dry skin and can be prevented by keeping your feet clean and moisturized. Here are some natural remedies for healing cracked heels:
Honey
Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help heal wounds and cleanse the skin. Apply honey as a foot scrub after a foot soak, or use it as a foot mask overnight. Cover your feet with cotton socks to seal in the moisture.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help improve dry skin conditions. It also helps the skin retain moisture. Apply coconut oil after a foot soak to help heal cracked heels and prevent infections.
Paraffin and Candle Wax
Heat a cup of paraffin wax on a stove at a very low temperature. Add pieces of white candle wax and allow it to melt. Remove from the stove and wait for it to cool down. Apply this mixture to your feet and hands, and wash with normal soap afterward. This remedy can be used at night due to the strong smell of paraffin.
Onion
Onions have antimicrobial properties that can help treat cracked heels. Place slices of onion on the soles of your feet, wrap them in plastic wrap, and wear socks overnight. Repeat this process for several nights.
Moisturizers
Use thick moisturizers, such as those containing lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin, or ceramides. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer at night and wear cotton socks to help with absorption. Look for moisturizers with urea, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid to help remove dead skin and improve hydration.
While these natural remedies can be helpful, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have severe cracked heels or an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, eczema, or a fungal infection.
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Using candles to heal cracked heels
Candle wax can be used to heal cracked heels, which is a common foot problem. The condition occurs when dry, thick skin on the bottom of the heels cracks and splits. While in most cases, cracked heels are merely a nuisance, if left untreated, the heel fissures can deepen and become painful and prone to infection.
To treat cracked heels with candle wax, you can follow these steps:
- Heat one cup of paraffin wax in an old pot on the stove at a very low temperature.
- Just before it boils, add two white wax candles, broken into pieces, to the paraffin wax.
- Once the wax is melted, remove the mixture from the stove and allow it to cool down.
- Apply the mixture to your feet and hands. You can use it during the day or at night, depending on your preference.
- Wash your hands and feet with normal soap afterward.
This home remedy has been used by individuals with success, but it is important to note that it may not work for everyone. If you have severe cracked heels or an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for alternative treatments.
In addition to candle wax, there are other home remedies that can be used to heal cracked heels, including honey, coconut oil, and balms with hydrating ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Melt paraffin wax with candle wax and rub it on your feet. You can also add oregano oil.
You can use honey, coconut oil, or a balm with lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin, or ceramides.
If your cracked heels are severe or caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, see a doctor.
