Home/Blog/Well-Being/Home Remedies/How to Treat Cracked Heels: Natural Remedies and Expert Tips

How to Treat Cracked Heels: Natural Remedies and Expert Tips

Last updated on : 21 Jan, 2025

Read time : 6 min

What are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, thickened, and begins to split. This condition is often a result of factors like inadequate foot care, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly, potentially leading to infections if left untreated. Regular moisturizing and proper foot hygiene are crucial for prevention and management.

If a person’s foot is red, swollen, or painful for more than a few days, they should consult a medical professional right away. The appearance of cracked feet is often the only problem. However, if the cracks become infected, the condition may worsen.

What Causes Cracked Heels

Cracked heels stem from several factors. One primary cause is dry skin, often exacerbated by environmental conditions like low humidity or excessive standing, which can lead to moisture loss and thickened skin around the heels.
Additionally, lack of proper foot care, such as irregular moisturising or neglecting to exfoliate dead skin, contributes to the problem. Prolonged pressure on the feet from walking barefoot or wearing ill-fitting shoes can also induce cracks.
Certain medical conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, or thyroid disorders may heighten susceptibility to cracked heels due to compromised skin health. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins like A, E, and minerals such as zinc, can weaken skin elasticity and contribute to heel fissures.
Addressing cracked heels involves a combination of moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, wearing properly fitting footwear, and addressing any underlying health conditions to promote skin healing and prevent recurrence.

Symptoms of Cracked Heels

Cracked heels, characterised by fissures or splits in the skin of the heels, present discomfort and aesthetic concerns. Symptoms typically include dryness, redness, itching, and in severe cases, bleeding and pain. Factors like prolonged standing, ill-fitting footwear, dry climate, and lack of proper foot care exacerbate the condition. As the skin loses moisture, it becomes less elastic, leading to cracks. Left untreated, cracked heels may escalate to infections and difficulty walking.

Top 5 Home Remedies for Cracked Feet

1. Honey

Renowned for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, honey is a superb remedy for cracked feet. Apply raw honey directly to the affected areas, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. This natural humectant locks in moisture, promoting healing and preventing infection.

2. Shea Butter

With its rich emollient properties, shea butter is a nourishing solution for cracked heels. Massage a generous amount of shea butter onto clean, dry feet before bedtime, allowing it to penetrate overnight. Its fatty acids and vitamins deeply hydrate and soften the skin, reducing fissures and discomfort

3. Washing Feet Regularly

Proper hygiene is paramount in managing cracked feet. Wash your feet daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, ensuring thorough drying, especially between the toes. This prevents the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and sweat, reducing the risk of infections and exacerbating cracks.

4. Coconut Oil

A versatile remedy, coconut oil boasts antimicrobial and moisturizing properties, making it ideal for cracked feet. Massage warm coconut oil onto clean feet, focusing on dry areas. Its fatty acids penetrate the skin, replenishing lost moisture and enhancing skin elasticity, leading to smoother, healthier heels.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil, a staple in many kitchens, doubles as a potent remedy for cracked feet. Before bedtime, soak your feet in warm water mixed with a few drops of olive oil for 10-15 minutes, then gently exfoliate with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Follow up by applying olive oil liberally and wearing clean socks overnight. Its antioxidants and vitamins repair and soften the skin, promoting healing and preventing recurrence.

Home remedies for cracked feet and Natural Remedies

Honey-Using honey as a cure for cracked feet may be a safe and effective option. Honey has been shown in studies to aid in wound healing and cleansing as well as moisturising the skin.

Cacao butter-Cacao butter is frequently advised for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help keep your skin hydrated. You might also use Cacao butter after soaking your feet. If your cracked feet are prone to bleeding or infection, Cacao butter is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristic that could help.

Here are 5 Effective Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

  •  For Soft Heels- There’s no one who doesn’t want silky-soft heels. With a few materials from your home, you can get wonderfully smooth heels.
  • Sea Salt and Oatmeal Scrub- To use as a bath scrub, prepare the recipe below and use it every day.
  • Oil Your Feet at Night- Castor oil can aid in the creation of smooth and velvety heels.
  • Quick Remedy- Lime and sugar are a delicious combination. Lemon halves and 3 teaspoons of sugar are a simple daily regimen that may be completed in 5 minutes. Scrub the heels with the lemon halves after dipping them in the sugar. Continue until all of the granules have melted into the skin.
  • Home pedicure- File your nails and soak your feet in a tub filled with warm water and milk, along with a few drops of essential oil and olive oil. Nails should be brushed and well-cleaned. Scrub your heels with a pumice stone until they are soft and smooth. Soak your feet and legs in warm tub water for a few minutes before rinsing off with a sponge, then pat dry with a towel. After patting dry, massage in a nourishing cream before wiping dry. Buff the nails until they are smooth and shining, and your feet will be ready to dance in no time! Spending five minutes every day to care for your feet can make a significant difference.

Cracked Heels Treatment

The steps listed below may be helpful for the Cracked heels treatment:

  • Use a moisturiser that is emollient or humectant in nature.
  • Applying an occlusive moisturiser on top of it will help to seal in the moisture.
  • I’m going to bed with socks made entirely of cotton.
  • Applying a keratolytic to thickened skin is a common procedure.
  • Using a pumice stone to gently exfoliate thickened skin is recommended.
  • Make use of a liquid bandage.

Cracked Heels Treatments in the medical field

After using an over-the-counter foot lotion that doesn’t help, see a podiatrist to get your heels back in shape.  A podiatrist can diagnose and treat any underlying infection, as well as provide advice on how to care for your skin.

Select Category
Was this article useful?
46 people find this information helpful

Meet our Health Experts

View All
Dr. Nikhil Ambatkar
Dr. Nikhil Ambatkar

Ph.D, M.Tech, B.Tech

7 years
Dr. Sachin Singh
Dr. Sachin Singh

MBBS

6 years
Dr. Mandeep Chadha
Dr. Mandeep Chadha

MBBS, DNB (OBGY)

11 years
Amatul Ameen
Amatul Ameen

B. Pharm, MSc.

13 years
Amit Sharma
Amit Sharma

B. Pharm

4 years
Rohini Mankar
Rohini Mankar

Bsc. Zoology, Masters of Public Health

12 years
Dr. Divya Mandial
Dr. Divya Mandial

PhD in Chemistry

9 years
Dr. Sonia Gupta
Dr. Sonia Gupta

BDS

7 years
Saloni Bhardwaj Sharma
Saloni Bhardwaj Sharma

B.Pharm, M.Pharm

4 years
Dr. Chhavi Rosha
Dr. Chhavi Rosha

BMS, FMC, MD Resident

9 years
Dr. Lakshmi Vaswani
Dr. Lakshmi Vaswani

MBBS, Dip.Pathology, MBA (Healthcare Services)

17 years

Follow us on

Disclaimer

Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.

Subscribe

Claim your complimentary health and fitness tips subscription and stay updated on our newest promotions.

Registered Office Address

Intellihealth Solutions Private Limited
Office Unit no. 1, 2, 5, & 7, 6th floor Urmi Corporate Park Solaris, Saki Vihar Rd, Opp. L&T Flyover, New Mhada Colony, Budhia Jadhav Wadi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072.
CIN: U85320MH2019PTC320566
Telephone:09240250346

Grievance Officer

Name: Chandrasekhar Swaminathan

Download Truemeds

Manage your health with ease Download Truemeds today!Get easy access to medicine refills, health information, and more. With our app, you'll never have to wait in line again. Download now and start taking control of your health.
playstoreIcon

Contact Us

Our customer representative team is available 7 days a week from 9 am - 9 pm.


v3.7.2

copyright2025 - Truemeds | All rights reserved

Our Payment Partners

paymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartner
paymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartner