Cracked Heels: Causes and Home Remedies

Dry and cracked heels are common conditions for those working on their feet for an extended amount of time. Aside from being unsightly, cracked heels can also be uncomfortable to downright painful.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot condition that can cause discomfort and pain. There are many factors that can contribute to the development of cracked heels, including:

1. Dry skin: The skin on the heels can become dry and thick, which makes it more prone to cracking.
2. Lack of moisture: If the feet are not moisturized regularly, the skin can become dry and susceptible to cracking.
3. Poor-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause friction and pressure on the heels, leading to cracks.
4. Standing for long periods: Standing for extended periods can cause the skin on the feet to become dry and cracked.
5. Age: As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and more prone to cracking.
6. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like zinc, vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to dry skin and cracked heels.
7. Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause dry, cracked skin on the heels.
8. Hygiene: Poor foot hygiene can lead to dry, cracked heels, particularly if the feet are not cleaned and dried thoroughly.

What to Do If You Have Cracked Heels

If you are suffering from cracked heels, there are several steps you can take to promote healing and prevent further damage. Here are some care tips for cracked heels:

1. Get Proper Nutrition

Preventing cracked and sore heels require a healthy diet full of:

• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin E
• Calcium
• Iron

2. Moisturize

Apply a good quality foot cream or lotion daily to keep the skin on your heels moisturized. This will give your skin the nourishment it needs to start healing.

3. Exfoliate

Regularly exfoliate the skin on your heels to remove dead skin cells. This will also promote the growth of new, healthy skin.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with proper arch support to reduce pressure on your heels. Doing so will help you avoid causing additional damage to your skin.

5. Use a Pumice Stone

Use a pumice stone to gently remove any rough or dry patches of skin from your heels. Regularly doing this will help promote new skin cell growth.

6. Avoid Harsh Soaps

Since dryness can cause cracked heels, you should avoid harsh chemicals that can further dry out your skin. Instead, use a mild soap that will effectively clean and moisturize your skin.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Home Remedies for Dry Feet

Oils are the most effective natural moisturizers. Using a product containing oils that not only moisturize but heal and regenerate skin, such as Moringa Oil, Omega (Sunflower) and Olive Oil found in Moringa-O2 addresses both the dryness and the cracked skin of the heels.

Here’s a quick home remedy for cracked heels:

1. Soak your feet in warm, soapy water. Soaking your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes can help soften the skin and make it easier to remove dry, dead skin.
2. Gently scrub heels with a pumice stone. Wash the dry skin that sloughs off after the scrubbing.
3. Apply a foot mask, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse it off.
4. Apply Moringa-O2 Therapy Oil on your heels and soles.
5. Put on clean socks and wear them overnight.
6. Repeat daily until your heels are completely healed.

Follow the steps above and you will have smoother and well-moisturized heels. Once your heels are healed, you can keep them soft and smooth by making sure that you:

1. Wear shoes that completely cover your feet to keep them from drying out.
2. Stay hydrated.
3. Use a pumice stone in the shower at least once or twice a week.
4. Moisturize your feet daily using a hypoallergenic lotion for the body.

Treating your heels daily with Moringa-O2 Hair, Scalp, and Skin Therapy Oil will ensure that your feet will be healed and will stay soft and smooth. You can also use foot masks that will nourish and moisturize your heels as they heal. Here are some that you can try:

• Honey and oatmeal foot mask: Mix together equal parts honey and oatmeal to make a thick paste. Apply the mixture to your feet and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This mask will moisturize and exfoliate your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
• Avocado and olive oil foot mask: Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with two tablespoons of olive oil to make a creamy paste. Apply the mixture to your feet and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This mask will moisturize and nourish your skin, helping heal cracked heels.
• Baking soda foot soak: Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with warm water in a basin or foot bath. Soak your feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This foot soak will help soften and exfoliate the skin on your feet, making it easier to remove dry, dead skin.
• Yogurt and lemon juice foot mask: Mix together one tablespoon of plain yogurt and one tablespoon of lemon juice to make a paste. Apply the mixture to your feet and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This mask will exfoliate and brighten your skin, helping to heal cracked heels.

Keep Your Heel Nourished and Soft

Now that you know how to take care of your heels and prevent them from cracking, you can rest assured that you’re taking care of your feet properly. Follow the cracked heels home remedies and care tips listed above to get started.