HEALTH: Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Heel fissures, also known as cracked feet, are a common problem for people of all ages. Lack of moisture is one of the most common causes. Other causes are standing for long hours, use of harsh soaps, dehydration, cold chilly winter weather, continuous  exposure to water, overweight, habit of wearing wrong kind of footwear, psoriasis, thyroid disease, diabetes and so on. Cracked feet look unattractive and in some cases, it can even bleed and lead to infection and extreme pain; but it can be easily taken care of with some simple and easy home remedies as follow:

• Petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly will help to maintain the moisture level of your feet and hence it can also heal cracked feet. Before going to bed, apply petroleum jelly on your feet generously and after that, wear a pair of clean socks to lock in the moisture.

• Another option is to mix petroleum jelly with lemon juice and then apply to the dry and cracked heels. Before applying, wash your feet and pat them dry. Follow this remedy daily.

• Banana. Take one or two overripe bananas and blend them in a blender to form a thick and creamy paste. Wash your feet properly and then apply this smooth banana paste on it. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes and then wash your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water and cold water alternatively. Soon you will have smooth and silky feet. Repeat this remedy daily to prevent and treat dry/cracked heels. Again, ripe pawpaw can also be used.

• Warm water. Before going to bed, take half a bucket of warm water and add some liquid soap in it. Soak your feet in this warm soapy water for about 20 minutes. The dead skin cells will become loose, which you can now get rid of by scrubbing with a pumice stone. Do it gently or else the skin will get irritated. Finally, rinse off your feet with clean water, pat dry them with a soft towel and apply some foot cream or moisturiser. Wear a pair of clean cotton socks. In the morning, you will find your feet in a better condition. Follow this remedy daily until the cracked feet are healed completely.

• Honey. One easy remedy is to soak your feet in warm water and honey for 10 minutes. This will help to get rid of the dryness and your feet will become soft and supple.

 Source: themedicalfacts.com