How to Heal “Cracked Heels”- Extreme Winter Dry Skin Treatment

Cracked heels are a very common problem, especially during the dry cold winter. In addition to dry skin, the problem may be accompanied by symptoms like itching, stinging, redness, and peeling skin. Dry skin treatment and taking proper precautions right away can prevent cracks from getting deeper, bleeding, and possibly getting infected.
Some of the causes of cracked heels are dry air, lack of moisture, improper foot care, an unhealthy diet, aging, prolonged standing on hard floors and wearing the wrong types of shoes. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, corns and calluses, diabetes and thyroid disease may also contribute to the problem.

Try these home remedies to solve the problem.

1. Vegetable Oils

A variety of vegetable oils can be used to treat and prevent cracked heels. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, castor oil or any other vegetable oil will work. For best results, use this remedy before going to bed to allow ample time for the oil to fully penetrate your skin.
First soak your feet in slightly warm water and scrub your feet with a pumice stone. Pat them dry with a soft cloth, then apply oil liberally on your heels and soles.
Put on a pair of clean socks and leave them on overnight while you sleep. In the morning, your heels will be noticeably softer.
Repeat this for a few days until the cracks in your heels are gone completely.

2. Neem Oil and Turmeric Powder

Neem Oil is an effective remedy for your cracked feet, especially when they become itchy and infected. Neem soothes dry, irritated skin and fights infection, thanks to its anti-fungal properties.
Pour about an ounce of neem oil into a bowl, then add three teaspoons of turmeric powder. Mix it well into a soft paste. Apply the paste on the cracks and leave it on for half an hour. Wash your feet with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth.

3. Rosewater and Glycerin

The combination of glycerin and rose water makes an effective home treatment for cracked heels. Glycerin softens the skin, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics. Glycerin is the ultimate moisturizer since it is a humectant; it attracts water to itself. Rose water adds vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Just mix equal amounts of glycerin and rose water thoroughly and rub it on your heels and feet daily before going to bed at night.

4. Epsom Salt

If you have cracked heels, it’s important to take extra care to keep your heels well moisturized. You can do this simply with an Epsom salt soak. It will help improve circulation, plus the added benefits of Magnesium and Sulfur, essential minerals for skin health.
Mix one-half cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this solution for 10 minutes. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone and soak for an additional 10 minutes. Pat your feet dry and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to lock in the moisture. For best results, put on a pair of socks to prevent the added moisture from evaporating.

5. Banana Peels

Banana peels are one of the cheapest home remedies for cracked and dry heels, thanks to their moisturizing properties. They also contain Potassium, another mineral beneficial to skin health.
Clean your feet thoroughly and rub the inside surface of a fresh banana peel apply the banana paste onto the cracks in your heels. Let it to sit for 10 minutes so that your skin can absorb the natural nourishment. Wash your feet gently with some warm water and and put on a pair of soft socks. Do this daily for a few weeks to restore soft and smooth heels.

6. Honey

Honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent treatment for dry and cracked heels. Stir one cup of honey in a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub your feet gently. Do this daily or several times a week until you see improvement.

7. Petroleum Jelly

This method has received the most positive reviews on the internet! You can use petroleum jelly on dry, rough skin to prevent cracked heels and leave your feet soft and well moisturized. Use a pumice stone to scrub the hard dead skin around your feet after soaking them in warm water and then apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly over the entire heel area. Cover your feet with socks so that the petroleum jelly soaks into the skin. If you are worried about the oily residue seeping through the socks, you can lightly wrap your heels in plastic wrap (such as Saran Wrap), then slip the socks on over that.
For best results, do this daily before going to bed.

At the first sign of cracked heels, try these natural treatments to restore soft and smooth skin on your heels. Also, keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and follow a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids.

If you develop severe cracked feet, or have diabetes or impaired circulation, please make sure you consult a podiatrist or doctor.

dry skin treatment, how to heal winter dry skin, cracked heels, how to heal cracked skin, extreme dry skin treatment, how to heal dry skin, winter foot care, foot soak for cracked skin,