Treat your cracked heels at home

NOT only are cracked heels unattractive to look at, but they can be extremely painful. Cracked heels are a common foot condition which sometimes causes minor discomfort to immense pain; and as the name suggests, it quite literally cracks along the heel when the skin becomes dry and thick. Some of the factors that cause cracked heels include obesity, wearing open-heeled footwear, and having dry skin.

If you are suffering from cracked heels or thick calluses, there is help that does not even necessarily include going to the salon or a doctor. There are simple remedies you can try at home that should have your feet feeling baby smooth in no time.

The ACV remedy

Steps: Mix some apple cider vinegar in warm water, and add some cocoa butter (other thick butters, like shea, can be used as well) to make a semi-paste. Note that apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and it contains acetic acid and alphahydroxy acid, which means it is a good exfoliant for the skin and heels.

Then, use simple soap and water

After leaving on the ACV mixture for about 10 minutes, soak your feet in a mix of warm water and any foot soap of your choice for 15 to 20 minutes. By soaking your feet in warm water mixed with foot soap, you are allowing the calluses to further soften, which will make them easier to remove with a foot scrubber.

Follow with a vigorous scrub

By using a foot scrubber to gently remove the calluses and smooth out cracks, your feet will feel 10 times better. However, be gentle because you wouldn’t want to accidentally cause unnecessary pain or cuts.

After the scrub…

After scrubbing your heels, rinse and dry your feet with a clean towel. At this time, you should examine your feet to see if any dead skin remains. If you’re not satisfied, use the softer side of your foot scrubber to smooth any rough areas.

Then, use a thick butter, such as cocoa butter or shea butter to moisturise your feet daily, and wear socks at night. This method of care will ensure that your feet always stay moisturised, and are less likely to crack again.

Also, since open-back shoes and sandals are one of the causes of cracked heels, while in the healing process, wear closed footwear to ensure that you are not making the issue worse.