Treating your cracked feet from home

Cracked heel is the result of dry skin that accompanied with thickened skin. It is not surprising that cracked feet can be a common problem for everyone. It can be both adults and children. However, it most commonly affects people with dry skin and older people.

Unless it is severe, it can be harmless to your health. However, it can be frustrating when you need to wear sandals, since your heels will be out in the open.

There are many factors that contribute to a cracked heel. Having flat feet, wearing shoes that do not fit your feet, a dry living environment, or even a health condition like obesity or diabetes can cause your heel to dry out and crack.

How to treat cracked feet from home

#1 Moisture

Lack of moisture can be one of the most common causes of the cracked heel. You can start by applying heel balm in the morning before you start your day to increase skin elasticity. It is also encouraged to moisturise your heel two to three times a day and wear full cover shoes that can protect your feet and heel. When looking for a moisturiser, find one that contains a skin-softening agent that will help remove dead skin, such as urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid.

If you would rather not hunt for one, Madre carries a Dry Skin Relieved Foot Spray made for exactly this, along with the rest of our foot care range.

#2 Exfoliate

Toughening your foot is good, however, if it is too tough and dry, it can cause your heel to crack. Never scrub your feet when they are dry as this will damage your skin. It is best to soak your feet in lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes first, and scrub them while your feet are wet and softer, to remove any hard or thick skin.

Do not peel or shave the dry skin off your feet as it can cause an infection that leads to a bigger problem. If you want to do it at home, you can exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone. It is recommended to use one once every couple of weeks to exfoliate the dead skin off your feet.

#3 Natural remedies

There are plenty of natural remedies out there that will not hurt your wallet. In fact, these ingredients might be closer than you think, sitting in your own kitchen. An ingredient like vegetable oil, honey, or even banana can be the ingredient to your smooth heel. Here are some of them:

• Honey: heals, cleanses the wound and moisturises skin.

• Coconut oil: retains moisture.

• Vinegar: a 1 to 2 ratio of vinegar to water for a foot soak.

• Olive or vegetable oil: to moisturise.

• Shea butter: to moisturise.

• Mashed banana: to moisturise.

• Oatmeal mixed with olive oil: for a gentle scrub.

#4 Check what you are walking in

Treating the skin only works for as long as the cause is gone. Backless shoes let the heel spread sideways with every step, and a hard, unpadded heel seat keeps splitting the skin at the same point. A covered heel with a cushioned footbed gives the skin a chance to heal: Evelyn Horsebit Flats and Nelly Mary Jane Ballerina Flats are both closed at the back with full padding underneath.

If you prefer to keep wearing your slides, a T-Shape Heel Comfort Pad softens the spot where the heel lands.

When to See a Specialist

The solutions above will not be the only solutions. A cracked heel can be caused by a lot of reasons, including your health condition. If you have tried the above and your cracked foot still persists, please seek treatment from a podiatrist, as it may be caused by a more serious condition.

At the end of the day, your feet carry you everywhere. It is only fair to give them the same attention you give your face.