Do you experience dry and cracked skin during the cold winter months? Cracked heels are pretty common and everyone can get dry skin. While some people are more prone to cracked heels, it does seem to affect women more than men. It isn’t serious, but it can cause some discomfort and annoyance.
So, what do you do if you have cracked heels? Here are some effective home treatments.
1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
You’ll need to get a heel balm and a thick moisturizer. Heel balms are specifically made for treatment of cracked heels. Next, you’ll need to moisturize to keep the skin soft and smooth. It can be helpful to slather on a thick moisturizer in the evening and cover up your feet in socks to let the lotion soak in overnight. Moisturize a few times a day if the heels are really dry.
2. Soak and exfoliate your feet
The skin on your heels is generally thicker and drier than the rest of your skin so it needs some extra TLC. Soaking your feet can help soften them and exfoliation can get rid of dead skin cells that leave your feet dry. Try soaking your feet in warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes. You can use a foot bath or just put your feet in the tub. Then use a foot scrubber or pumice stone to remove any thick skin or dead skin cells. When you’re done, dry your feet and apply a thick moisturizer.
3. Try a liquid bandage
Have you ever used a liquid bandage on a cut? You can also use it on the cracked skin to seal the wound and prevent infections. It is great for people who have cracked heels that bleed. Let it dry before putting on socks and shoes.
4. Check your pantry
Honey and coconut oil are really good natural remedies for cracked skin. Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil can help your skin retain moisture. You can use honey or coconut oil after a foot soak. You can also use Listerine as a foot soak to remove dead skin and moisturize. If you have another issue that is causing cracked heals, see your doctor or a podiatrist to treat the root cause.
Read onto the NEXT page to see the causes for cracked heels and dry feet and find out how to prevent it!