HOME REMEDIES FOR CRACKED HEELS

Cracked heels are not a pretty sight, and they can be really painful. In bad cases, where the cracks are deep, there’s also the risk of infection. So here’s what you need to know to prevent them if you don’t already have them, and get rid of them if you do.

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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

• Obesity – if you’re carrying a lot of extra weight your feet are under more pressure and you are also more likely to walk badly
• Poor blood circulation (which can also be a result of obesity)
• Nutritional deficiencies – see ‘Diet’
• Regularly taking too-hot baths or showers, which dries the skin
• Using harsh soaps or detergents, which can damage the skin and cause loss of moisture
• Wearing shoes that fit badly or have thin soles – especially open-back shoes with soles that are too narrow under your heel
• Standing for long periods, especially on hard floors

DIET
To reduce your risk of developing cracked heels, first of all drink lots of water. Eat plenty of nuts and seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and use avocado or olive oil in salads (when oil is heated it loses some of its vitamin E and antioxidants). Vitamin E is your friend, so eat lots of whole grains and leafy greens. Also include pawpaw, cauliflower, berries and guavas in your diet for Vitamin C, and stock up on vitamin A with carrots, citrus fruit and green veggies. Zinc is also important, so get your quota by eating shellfish, sardines, beef and cheese. If you are allergic or intolerant to any of these foods, take dietary supplements to make up for the vitamins you’re missing.



GOLDEN RULES FOR DRY SKIN
Rule number one is to moisturise. Often, and thoroughly. When buying moisturising products, choose ones that contain petroleum jelly, glycerin, lanolin, alpha-hydroxic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea. Also avoid highly scented products, harsh soaps and deodorants and hot water – rather wash with warm water.

If your heels still tend to crack, try one of these home remedies. You’ll need a basin and a pumice stone or a foot scraper, and if you can find a pair of pure cotton socks you’re on the way to soft, smooth heels.

LEMON AND COCONUT OIL
Cut a big lemon in half. Squeeze out most of the juice, then put your heels into the lemon halves and put socks on over them. Wait 30 minutes, then take off the socks, remove the lemon halves and rub coconut oil into your heels. The acid in the lemon exfoliates dead skin and softens, and the vitamin E in coconut oil moisturises and soothes. Repeat daily until your heels are happy.

PAWPAW AND LEMON
Mash the flesh of a small pawpaw with the juice of half a lemon. Apply the mixture to your heels and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes (it’s not recommended to leave it on for longer). Rinse off and towel dry. Do this two or three times a week. Pawpaw contains an enzyme called Papain, which works the same way as alpha-hydroxy acid, a common ingredient in skincare products.



EPSOM SALT AND COCONUT OIL
Put warm water into a basin and add half a cup of Epsom salt. Soak your feet for 15 minutes, then gently scrub off the dead skin on your heels. Pat dry, then rub coconut oil into your heels. Do this three times a week.

BAKING SODA
Put warm water into a basin and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Mix until thoroughly dissolved, then soak your feet for 15 minutes. Scrub heels gently with the pumice stone, then rinse with clean water and pat dry. Repeat twice a week.

LISTERINE (YES, WE’RE TALKING MOUTHWASH) AND VINEGAR
Mix one cup of Listerine (which is an antiseptic and a skin softener) with a cup of white vinegar and two cups of water in a basin. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes then gently scrub heels with the pumice stone. Rinse and pat dry, then apply a moisturising product of your choice. Do this every day for four days, or until your heels are soft.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Put five cups of warm water in a basin and add one cup of apple cider vinegar (the acid helps soften hard, cracked skin). Soak feet for 15 minutes, then scrub off dead skin with the pumice stone. Repeat every second day until you have soft heels.



PETROLEUM JELLY
Soak your feet in a basin of warm water for 20 minutes. Scrub heels and the sides of your feet with the pumice stone to remove dead skin. Rub petroleum jelly well into your heels, put on cotton socks and leave overnight. Do this every night before bed until you’re happy with your heels.

PARSLEY
Put enough warm water into a basin to cover your feet. Add 10 to 12 sprigs of parsley, finely chopped. Soak your feet for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Parsley is rich in vitamin C, collagen and vitamin K, making it an excellent remedy for dry skin. Repeat daily until you have baby-soft heels.

WHEN TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL
If your cracked heels are caused by a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, do not try these home remedies. See a medical specialist who will recommend appropriate treatment.

SOURCES: HEALTHLINE.COM, THEFITNESSTRIBE.COM, NEWSNETWORK.MAYOCLINIC.ORG

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