How can I heal my cracked heels at home
John Thompson
Updated on April 18, 2026
Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.Gently pat your feet dry.Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture.
Why are the heels of my feet so cracked?
Heels can crack when the skin around the rim of your heel becomes dry and thick, and increased pressure on the fat pad under the heel causes the skin to split. A number of factors can raise the risk of developing cracked heels, including obesity, wearing open-heel footwear such as sandals, and having cold, dry skin.
What is the fastest way to heal cracked heels?
- Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
- Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
- Gently pat your feet dry.
- Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
- Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture.
What can I put on my cracked heels at night?
Apply a heavier, oil-based cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, others), then slip on a pair of thin cotton socks at bedtime to help the moisturizer work. Don’t ignore dry, cracked heels, as over time you may develop deeper fissures, which increases your risk of infection.Which cream is best for foot cracks?
Foot creamsFeaturesThe Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue CreamWith peppermintHimalaya FootCare CreamWith fenugreek seedsFabindia Avocado Foot CreamWith avocadoAroma Magic Foot CreamWith aloe vera gel
Does Vicks help with cracked heels?
Healing rough skin on your heels The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating. That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels.
Is Vaseline good for cracked heels?
Use an Overnight Treatment – Vaseline® Jelly can be used as an effective overnight cosmetic treatment for dry, cracked feet and heels as it helps create a sealing barrier, locking in the essential moisture your feet need to repair themselves .
How does vinegar help cracked heels?
Mixing white vinegar with curd creates a solution that removes dead skin while filling in the cracks. White vinegar can also be mixed to warm water and sheer or cocoa butter to create a mixture that can be rubbed onto the heels.Is coconut oil good for cracked heels?
‘Coconut oil is excellent for cracked heels. It contains a high concentration of vitamin E and natural proteins that help repair damaged skin cells,’ says Natalie. ‘It also contains natural lauric acid, which has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Is Cracked heels a vitamin deficiency?Cracked heels are a common condition that usually aren‘t a cause for concern. Vitamin C, vitamin B-3, and vitamin E deficiencies may contribute to dry, cracked heels. However, these vitamin deficiencies are rare in developed countries. Other conditions like athlete’s foot or eczema may also lead to cracked heels.
Article first time published onWhat is the best thing to soak your feet in?
Epsom salts are the classic staple of a foot soak, aid to help with everything from arthritis to plain old swollen feet. The salts break down into magnesium and sulfate in water, and some believe that these minerals can be soaked in through the skin for the body’s benefit.
Is coconut oil good for feet?
Did you know that coconut oil has natural anti-fungal properties? It makes a great moisturizer for your legs, feet and heels. Use it daily to keep your feet smooth and prevent foot fungus.
Is Vaseline good for feet?
Vaseline is a petroleum by-product and it certainly does have many properties that can be very helpful for your feet. It is slick and can be used to help keep body parts from rubbing and becoming irritated. It is a favorite of distance runners for its ability to prevent blisters.
How can I soften my feet overnight?
Try petroleum jelly. It may take a while to soak in, but petroleum jelly is a good way to restore moisture to cracked heels. Try coating your feet in petroleum jelly at night before bed, slip on some comfy socks, and let it soak in overnight while you are asleep.
What home remedy can I use for dry feet?
- A pumice stone or foot scrub. Exfoliation gets rid of dry, dead skin, revealing the softer, smoother skin underneath. …
- A foot file or rasp. …
- Foot cream or heel balm. …
- Moisturizing gel socks or heel socks. …
- Foot peel masks. …
- Liquid bandage.
What happens if we apply Vicks on face?
According to Manway, Vicks VapoRub “isn’t appropriate to be used on the face due to the thick, greasy vehicle that can easily clog pores and promote the cascade of further acne.” So, while using Vicks on a pimple likely isn’t dangerous to your health, it could actually backfire and cause more acne.
How do you soak cracked feet?
- Fill a basin two-thirds full with warm (not hot!) water. …
- Add one cup of Epsom salts to the water. …
- Mix in one tablespoon of baking soda (per quart of water). …
- For a pleasant, relaxing aroma, add essential oils or herbs. …
- Soak your feet for 20 minutes, or until the water starts to turn cold.
How do you treat cracked heels?
Liquid bandage is a good option for treating deep heel cracks that may bleed. Apply liquid bandage to clean, dry skin. As the crack heals, the coating is forced to the skin’s surface. You can buy this product without a prescription at a drug store or online.
Is Vaseline good for dry feet?
Use an Overnight Treatment – Vaseline® Jelly can be used as an effective overnight cosmetic treatment for dry, cracked feet and heels as it helps create a sealing barrier, locking in the essential moisture your feet need to repair themselves .
Is baking soda good for cracked heels?
10/11Baking soda Add 3 tbsps of baking soda in a bucket full of warm water. Mix well until the baking soda dissolves in the water. Soak your feet in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove your feet from the soak and scrub gently with pumice stone.
Can walking barefoot cause cracked heels?
While walking barefoot where your feet are exposed to dust and hard floors can cause heel cracking and those with conditions such as diabetes and arthritis are more susceptible to it. From the chemicals in the detergent to wash your clothes with to improper foot care or posture, there are many factors in cracked heels.
How can I soften my heels naturally?
- Dip the pumice stone in warm water. You can also soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
- Gently move the stone in a circular or sideways motion around your foot to remove dead skin. …
- Apply lotion or oil afterward to help soften your feet.
Can you use liquid bandage on cracked heels?
Liquid bandage is a good option for treating deep heel cracks that may bleed. Apply liquid bandage to clean, dry skin. As the crack heals, the coating is forced to the skin’s surface. You can buy this product without a prescription at a drug store or online.
Can I soak my feet in table salt?
Soak Your Feet Pour 6 quarts (1-1/2 gallons) warm water in a large basin. Mix in 1/4 cup Morton® Salt and 1/4 cup baking soda. Soak feet for up to 15 minutes.
What happens when you soak your feet in baking soda?
Adding baking soda to a foot soak can help exfoliate the skin, ease itching, and cleanse the feet. Try adding 3–4 tablespoons of baking soda added to a basin full of warm water. Use 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar for a foot soak. The vinegar helps kill bacteria and also reduces foot odor.
How do I detox my feet?
Some people drink apple cider vinegar to encourage detoxification. To make a detox bath using apple cider vinegar, add 1 cup of the vinegar to a tub of warm water and soak the feet for 20–30 minutes. Vinegar may also deodorize the feet.
Which oil is best for feet?
Oiling and massaging the feet doesn’t take more than five to eight minutes and the results are fantastic, especially when done with sesame oil. Sesame oil has a warming effect that, in turn, helps in reducing muscle pain. It also works wonders during winters when the feet are often cold.
Should you file your feet wet or dry?
NEVER file wet skin, always do it when feet are dry to avoid weakening the skin in this area. File the balls, heels and sides.
How can I make my feet peel at home?
In a large bowl, combine 1 part lemon juice, 1 part vinegar, and 2 parts warm water. Soak your feet for 10 minutes or so, then dry them off completely. Follow with moisturizer, as lemon juice and vinegar can be drying on the skin (even for the feet).