20 Home Remedies to Cure Cracked Heels Quickly

Rough and cracked heels are common and can cause extreme discomfort. Dryness and roughness are alarming signs of neglect, indicating that the body is not receiving the care it needs.

Cracked heels can be a persistent issue, particularly for women. Our feet lack oil glands to keep them naturally moisturized, and inadequate care often leads to dryness and cracking. If left untreated, your feet can become unsightly and even painful.

Fortunately, cracked heels can easily be treated with natural remedies. We have created an all-inclusive list of the best home remedies that do wonders and help heal your feet quickly.

Also, Read: 12 Best Moisturizing Socks 2021; Pedicure At Home, Feet Treatment

Home Remedies for Cracked Feet

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Baking Soda
• Banana Peels
• Epsom Salt
• Glycerin
• Honey
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Petroleum Jelly
• Vapor Rub
• Lemon Juice
• Listerine
• Olive Oil
• Onions
• Shea Butter
• Oatmeal
• Paraffin Wax
• Rose Water
• Oils Massage
• Essential Oils

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has mild acidic properties that help remove dead skin cells around dry, cracked heels. It also softens the skin, making exfoliation easier and revealing the healthy skin underneath.

Ingredients Required

• Apple cider vinegar
• Warm water
• Pumice stone
• Moisturizer

How to Use

1. Fill a tub with warm water, deep enough to soak your feet.
2. Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with the water.
3. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes.
4. Take out your feet; try to gently scrub away the softened dead skin on your heels using a pumice stone.
5. Rinse your feet, pat them dry, and then apply a layer of moisturizer.
6. This process should be followed daily until your heels are completely healed.

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2. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is renowned for its powerful healing properties and numerous skin benefits. Its deep moisturizing effects help soothe and repair cracked feet while softening hardened areas.

Additionally, aloe vera promotes collagen production, aiding in skin regeneration. It penetrates deep into the cracks and ridges, healing the skin from within.

Ingredients Required

• Aloe vera gel
• Warm water
• Pumice stone
• A pair of socks

How to Use

1. Soak your feet in a tub of warm water until the skin softens.
2. Gently exfoliate with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
3. Rinse and pat your feet dry.
4. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel to the affected areas.
5. Wear a pair of socks and leave it on overnight.
6. Repeat this process every night until your feet are fully healed.

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3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a potent anti-inflammatory and exfoliating agent, making it excellent for cracked heels. It soothes irritated skin and effectively removes dry, chafed skin, leaving your feet feeling soft and silky.

Ingredients Required

• Baking soda
• A bucket of warm water
• Pumice stone

How to Use

1. Fill up a bucket with warm water. The temperature must be comfortable.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to it. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
3. Soak the feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
4. Scrub the cracked regions with a pumice stone to remove dead cells on your skin.
5. Wash your feet with clean water, then pat dry.
6. Moisturize your skin as necessary.

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4. Banana Peels

Before throwing that banana peel in the trash, think about using it as a natural remedy for cracked heels.

The inside of the peel is full of moisturizing properties, which help to retrieve lost hydration and reduce the dryness of rough skin. Its slick texture sends nourishment deep into the skin, making it the perfect treatment for cracked heels.

Ingredients Required

• Banana peels
• Water

How to Use

1. Take a fresh banana peel, and gently rub the inside on your cracked heels.
2. Put on some socks, and let it stay for approximately 15 minutes so the nutrients can soak into the skin.
3. Rinse your feet in water and pat them dry.

5. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is also an excellent healing agent for cracked heels. By soaking your feet in a basin of warm water with Epsom salt, the dryness and coarseness of rough skin will begin to soften; dirt and debris that collect deep within cracks also are drawn out. This treatment relieves discomfort and contributes to healthier, smoother feet.

Ingredients Required

• Epsom salt
• Warm water
• Moisturizer

How to Use

• Use a bucket or small tub, and fill it with warm water.
• Add a couple of heaping tablespoons of Epsom salt and mix it well.
• Submerge your feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse your feet with water and pat them dry.
• You can apply moisturizer to your heels to hydrate them if your skin feels tight.
• For this to be successful, repeat it a few times a week.

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6. Glycerin

Glycerin is one of the most healing and moisturizing substances known and considered an excellent solution for dry and cracked heels. Its deep hydration will soften tough patches and quicken healing, especially during the winter months when this is more typical.

Ingredients Required

• Glycerin
• Bucket of warm water
• Pumice stone
• Pair of socks (optional)

How to Use

1. Fill a bucket with warm water. Soak your feet in for about 10 minutes to soften the skin.
2. Use a pumice stone to exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells gently.
3. Rinse your feet with clean water and pat them dry.
4. Apply a generous amount of glycerin on the affected areas.
5. Don a pair of socks to lock in moisture and facilitate better absorption.
6. This process works best when repeated daily until your heels are fully healed.

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7. Honey

Honey is the best natural remedy for cracked heels. It contains antiseptic, moisture-holding, and rejuvenating properties that help restore dry, chapped skin to its new self. Honey will help soften hardened skin and make it easy to remove, while it promotes hydration and healing without hurting sensitive skin.

Ingredients Required

• Honey
• Bucket of warm water

How to Use

1. Fill up half of a bucket with warm water.
2. Add one heaped cup of honey to it and mix well.
3. Soak the feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes or until the skin becomes soft.
4. Wash off with normal water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
5. For maximum effectiveness, do this every day until your heels are completely healed.

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8. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide foot soak is one of the best treatments for cracked heels, and it indeed works without any hassles.

Ingredients Required

• Hydrogen peroxide (skin-friendly, permissible concentration)
• 2 cups of warm water
• Pumice stone
• Moisturizer
• Pair of socks

How to Use

1. Mix two cups of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of warm water (dilute as needed to soak your feet).
2. Hydrogen peroxide must be skin-safe.
3. Soak your feet in the solution for 30 minutes.
4. Pat dry, then use a pumice stone to exfoliate the heels, removing dead skin gently.
5. Rinse your feet with clean water and pat dry again.
6. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer, then wear socks to lock in hydration.
7. Repeat regularly for best results.

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9. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is one of the most affordable and effective remedies for cracked feet. Its deep moisturizing properties help eliminate dryness and rejuvenate the skin. While it takes some time to absorb fully, consistent use can yield amazing results.

Ingredients Required

• Petroleum jelly
• Mild soap and water
• Pair of socks

How to Use

1. Wash your feet with mild soap and water before bed, then pat them dry.
2. Apply adequate amounts of petroleum jelly on the affected skin.
3. Wear socks to seal in the moisture.
4. Leave it overnight.
5. This treatment should be done every night.

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10. Vapor Rub

Hear me out before jumping to conclusions! Just like petroleum jelly, vapor rub can be a miracle for cracked heels. However, since everyone’s skin is different, it is always best to do a patch test before using it regularly. The menthol and camphor in vapor rub help soothe dry, cracked feet and soften the surrounding skin.

Ingredients Required

• Vapor rub
• Water and mild soap
• Pair of socks

How to Use

1. Wash your feet with mild soap and water before going to bed. Pat them dry.
2. Apply plenty of vapor rub to the affected areas.
3. Cover your feet with socks to keep the moisture in.
4. Leave it on overnight.
5. Repeat every other night for the best results.

11. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is full of acidic and antioxidant properties that cleanse your feet and remove dry, dead skin from cracked heels. However, since lemon juice is drying to the skin, it is better to use it in combination with petroleum jelly or moisturizer to restore moisture.

Ingredients Required

• Lemon juice
• Petroleum jelly
• Pumice stone
• Warm water

How to Use

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin.
2. Gently scrub the dry, chafed skin using a pumice stone.
3. Rinse your feet with clean water and pat them dry.
4. Mix a few drops of lemon juice with petroleum jelly and apply it to the affected areas.
5. Cover your feet with socks and leave them on overnight.
6. Repeat regularly for soft, healthy heels.

12. Listerine

Did you know that mouthwash can effectively remove dry, cracked skin? Soaking in a Listerine soak is the most popular remedy for cracked feet.

Listerine’s menthol and thymol content heals cracked heels and soothes the sensation. The vinegar in this foot soak has acidity and antiseptic properties, which enhance deep cleansing, making this one of the best treatments for dry, rough feet.

Ingredients Required

• Listerine
• Vinegar
• Warm water
• Pumice stone

How to Use

1. Fill a tub with a few cups of warm water.
2. Add one cup of Listerine and one cup of vinegar to the water.
3. Soak your feet for 10–15 minutes or until the skin softens completely.
4. Scrub your feet gently with a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
5. Rinse your feet with clean water, pat them dry, and apply foot cream if needed.

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13. Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for its excellent healing skin properties, making it a very good remedy for cracked heels.

It deeply nourishes and brings back the lost moisture, addressing the main reason behind dry and cracked feet. Regular use will keep the skin soft, smooth, and supple, which will prevent the future occurrence of cracked heels.

Ingredients Required

• Olive oil
• Pair of socks
• Mild soap

How to Use

1. Wash your feet well to remove the dirt that may have accumulated on them.
2. Apply generous amounts of olive oil to the dry, cracked areas and gently massage for 5–10 minutes.
3. Put on a pair of socks and leave them on for at least an hour.
4. Wash off any excess oil with mild soap and pat your feet dry.

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14. Onions

Did you know that onions can also be used as a remedy for cracked heels? Onion juice is an excellent treatment for dry, cracked feet – it softens the skin and restores lost moisture, which is the main cause of heel cracks.

Ingredients Required

• Onion juice
• Soap water
• Lotion

How to Use

1. Blend an onion and pass through a seive to extract fresh juice and apply it to the cracked areas using a cotton ball.
2. Let it soak into the skin for 10–15 minutes.
3. Wash the feet with soap and water to remove the onion smell.
4. Pat dry and apply a moisturizing lotion.

15. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a widely known miracle healer for the skin. Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E, it provides intense hydration and deep nourishment to the skin.

Its moisturizing effects help heal cracked heels and soothe dry, chafed skin. Shea butter is one of the best natural remedies for cracked feet, offering long-lasting relief.

Ingredients Required

• Shea butter
• A pair of socks

How to Use

1. Apply generous shea butter on the dry, cracked heels.
2. Massage it gently for a few minutes so that it gets fully absorbed into the skin.
3. Keep socks on your feet overnight to achieve the best outcome.

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16. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a perfect natural exfoliant that clears the heels, which are usually the main culprits behind dry, cracked feet.

Using an oatmeal scrub is extremely beneficial as it not only smooths out all the rough skin but also nourishes by infusing honey. So, this cure will not just soften your heels but also retain moisture in them.

Ingredients Required

• Oatmeal
• Honey
• Foot cream

How to Use

1. Grind some oats in a blender into a coarse powder.
2. Mix it with honey, creating a thick paste, without making it too runny.
3. Rub the mixture gently over cracked heels, working it into the skin to eliminate dead cells and dirt that’s built up.
4. Let the honey soak in for extra moisturizing.
5. Wash your feet with lukewarm water and then apply foot cream for soft, supple skin.

17. Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is an excellent emollient, restoring hydration and softness to the skin. It works wonders for dry, cracked heels by deeply moisturizing and locking in hydration. Despite some reservations about hot wax, the method is safe and effective when done properly.

Ingredients Required

• Paraffin wax
• Coconut oil
• Warm socks

How to Use

1. Melt a block of paraffin wax and mix in a few drops of coconut oil.
2. Let the wax cool to a warm temperature before applying it to your cracked heels.
3. Cover your feet with warm socks and let the treatment sit overnight.
4. Wash the wax off on the next day for smooth and soft skin.

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18. Rose Water

Rose water is known for its astringent and toning properties, which help cleanse and soothe the skin. When combined with glycerin, a powerful moisturizer, this remedy provides deep hydration and promotes healing, making it an effective treatment for cracked heels.

Ingredients Required

• Glycerin
• Rose water

How to Use

1. Mix equal parts of glycerin and rose water to create a smooth blend.
2. Apply the mixture to the cracked skin and leave it on overnight.
3. Rinse it off the following morning with water.
4. You will notice some improvements within a few applications.
5. Repeat this process every night until your cracked heels heal completely.

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19. Oils

One of the main reasons people experience cracked heels is that our feet lack oil glands that naturally hydrate and moisturize them. Hence, external application of oils works wonders in treating cracked heels.

The oil seeps into the cracks where dead skin cells and dirt primarily accumulate, worsening the condition.

• Coconut Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Castor Oil
• Sesame Oil

How to Use

1. Pour a few drops of any of the oils mentioned above, onto your cracked feet.
2. Massage it into the skin so that it can absorb well.
3. You may either put on socks or let it dry.
4. Putting on socks is preferred since the healing effect is much more effective when they are on.

20. Essential Oils

Essential oils play a therapeutic role in treating cracked heels. They nourish dry and dead skin, plus they help restore lost moisture. This is the primary cause of cracked heels.

The concentrated composition of different essential oils aids in replenishing and healing rough, dry skin, which can deteriorate further, bleed, and cause even more damage if left unchecked.

Some of the best essential oils that work on the healing of dry, cracked feet are:

• Jojoba Oil
• Tea Tree Oil

These are packed full of unique nutrients and compounds, which help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin around the heels, preventing cracked heels in the long term.

How to Use

1. If the essential oil is too strong, apply the oil first after dilution in a carrier oil and rub gently onto the affected area of cracked heels to ensure the skin absorbs the mixture.
2. Refrain from vigorous scrubbing, as this can lead to irritation and sometimes even bleeding, as the area already has dry, thin skin.
3. Leave it to absorb overnight, and apply every day until your heels heal.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Many factors cause cracked heels, some minor and others serious enough to lead to chronic dryness and discomfort. Though some causes may be temporary and manageable, if not treated, some lead to long-term complications.

Thus, before identifying the most suitable remedies, it is necessary to understand what causes cracked heels in the first place for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The common causes of cracked feet:

• Standing for long periods.
• Wearing sandals with open heels or walking barefoot.
• Using chemically derived soaps that strip your skin of oils, leading to dry and flaky skin.
• Wearing shoes that are too small for the feet.
• Dry weather, particularly in the summer

What are the Symptoms of Cracked Heels?

Dry, cracked heels are not the only symptoms you may experience if you have rough and dry feet. Several other signs often accompany dryness, and it is very important to be able to identify them for a proper cracked heels diagnosis.

Knowing these symptoms in advance will allow you to make the right decision about what to use to relieve them.

Some common symptoms of cracked heels include:

• Itching
• Flaky and peeling skin
• Pain, especially in severe cases
• Redness and inflammation around the heels
• Bleeding in extreme cases

How to Prevent Cracked Heels?

Prevention is always better than cure. Why let the problem escalate when you can easily avoid it in the first place? Preventing cracked heels isn’t difficult; it just requires a few simple habits to keep your feet healthy and moisturized.

Some common methods to prevent cracked heels include:

• Avoid wearing open-back shoes if your feet are prone to cracking.
• Wear shoes that are properly fitted so that air circulates within them.
• Maintain soft, moist skin through foot cream or moisturizer application.
• If diabetic, check the feet for signs of dryness and cracking regularly.
• Hydration at all times to ensure the maintenance of moisture within the skin.
• Utilize a pumice stone to scrape away dry dead skin from the feet.

Conclusion

If left untreated, cracked heels can be both a cosmetic matter and a source of discomfort. However, numerous natural remedies can restore moisture, heal cracks, and prevent the feet from becoming even drier.

From the deep moisturizing qualities of aloe vera and shea butter to the exfoliating effects of baking soda and oatmeal, each remedy offers a unique way to soften and rejuvenate your feet.

With these simple home treatments, you can obtain nice soft heel skin without expensive treatments. Consistency is important as exfoliation, hydration, and moisturizing will help your feet remain healthy throughout the process.

Wearing proper shoes and seeing to it that your body gets enough water and nutrients will also prevent cracked heels from moving forward.

With these 20 home remedies, cracked heels can heal quickly and easily and bring comfort and confidence again with each step. Treat your feet with the care they need, and they will be smooth and nourished all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are cracked feet a sign of diabetes?

A: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to dry feet due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Sometimes, diabetic patients may be suffering from chronic dry and cracked feet, which can sometimes indicate diabetes, though it is not a sure indication. If the dryness persists and cracking doesn’t stop, it’s time to visit the doctor and test for diabetes.

2. Can stress cause cracked feet?

A: Stress increases cortisol levels in the body, generally making the skin more oily rather than dry. While stress can contribute to overall skin health issues, it does not directly cause cracked feet.

3. Can cracked feet get infected?

A: Yes, if left untreated, cracked feet can become infected. The cracks can trap dirt and bacteria, creating an environment for infection, especially if there are deep fissures or open wounds. It’s important to treat cracked heels early to prevent complications, especially if you are diabetic.

4. How long does a cracked heel take to heal?

A: Heel cracks require time depending on the condition and treatment; minor ones usually heal within one week or two, while bigger cracks with correct care take almost three weeks up to a month.

5. Why do heels crack in winter?

A: Dry and harsh weather during winter causes moisture to be taken off the skin. Less intake of water and exposure to cold air further add up to dry, cracky heels. The use of moisturizers and the repletion of water help guard against this problem.

• June 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• March 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri