How to Sooth Dry and Cracked Heels Naturally

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are not only a cosmetic issue, but can also lead to more serious medical issues. Heel fissures occur when the skin on the bottom, outer edge of the heel becomes hard, dry and flaky, sometimes causing deep fissures that can be painful or bleed.

Heel fissures can affect anyone, but risk factors include: Living in a dry climate, obesity, consistently walking barefoot or wearing sandals or open-backed shoes. Like many foot conditions, heel fissures can become more dangerous if they go untreated and become deep or infected. If you have Diabetes or a compromised immune system, it is especially important to ensure you check your feet for cracks or sores.

Helpful for smooth, healthy heels.

If you already have dry heels, there is still hope. Here is my regimen that I find helpful for smooth, healthy heels.

• Deep clean/soak your feet: Soaking your feet using the foot soak recipe below. Be sure to clean all the spaces on your feet with a washcloth, including the areas in between your toes.
• Exfoliate: Using a bristle brush, exfoliate your feet and ankles. Start at the ankle area and brush in a circular motion to the tips of your toes, working your way around the top and the bottom of the feet. Yo can also use a pumice stone. Be sure not to be aggressive when exfoliating, or you can do more harm than good.
• Moisturize: Using a thick, creamy lotion or mask, coat the feet and let the moisturizer sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping off with a warm washcloth. If possible do all of this before bed, then put on soft, cotton socks immediately after applying moisturizer.

Foot Soak Recipe

1 cup of Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops chamomile essential oil
Mix oils and store in a dark glass jar

To create the soak: pour boiling water into a large bowl, and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cleansing foot soak mixture, and soak feet for up to 15 minutes.

As with any condition, prevention is always easier than treatment, so be sure to regularly care for your feet to avoid any extreme issues that come from neglect over time.

Article courtesy of Trina Kincey ~ Integrative Health Coach ~ Owner of Get Real Wellness, LLC

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this site is not provided by medical professionals and is provided for informational purposes only. The information on this site is not meant to substitute consulting with your podiatrist, doctor or other health care professional. The information available on or through this site is in no way intended to diagnose, influence treatment or cure any foot or other health problems nor is it a substitute for the services or advice of a podiatrist, physician, or health professional. You should always consult a physician licensed in your state in all matters relating to your health.