Cracked Heels? Here’s How to Heal and Prevent Them Naturally
Updated: October 18, 2025
Why Cracked Heels Happen
If you’ve ever slipped off your shoes and noticed dry, rough skin at the back of your feet — you’re not alone. Cracked heels are surprisingly common, especially in colder months or when you’re on your feet all day.
The skin there is thicker, and when it loses moisture, it becomes less elastic and more prone to splitting. Add a bit of pressure, and tiny cracks can quickly turn into painful fissures.
Common Triggers
- Dry air and cold weather – your skin loses moisture faster.
- Long hours standing – especially on hard floors.
- Open-back footwear – gives no heel support.
- Skin conditions – like eczema or psoriasis.
- Not drinking enough water – dehydration shows up in your skin.
How to Heal Cracked Heels
Healing cracked heels requires patience, persistence, and the right treatment. Here are some simple and effective tips to help you heal cracked heels:
1. Exfoliate:
Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently exfoliate the skin on your heels, removing dead skin cells and smoothing out rough patches.
2. Moisturize:
Apply a rich moisturizer to your heels, paying special attention to the cracks and fissures. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil.
3. Use a heel cream:
Heel creams are specifically designed to target the thick, hard skin on your heels. Look for a cream that contains ingredients, such as urea, hyaluronic acid, or salicylic acid, which can help to soften and exfoliate the skin.
4. Wear proper footwear:
Wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support and cushioning. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes that put pressure on your heels.
Home Remedies That Actually Work
I’ve gathered some tried-and-true remedies — the kind you can make from things already in your kitchen.
Simple water and Mustard Oil Overnight Wrap
A spoonful of warm Mustard oil into bowl add 1 table spoon water and mix well until it become a creamy texture(you can add more water ). Slip on cotton socks and leave it overnight. By morning, the skin feels softer and more flexible.
It is amazing and well experienced trick to heel up quickly
Shampoo +salt Soak
Mix One Tablespoon of Shampoo add 1 table spoon salt mix well into a tub of warm water. Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes, then scrub gently. Locks in moisture and has mild antibacterial powers — perfect for minor cracks.
Glycerin+ Rosewater+lemon juice
An old beauty secret:
mix equal parts glycerin and rosewater,add few drops lemon juice massage into heels before bed, and cover with socks. This combo draws moisture deep into the skin and keeps it there.
If you try this remedy, trust me, you’ll be set! It’s THE BEST remedy out there! I make this solution in bulk and use it regularly… and BOOM! Got the BEST results! You got try it!
Ghee Balm
Warm a teaspoon of Cow ghee (clarified butter)add some water and mix it well until it become creamy texture then rub into heels. It’s rich in fatty acids that nourish and soften stubborn dry patches.
Aloe Vera & Vitamin E(Easy and Quick Remedy)
Blend fresh aloe gel with the oil from two vitamin E capsules. Apply generously before sleeping. Both speed up skin repair and soothe irritation.
Prevention Tips
- Moisturize feet daily
- Wear socks after applying cream at night
- Avoid walking barefoot on rough floors
- Stay hydrated and choose cushioned shoes
When to See a Doctor
- Deep cracks with bleeding
- Swelling, pus, or redness
- Diabetic patients with any foot wound
Conclusion
Cracked heels can be stubborn, but with the right care, they’re completely fixable. Try one of these remedies tonight — and don’t forget to keep moisturizing to stop them from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1:How do I fix a cracked heel fast?
Apply coconut oil or a glycerin-rosewater mix overnight with socks.
Q2:What can cause cracked heels?
Dry skin, pressure, open-back shoes, cold weather, or health issues like eczema or diabetes.
Q3:How long does a cracked heel take to heal?
Mild cracks can heal in 3–7 days with proper care; deeper cracks may take weeks.
Q4:Does cracked heel mean diabetes?
Not always, but frequent or severe cracks can be a sign of diabetic foot problems.
Q5:What do cracked heels say about your health?
They can signal dehydration, nutrient deficiency, or skin conditions like psoriasis.
Q6:What are the first signs of diabetes in the feet?
Numbness, tingling, slow-healing wounds, and recurring cracks.
Q7:What is the first stage of diabetic foot?
Loss of sensation, dryness, and small cracks that heal slowly.
Q8:Can Vaseline help cracked heels?
Yes — apply a thick layer, cover with socks, and leave overnight.
Q9:What is the best remedy for winter cracked heels?
Ghee, shea butter, or heavy foot creams that lock in moisture.
