Cracked heels have become a common problem, and can occur in both adults and children. Cracked heels are a sign that you are not taking enough care of your feet. You tend to ignore moisturising your feet, and with time it becomes drier as there are no oil glands present there. It’s a nightmare for most women and isn’t serious in general, but for some people, cracked heels cause real discomfort since they become deep and cause pain when you walk barefoot. 

Cracked heels are also caused due to overexposure to pollution, and some medical conditions such as eczema, diabetes, and psoriasis. And if you have cracked heels, then here’s how you can deal with it by using these home remedies. 

Listerine and vinegar pack:

Take one cup Listerine and one cup of vinegar mix it with two cups of water. Soak your feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes. Remove your feet, and scrub them using a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Listerine contains thymol, which helps to fight toenail fungus, cure cracked feet, soothe skin, and treat plantar warts, whereas, the acids present in vinegar soften dry and dead skin, making it easy to exfoliate. Repeat this at least thrice a week to notice the difference. 

Rice flour, honey and vinegar:

Add 3 tsp of rice flour, one tsp of honey, and 2–3 drops of apple cider vinegar and blend well to form a paste. Soak your feet in warm water for 10-12 minutes, use this paste as a scrub to remove dead skin. Rice flour helps to exfoliate the skin, while Honey helps heal cracked feet. Use it twice a week to notice the difference. 

Baking soda:

Add 3 tbsp of baking soda to a tub of lukewarm water. Soak your feet in this for 15 minutes. Remove your feet,  rinse with clean water, and dry your feet with a towel. Baking soda removes dead cells and also neutralises foul odour. Do this at least thrice a week.

Vaseline and lemon juice:

Add 3 to 4 drops of lemon juice to one tsp of Vaseline and mix it well. Apply this mixture to your heels and wear a pair of socks, and let it sit overnight. Vaseline acts as a moisturizer, and the citric acid in lemon juice promotes skin peeling. Do this regularly before going to bed.

lavender and Olive oil:

Using a cotton ball, apply some olive and lavender oil and massage your feet in the circular motion for 10-15 minutes. Wear cotton socks and wash your feet with lukewarm water after an hour. Do it regularly to achieve smooth skin. Olive oil has properties that make your skin soft and smooth.