Cracked heels are a common foot problem. One survey found that 20 percent of adults in the United States experience cracked skin on their feet. This can occur in both adults and children and seems to affect women more often than men.

For most people, having cracked heels isn’t serious. It may cause discomfort when going barefoot. In some cases, cracks in the heels can become very deep and cause pain. Read on to learn about the best home remedies for treating and preventing cracked heels.

How to Fix Cracked Heels at Home-

1. Heel balms or thick moisturizers

The first line of treatment for cracked heels is using a heel balm. These balms contain ingredients to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dead skin.

Look out for the following ingredients:

• urea
• salicylic acid
• alpha-hydroxy acids
• saccharide isomerate

2. Soak and exfoliate your feet

The skin around cracked heels is often thicker and drier than the rest of your skin. This skin tends to split when you apply pressure. Soaking and moisturizing your feet can help with this. Here are some tips.

For a foot soak:

1. Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
2. Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
3. Gently pat your feet dry.
4. Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
5. Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture. Put on socks to avoid spreading any grease around.

Avoid scrubbing your feet when they’re dry. This increases your risk for damaged skin.

3. Liquid bandage

You can also apply a liquid bandage to cracks to seal the wound and prevent infections or further cracking. This product comes as a spray, which means you can go about your day without worrying about the bandage coming off. 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 medical store or online.

4. Honey

Honey may work as a natural remedy for cracked heels. According to a 2012 review trusted Source, honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Research shows that honey can help heal and cleanse wounds, and moisturize the skin. You can use honey as a foot scrub after a soak, or apply it as a foot mask overnight.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is often recommended for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can help your skin retain moisture. Using coconut oil after a foot soak could be a good option, too. Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may your cracked heels if they’re prone to bleeding or infections.

6. Other natural remedies

There are many other home remedies for cracked heels, although none are proven to specifically treat cracked heels. Most ingredients focus on moisturizing and softening the skin.

These include:

• vinegar, for a foot soak
• olive or vegetable oil, to moisturize
• shea butter, to moisturize
• mashed bananas, to moisturize
• paraffin wax, to seal in moisture
• oatmeal mixed with oil, for exfoliation

Do not treat cracked heels on your own if they’re caused by a medical condition. Special treatment from a podiatrist (foot doctor) may be needed. Severe cases of cracked heels should also be evaluated by a podiatrist, regardless of your medical history. The doctor will suggest the best treatment for your situation.