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Folk treatment of cracked heels
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Today we have to deal with numerous problems that concern our feet. Heels are especially sensitive. They are constantly exposed to impact, since they bear the main load during walking and various exercises. We especially often have to deal with various growths, spurs, cracks. All this causes anxiety and discomfort, since pain and unpleasant sensations arise. Women are most susceptible to such pathologies, since they often wear heels. It is quite difficult to get rid of this problem, so today home treatment of cracked heels remains relevant.
Dimexide for cracked heels
One of the most effective means that is widely used in the treatment of cracks and spurs is dimexide. This means has proven itself as a means not only for pain relief, elimination of symptoms, but also as a means that allows you to get rid of the disease, cure it. The advantage of the drug is that it has a local effect.
In addition, it has a local anesthetic effect, has the ability to restore damaged tissues, prevent the development of an infectious process. It can be characterized as a highly effective means of preventing not only a local infectious and inflammatory process, but also the generalization of infection and the development of sepsis, bacteremia. Promotes rapid healing of wound surfaces.
There are several ways to use it. Some people use it as a foot bath, adding a few spoons of concentrated solution to a hot water bath. It is also used as a compress, lotion. When using it this way, you must dilute the solution, as it can cause a chemical burn.
The most effective way to use dimexide is a compress. Many doctors recommend their patients to make compresses daily. It is advisable to carry out the procedure before going to bed. The advantage of this method is that it additionally warms the heel. Heat promotes effective wound healing, resorption of seals, and activation of metabolic processes.
In order to make a compress correctly, you need to follow some rules. First, the active substance of the compress must be prepared in advance. As for dimexidine, it must be diluted, since it is sold only as a concentrate. It is usually diluted five to six times with distilled water, or another liquid prescribed by the doctor. You can use physiological solution, glucose and some herbal decoctions for dilution.
Then take gauze or bandage, fold it about 5-6 times, and soak it in the prepared solution. Apply it to the affected area. Be sure to put a layer of cellophane or a plastic bag on top. Then put another layer on top - made of regular fabric. It will absorb condensation and residual moisture. Put a thick layer of woolen material (scarf or kerchief) on top of this layer. If the compress is applied correctly, the bottom layer should remain wet. The compress should be kept on for at least 45 minutes.
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Vitamins
Various vitamins can be used to treat cracks. Some of them are taken internally, others are used externally, adding to compresses and baths. The formation of any cracks, erosions, damage to the skin and mucous membranes is primarily due to a lack of vitamins A and E. In this regard, it is recommended to take vitamins internally in the following daily doses:
- Vitamin A – 2000 mg
- Vitamin E - 45 mg
- Vitamin C – 1000 mg
- Vitamin PP – 60 mg
- Vitamin H – 150 mg.
Complex vitamins work well, which include several types of vitamins, sometimes even mineral components. It is important to ensure proper nutrition, which will contain the necessary amount of vitamins. Food should be rich in fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin E for Cracked Heels
It is recommended to add a few drops of liquid vitamin E to compresses and foot baths, which promotes active saturation of the skin with vitamin and rapid healing of wounds. The skin has the ability to absorb vitamins and other active substances.
To prepare a bath, usually take about 2 liters of hot water or herbal decoction. Add 4-5 drops of liquid vitamin E, which can be purchased at a pharmacy. To reduce pain, prepare for sleep, it is recommended to use baths close to body temperature. Hot baths normalize metabolism, which helps relieve nerve and muscle tension, it is recommended to add medications to such baths. Hot baths are best used in the morning or during the day. After them, you need to lie down and rest. It is better to put your legs up, preferably on the wall. You also need to put on warm socks after the bath.
It is also recommended to use vitamins to prepare a compress. In this case, it is better to use a fatty substance as a base, since this will facilitate rapid absorption and accelerated penetration of the vitamin through the skin.
The vitamin can be added to natural oil and used before bedtime to massage and rub the damaged heel. Also, 2-3 drops of it are added to any foot cream, which also speeds up healing.
Folk remedies
Various oils have proven themselves to be effective in treating cracks. They soften, heal wounds, and also have a complex effect on the body, as a result of which the main vital signs are normalized.
Watermelon oil has proven itself well. It is recommended to lubricate cracks with it. It has high antifungal activity, allows you to effectively combat various types of bacteria and viruses that usually colonize any wounds and cause the progression of the disease and the development of an acute inflammatory process. In addition, it normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, promotes the resorption of growths, neoplasms, polyps in the skin and under the skin, eliminates rashes and irritation.
In addition, watermelon oil has a unique systemic effect on the body. Its regular use normalizes potency, eliminates urogenital infections, increases libido. Can be taken orally.
Pumpkin oil is a good biocorrector, so it is recommended for internal use. As is known, the skin, especially on the legs, is a reflection of the internal state of the body. If cracks appear, this primarily indicates contamination of the body, decreased immunity and a lack of vitamins A and E. These are the vitamins that are found in large quantities in pumpkin oil. You need to take it by the tablespoon for 28 days, since it is during this period that the full biochemical cycle occurs, and the body is renewed, reprogramming its basic functions.
Pumpkin oil has long been known for its miraculous powers. It was used by the founder of medicine Avicenna. This oil is described in his treatises written before our era. There are serious reasons for this, since pumpkin is a real chest that contains a full set of vitamins, minerals and active components. This product is added to many elite balms and ointments. This is one of the main sources of zinc, which is a good restorative for restoring the integrity of the skin. Therefore, it can be used externally in the form of compresses, added to baths.
Melon oil is also an effective cosmetic product that has regenerative properties, helping to restore damaged tissues and cells. It contains a large amount of vitamins A and E, as well as folic and ascorbic acid, which are essential components for maintaining the normal functional state of the skin.
In addition, this oil is useful to take internally, as it contains a number of biologically active substances that promote the independent synthesis of essential vitamins in the body. Pumpkin oil contains many precursors of vitamin A and E, from which these vitamins are subsequently synthesized. It also helps to normalize metabolic processes. Enhances hair growth, strengthens nails. Helps to cleanse the body, increases resistance to infectious and inflammatory diseases.
The optimal content of such a component as zinc promotes rapid healing of wounds, burns, prevents acne, normalizes blood circulation. Appetite is normalized. An important effect is the neutralization of poisons and toxins, as well as the rapid removal of keratinized particles of the epidermis, which promotes rapid renewal of the skin. In addition, it has excellent bleaching properties.
Treating Cracked Heels with Hydrogen Peroxide
Peroxide has a high degree of biochemical activity and can not only promote wound healing, but also prevent the risk of infection. Any crack, especially on the heel, is inevitably accompanied by the formation of bacterial microflora. Therefore, the risk of infection and inflammation is extremely high. To prevent this, you need to make it a rule to treat the wound with peroxide every day, twice a day. You can simply pour it from the package directly onto the wound. You can soak cotton wool in peroxide and apply it to the crack for 2-3 minutes. You can leave it for a longer time, sealing it with adhesive tape. Peroxide is used in the form of a 3% solution. Peroxide can be added to massage and rubbing oils, to creams. It is also used in the form of compresses.
Glycerin for cracked heels
Glycerin is an excellent emollient that has the ability to penetrate deep into tissues. It not only has a softening effect, but also has the ability to heal wounds.
Glycerin is used in its pure form, and is also added to various components. For example, oils, creams, and soap are prepared on the basis of glycerin. You can prepare all these products at home yourself. It is used as a base for the preparation of various oils for rubbing. Vitamins are added to it, since it is a good solvent for them.
You can try making a cream for applying to your heels at home. In this case, use regular baby cream as a base. Squeeze it into a cup or a small bowl. Add about 10 ml of pure glycerin to 50 grams of cream. Mix the product thoroughly. Stir for at least 15 minutes. After that, the product can be considered ready for use. Often, 2-3 drops of vitamin E are added to this product. Apply as a regular cream, lubricating the affected areas. It is especially effective for application under a compress. It works well when applied to warmed skin after baths.
To make soap at home, you will need finely chopped soap scraps. They are placed in an enamel bowl, poured onto a finger with water, melted over low heat while stirring constantly. When the soap acquires a uniform consistency, you can add about 15 ml of glycerin to it. In this case, you need to continue stirring. After 2-3 minutes, the soap is removed from the heat, poured into molds, allowed to harden, and then used to wash your feet. It is recommended to keep your feet in soapy water for at least 5 minutes. It is better to use hot water.
It is also used as a compress. For this, it is recommended to take a small mold with enamel, which can be heated over a fire. Pour about 50 ml of pure glycerin into it. Do not bring to a boil. As soon as the product has heated up, remove from the fire, add 2-3 drops of vitamin E, mix thoroughly. When the product reaches a comfortable temperature, you need to put gauze folded in several layers into it, then squeeze it out and put it on the injured leg. Cover it with cellophane, thin fabric and wrap it in a warm scarf, or put on a sock.
Any ointments and creams can be prepared in a similar way. Not only vitamins, but also various medicinal substances, extracts, decoctions, plant and animal components, minerals can be added to hot glycerin. in pure form and with the addition of essential oils, used for massage, rubbing, compresses.
Vinegar for cracked heels
A compress or lotion made of vinegar is used as a folk remedy. To prepare a working solution, about a tablespoon of vinegar is dissolved in 500 ml of warm water. Wet gauze, apply a compress. It is recommended to hold for at least 40 minutes. After this, be sure to place the foot in a warm place. Promotes rapid healing of wounds and normalization of the skin condition.
Apple cider vinegar
It can be used as a means for compresses and lotions. In this case, it is used in the same way as regular table vinegar: a tablespoon is dissolved in 500 ml of warm water. For baths, it is recommended to add 3-4 tablespoons per 2-3 liters of hot water.
Aspirin Treatment for Cracked Heels
Aspirin is used not only in the traditional way, internally, but also in the form of compresses. So, to prepare a compress, you need to take 3 aspirin tablets, dissolve them in a glass of warm water. After that, soak gauze in the resulting solution, squeeze it out and apply it to the crack. You need to hold it for about 15-20 minutes. It has a powerful wound-healing effect, relieves pain.
Baking soda for cracked heels
Soda has proven itself as a means that actively stimulates receptors, mucous membranes, causes hyperemia and improves local blood circulation. As a result, swelling is quickly eliminated, inflammation is relieved.
Various compresses, cakes, and wraps have proven themselves to be effective.
Soda ointment is widely used for heel massage. It allows to warm up the massaged areas well, stimulates skin receptors, and intensively warms the skin. Soda is often mixed with honey. During massage, honey has a softening effect, soothes irritated areas, relieves burning and excessive irritation. In addition, the ointment nourishes the skin and saturates it with vitamins, which contributes to a faster recovery. To prepare the ointment, you need to melt about 4-5 tablespoons of honey over low heat, add a teaspoon of soda and stir until completely dissolved.
Compresses and wraps are applied in a similar manner. To apply a compress, apply ointment to the leg, then soak a cloth in hot water and apply it to the ointment. Put cellophane on top, and then a thin cloth on top. Then wrap the entire area with a warm towel or woolen scarf. The patient should lie in bed and cover himself warmly. The compress can be left on overnight or removed after 2-3 hours.
Solidol cracked heels
Solidol is often used for wraps. A thin layer of solidol is applied to the skin. Cellophane, waterproof fabric and warm woolen material are applied. After 20-30 minutes, the wrap is removed, the remains of the product are removed with a cloth soaked in hot water. After this, a thin layer of cream is applied and left until the morning.
Treatment of cracked heels with honey
Honey is a natural product that has numerous healing and cosmetic properties. Honey has long been used in folk medicine. Today, honey-based preparations are even recognized by traditional medicine. Honey is a beekeeping product and is produced in special containers or poured into jars with a tight-fitting lid. There are different types of honey - herbal, buckwheat, linden, flower. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In its normal state, it is an amber or light yellow semi-liquid mass. When crystallized, a cream-colored mass of lard-like consistency is formed.
The main effect of honey is realized due to the fact that it normalizes metabolism in the body. Honey contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Honey contains a large amount of vitamin C, which significantly exceeds its dosage in lemon.
This vitamin has antioxidant properties. It penetrates the body, saturates it with essential substances, cleanses it of toxins and metabolic products, removes free radicals. It also helps stabilize cell membranes and normalizes intracellular metabolism. It helps accumulate and preserve vitamins in the body and their timely inclusion in metabolic processes.
It is used as a base for the preparation of various ointments, creams, compresses. An interesting way to use honey is in the form of cakes that are applied to the affected areas of the body.
You can make honey cakes that are applied to the crack area, to the spurs. They are good for the heel, foot. To make the cake, take vegetable oil, flour, honey in approximately equal proportions, mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed. The best option is to take one tablespoon of each component. After the homogeneous mass is formed, roll out the cake, put it on gauze or bandage and apply it to the crack. Cover the cake with polyethylene, keep it for 2-3 hours, then remove it, wash off the remains with warm water. After this, wrap the person in a warm blanket.
You can also steam your feet with honey. It is important that the temperature does not increase during this procedure. To perform the procedure, take a container and fill it with hot water. The water should be as hot as your feet can stand. Lower your feet into the water. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of honey to 3-4 liters of hot water. As the water cools, add more hot water. Steam your feet for 15-20 minutes. Then put on warm socks and put honey in them.
Honey compress is widely used to treat spurs and cracks. To apply the compress, you must first wipe the skin with a cloth soaked in hot water. Then apply pre-heated honey to the skin. Honey can be applied directly to the skin or to gauze (bandage). Polyethylene or cellophane should be placed on top, which will provide the necessary moisture and create a greenhouse effect. To retain heat and absorb excess moisture, a cloth is placed on top. It is wrapped in warm material on top, which will warm and will not let in the cold. The compress is usually applied at night. In the morning, the compress is removed, the skin is wiped with a cloth soaked in hot water, wiped dry. Then dry heat is applied.
Kombucha for cracked heels
The mushroom is grown to such a state that its body becomes visible. To grow, it is necessary to fill it with about three liters of cold water and insist in a dark place. Usually, it takes at least a week to grow. After this, it can be used both for internal and external use.
The mushroom mycelium is removed from the jar. It does not need to be thrown away, but can be poured into another jar and infused in the same way. The resulting solution is drunk one glass a day, three times a day.
It is also recommended to use for compresses and lotions. To do this, pour a glass of the solution, soak gauze folded in 4 layers in it, squeeze it out and place it on the foot, directly on the affected area. After that, apply all the other layers of the compress: cellophane, cotton fabric, dry heat. Then hold for at least 30 minutes. After removing, it is recommended to lubricate the foot with a moisturizing cream.
Ammonia for cracked heels
Prevents infection and promotes rapid healing of wounds. For this purpose, it is recommended to make a compress or lotions. A working solution is prepared from ammonia. It is necessary to take into account that it has a strong smell, so it is better to put a gauze bandage on your face and not to inhale the vapors formed when opening the bottle. The solution is prepared at the rate of a teaspoon of alcohol per liter of water.
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Urea for cracked heels
In some cases, extracted urea is used, intended for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. A working solution is prepared from it, at a rate of 1-2 grams of urea per 500 ml of warm water. After that, the product is used for external use, applying to the crack. It can be used for baths and compresses.
Urea is found in both human and animal urine. Therefore, fresh urine is often used to treat cracks. Human and horse urine have proven themselves to be effective. It is used in its pure form for compresses and lotions.
Laundry soap for cracked heels
It is laundry soap that creates an environment that prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria, as it has an alkaline reaction. It has excellent antiseptic properties, which reduces the risk of developing an infectious and inflammatory process. It is used for foot baths. It is very useful to steam your feet in foam formed from laundry soap. It is also recommended to wash your feet at least 2 times a day with laundry soap and lubricate them with a softening cream after that.
Lemon for cracked heels
The main effect of lemon is due to the high content of vitamin C. It has a wound-healing effect, restores the structure and functions of damaged tissues. A very high level of regeneration is also achieved due to the high content of flavonoids, glycosides, antioxidants. They remove toxins, slags, free radicals from the body. As a result, metabolic processes are normalized, tissue structure is improved.
Lemon can be used internally to strengthen the body and normalize metabolic processes, as well as externally in the form of ointments, creams, compresses and lotions.
A tonic that helps boost immunity, normalize tissue regeneration, and improve skin condition, including the heels, has proven itself well. For internal use, it is recommended to prepare a nutritious mixture. This will require 100 grams of dried apricots, prunes, raisins, and walnuts. Mix all of this and mince. Also mince one lemon, with the zest, but without the seeds. Mix all of this, add honey, stir until a homogeneous mass is formed, and take 2 tablespoons a day.
For external use, use a mixture of lemon and aloe juice. To do this, mince 3-4 medium aloe leaves and one lemon with zest. Separate the juice from the puree. Add 2 tablespoons of alcohol or vodka to the juice and let it sit for 24 hours in a dark place. Use the resulting puree immediately for compresses. Apply a thin layer of it to gauze and leave it on the affected area for half an hour. The puree is suitable for 2 days, after which it loses its healing properties, since the main active ingredients are neutralized. It is recommended to do a course of 5 lotions or compresses over 2 days.
After the alcohol solution prepared from the juices has steeped, it is used as a lotion to wipe the affected area. Cotton wool is soaked in the solution and the skin in and around the crack is wiped.
Lemon juice can be added to cream or base oil and used for massage, rubbing, compresses, lubrication at night. Lemon essential oil has also proven itself well, which must be diluted in cream, base oil or other solutions. Lemon essential oil can be used for foot baths, steam your feet with it. To do this, add 2-3 drops of oil to the water.
You can also use natural lemon for foot baths. It is better to squeeze the lemon and pour boiling water over the remaining zest and pulp. Cover with a towel and leave until the water reaches a comfortable temperature. After that, place your feet in the bath, wrap them in a towel and steam for 15-20 minutes. It is better to do this procedure at night, before going to bed. You do not need to dry your feet, just pat them dry and put on warm socks.
Aspirin and vodka for cracked heels
Aspirin has a wound-healing effect, restores damaged tissue. Vodka has an antiseptic effect, prevents the risk of infection and inflammation. Together, these products can quickly and effectively relieve pain, reduce local irritation and redness.
It is used as a poultice. For 3 tablespoons of vodka you need 2 aspirin tablets. They are dissolved in vodka, then gauze is soaked and applied to the crack for 15-20 minutes. You can put a sock on top to fix it and provide additional warmth.
Masks for cracked heels
Traditional medicine has many recipes for masks that have various effects. Sea buckthorn masks are often used to treat and prevent cracks, as it quickly heals wounds and has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Masks can be used cold or hot. The holding time is 15-20 minutes.
- Recipe No. 1.
Take about 100 grams of sea buckthorn berries, knead them until oil forms. Then add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and ground ginger to the resulting mass, as well as 2-3 drops of fir essential oil. Mix everything thoroughly, heat to a temperature of about 40-50 degrees on low heat and apply to the skin.
- Recipe No. 2.
Take 3-4 tablespoons of semolina, make a thick porridge from it. Separately, mash 2-3 tablespoons of sea buckthorn with a fork until oil forms. Mix with porridge, stir until a uniform shade and mass are formed. After this, add about 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil and apply to the foot while warm.
- Recipe No. 3.
You will need an egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil. You can squeeze it out of the berries yourself or buy it ready-made at the pharmacy. Mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed. Add a third of a teaspoon of salt, mix again and apply to the affected area.
- Recipe No. 4.
Take 3 tablespoons of baby cream and a tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Mix, add a teaspoon of glycerin and 2-3 drops of juniper essential oil. Mix thoroughly and apply to the skin.
- Recipe No. 5.
You will need 3 tablespoons of honey and the same amount of sea buckthorn oil. The honey must be melted over low heat while stirring constantly. After it has dissolved, gradually add the sea buckthorn oil, continuing to stir. After this, remove from heat, sprinkle with ground cloves (about half a teaspoon), stir and apply to the skin while warm.
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Homeopathy
It is traditionally believed that homeopathic remedies are harmless and have virtually no side effects. This is not true. If used incorrectly, they can cause various side effects and even worsen the condition. The danger of homeopathy is that you need to know how to properly combine different remedies. Exceeding the dose or incorrect combination causes severe poisoning, which can even end in death. Therefore, you should always take precautions: consult a doctor before starting treatment. Several recipes can be recommended.
- Recipe No. 1.
A compress of a regular cabbage leaf with honey will help quickly relieve pain and normalize the skin condition. To use, you need to choose a large cabbage leaf and wash it thoroughly. The leaves should be juicy and fresh. It is also important that the leaves are whole and undamaged.
Immediately before the procedure, the leaves should be dipped in boiling water and held for several minutes. Then remove, blot with a towel, and lay out. Put a thin layer of honey on top of the leaves and apply to the affected area (heel). Wrap the compress on top with several layers of warm fabric or a scarf. It should be applied with the side on which the honey is located. Keep the compress for 10-15 minutes, then remove it and wipe the skin dry.
- Recipe No. 2.
To prepare a decoction of turnips with honey, chop the turnips into small pieces, add 2-3 tablespoons of this mass to boiling water. The decoction should be boiled over low heat for 15-20 minutes, after which it is infused for about an hour in a cool place. After the decoction has infused, it must be filtered. Add about half a glass of honey to the resulting decoction, mix thoroughly. Apply warm to the heel. Most often used as a compress.
- Recipe No. 3.
Also effective is a puree of fresh apples and onions, used for compresses. Prepare a portion for a day. Take one large apple and a medium-sized onion. Cut the apple into slices, remove the middle. Peel, wash, and chop the onion. Then grate on a fine grater or mince. Add honey to the resulting mixture and stir until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- Recipe No. 4.
Treatment of cracked heels at home can be done with rubbing and massage. It is recommended to rub with vodka and honey. Even if a person does not know how to do a massage, vodka and honey will compensate for this due to the active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin. You can mix 200 grams of vodka with 2 tablespoons of honey in advance. Rub with this mixture. Cover up immediately after rubbing.