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What are the Best Home Remedies for Rough Heels?
Home remedies for rough heels include applying moisturizing creams to the bottoms of the feet or using a special exfoliating scrub on the heels. Cracked heels, which make the skin peel and become very rough, can also be painful, and soaking the feet in a solution of warm water and Epsom salt may ease some of the discomfort. Some individuals prefer to use petroleum jelly on the heels to soften rough skin. Another home remedy for rough heels is rubbing coconut oil on the bottoms of the feet.
There are many ways to alleviate the pain and soreness caused by rough or dry heels. A simple remedy that may be used at home calls for adding some lemon juice to a basin of warm water and soaking the feet in the solution. After about 20 minutes of soaking, a moisturizing lotion formulated for dry rough heels can be applied.
Applying medicated foot powder to the heels of the feet or even placing it into the shoes can be home remedies for rough heels. This may help prevent friction and dampness, which can contribute to dry skin and roughness. Feet should be kept as dry as possible to aid in healing.
Another helpful remedy for rough heels is removing dead skin from the bottom of the feet. This can be done with creams used to exfoliate the skin. A pumice stone may help remove dead skin layers and expose new healthier skin underneath. The roughness will go away as the new skin emerges.
Purchasing a loofah sponge is a good investment. Lotion for dry skin or foot lotion can be applied to the sponge and gently scrubbed onto the feet. Essential oils can be used this way, as well. Rubbing the skin with a washcloth, however, should be avoided, as this may cause further irritation.
Some individuals find the most simple home remedies for rough heels are those made from ingredients found in the kitchen. Vegetable oil may provide a barrier of protection and soften the heels of the feet at the same time. Allowing the oil to remain on the feet overnight to penetrate the dry skin may be beneficial, if the messiness isn't a matter of concern.
Other home remedies for rough heels can be made from mashed bananas. By blending one banana and a small amount of milk in a blender, one can make a mixture that can be applied to the heels for extra moisture. This is good for smoothing out uneven, dry, and flaky skin on the feet.
Honey has natural moisturizing properties that can be used to heal dryness. If applying honey straight from the jar is too messy, dilute the honey with warm water to thin the consistency and use this to soak the feet. Done every night for a week, this can result in smoother heels.
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![A pumice stone, which can be used to smooth rough heels.]()
By: dimasobkoA pumice stone, which can be used to smooth rough heels. -
![Wearing open-backed shoes may cause dry, cracked feet.]()
By: Yuriy ChertokWearing open-backed shoes may cause dry, cracked feet. -
![Walking barefoot may cause dry, rough heels.]()
By: Emmanuelle GuillouWalking barefoot may cause dry, rough heels. -
![Applying ice to a sore heel may provide pain relief.]()
By: LovrencgApplying ice to a sore heel may provide pain relief. -
![Petroleum jelly, when applied to the heels, can make them feel softer.]()
By: blueeePetroleum jelly, when applied to the heels, can make them feel softer.
Discussion Comments
If you want to exfoliate the rough skin on your heels but don't have a pumice stone or a loofah sponge handy, an old toothbrush will work just as well. The bristles are firm enough to remove old skin yet gentle enough not to cause more heel irritation.
After taking a shower or soaking your feet, allow them to dry before exfoliating them. Next, take the old toothbrush and gently scrub it back and forth over the rough skin on your heels. When you are finished, wash the toothbrush with soap and water so you can use it on your heels again, and apply lotion to your feet. If you repeat this process daily, you will soon find that your feet will be soft and smooth.
A great home remedy for rough heels is to apply olive oil liberally to the feet then put on a pair of cotton socks to seal in the moisture. You can do this ritual before you start your day so your feet will be moisturized all day long.
If you prefer, you can also make this ritual part of your evening bedtime chores. During this time of day, you can wear the socks all night long and wake up with smooth feet in the morning.
Another option for people who do not like the feeling of putting oil on their feet is to use aloe vera gel instead. Though not quite as moisturizing as olive oil, it is soothing and also helps rough heels feel a lot better.
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