Cracked Heel Remedies

SHEA BUTTER

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:14:46 EST

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Rosemarie from Lima, Oh writes: "I suffered from cracked heals for over twenty years, I tried everything, that only worked for a while Someone told me about raw shea butter for somthing else. It was working so well that I decided to use it on my feet, and wear a pair of socks to bed, the very next day I began to see the difference in my cracked heels. I have been using it for a week now and my heels areÂ almost healed. Rosemarie. "

VITAMIN A

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:18:10 EST

Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Been browsing some old newsletters of Jonathan Wright's and came across this and started wondering if calloused heels and cracked heels might not have the same basic problem. Some of EC'ers might like to try this & see if it could get rid of them. Subject: callouses on heels (wonder what this would do with the cracked heels? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get rid of calluses for good Q: I've had very thick heel calluses for most of my adult life. I've tried everything from lotions to scraping to soaking and nothing seems to work. Is there anything that will help? Dr. Wright: In the 1970s, I read a book about nutrition and general medicine written by a Yale professor. In that book, he observed that heavy heel calluses were a sign of long- term vitamin A deficiency. He recommended vitamin A supplementation for individuals with this problem. Since that time, I have recommended the same treatment for my patients and have found it quite reliable, although in many cases it takes three to four months to begin to see results, and complete disappearance of the calluses can take eight months or more. For adults, the dose is 75,000 units of vitamin A per day until the calluses are gone. Then you can decrease your dose to a "maintenance amount" of 15,000 to 25,000 units per day. (If the calluses return, the quantity can be increased once more.) In over 20 years, I've never observed any adverse effects with this treatment. "

VITAMIN B

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:45:08 EST

[YEA] Dano from Toronto, Canada writes: "Two people I know had bad cases of cracked heels. They tried different doctors, creams etc. to no avail. One old school doctor started treating them with vitamin B injections and they were cured in short order. p.s. Love this site and all the great and helpful people contributing to it. Ted is GREAT!"

FILE, SOAK, APPLY

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:42:41 EDT

[YEA] Ebryant from Tampa, Fl writes: "I am 32 years old and have suffered with dry, cracked heels (sometimes bleeding and extremely painful) for years. BUT NO MORE!!!! Take it from me, if you want soft feet, here is what you do: Every Night until there are no more cracks: 1)Take a foot file (looks like fine grit sand paper on a paddle) and rub it over your dry heels in order to sand off all the dead dry skin. 2)Soak your feed in a pan of hot water with about 1/4 peroxide or ACV (whichever you have on hand or whichever you prefer). 3)Once the skin on your feet has softenend up, gently exfoliate your entire foot with some type of foot scrub (sea salt and olive oil, brown sugar, borax... whatever you like). 4)Rinse your feet well and while they are still damp massage your feet with V***'s Vapo-Rub. Wrap your feet in saran-wrap and put on a pair of socks. I always do this in the evening and go to bed with my feet all wrapped up. I enjoy the warming tingle of the menthol/eucalyptus from the rub as I fall off to sleep. And in the morning I wake up to baby soft feet!!! Once your cracked HEELS are HEALED, lol... you will need to continue the treatment 1-3 times a week."

TRICIA'S CRACKED HEEL REMEDIES

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

[YEA] Tricia from Ireland writes: "To Deirdre Re cracked heels. I have had great success with the following - Before you put your feet in any liquids use an emery board to remove any dry flaky skin. Your feet MUST be dry for this. Wet skin will only move with the emery board not fall away. The type of emery board is important. Here we use the black style. The types for nails that come in different colors i.e. pink blue etc. The reason you don't want to use the metal ones or the one designed specifically for the feet that are like cheese graters is that they are too hard and pull too much skin at once from what is already a very dry area. Think of how they would leave the cheese looking. I always recommend that this can be done while watching the telly or listening to the radio cos you can't damage yourself with these as you can with the metal type. Try to get the hard bit on the edge of the cracks without making yourself sore. You will be very surprised at the amount of dust that you will see coming away from your skin but this is normal. The brown old fashioned emery boards are too gentle and the black ones are perfect. When the dust stops flying move to the next part. If you are getting sore at all you have done enough for the day. More will come off tomorrow. Rinse that dust off your feet as while it is blocking your pores you will absorb nothing transdermally. And it should only be dust, if you see larger bits of skin the emery board is too strong for you. At this stage you can soak your feet in any liquid of your choice i.e. anti-fungal, vinegar, peroxide or oils or salts for as long as suits you. Doing this with a couple of sports clubs some of the men chose to do it with plain old washing up liquid (detergent). So it is a case of whatever suits you. Use antiseptics or peroxide if there is any chance of an infection or dirt being caught in the cracks as it may close over the dirt and cause a diferent problem. Then this is most important. Pack the cracks with some kind of thick oil. Our choice at the time we did this was vaseline but some would not choose this because of the petrolatum issue. Whatever you use press it over the crack to ensure that it has gone in the full depth. These cracks cannot heal while they are dry. If you had an operation on your stomach and the skin dried out to the same extent it would not heal either. We usually put large medical issue bandages over them to keep the vaseline on the feet.This won't suit everyone so a cotton pair of socks will do. The people we did this with all had to walk home so bandages were needed to keep the vaeline well packed. Wash next day as normal and leave bandage off. You want your feet fairly dry to repeat the process the next evening. Remember it will be easy to slip on the floor until this is washed off. Do the same the next evening and continue til necessary tapering the amount of times done as they heal. This worked within 3 days for some and some took approx 2 weeks. But it makes sense that the hard skin needs to go and the skin to be wet for the cracks to knit together. As for the fungal infection. Many people will only treat the area that they can see the infection on. The human eye cannot see all of a fungal infection so if it spreading nor can they see it when it is at the last stages of treatment so it is very important to treat outside the area and for a lot longer that you can see it or feel it. My husband picks up an athletes foot while he is travelling for business on a regular basis. He never feels it but we can see it between his toes. We only know he has it when I catch it because I get the itching and burning long before I can see it. We use a providone iodine antiseptic wash which is normally used for pre-operation swabs in a footbath then antifungal medicated creams. Because he gets the moccassin type we bathe and cream his feet up to the ankles. I only get the moccassin type around the toe area so I only need to cover the shoe area. This is a long winded way of telling you how to do it but it actually doesn't take long perform it. The longest part of it is how long you choose to soak you feet and it is our tried and tested method. "

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SOAKS

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:58:33 EDT

[YEA] Mo from Battle Ground, WA writes: "soaked feet nightly in drugstore strength hydrogren peroxide until cracks were healed."

MAGNESIUM OIL

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:51:23 EDT

[YEA] Gean from Salina, Kansas writes: "My mom, who is 62 and has had severely cracked heels for as long as I can remember, started spraying herself with magnesium oil (magnesium chloride). Within a couple of weeks her heels were completely smooth. I also gave some magnesium oil to a friend in her late 40's. After 1-2 weeks of spraying in on her body, she got "baby feet". She had had very cracked heels. Neither of these ladies sprayed it on their feet, just on body once daily after a shower. We did not know it would have this effect, but they are very happy about this!"

SUPER GLUE, ACV, COCONUT OIL

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] CYNTHIA from FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS writes: "DRY/CRACKED SKIN: My heels have been dry for years and I get a thick build up of dry skin and deep painful cracks in the winter. The only thing I found that helps the cracks heal together quickly and alleviates the pain is, believe it or not, super Glue. I just squirt some inside the crack and hold it closed for a minute. A retired military man told me this is what they use on cuts when the soldiers are in the field and they can't get back to medical treatment quickly. It won't cure the problem though. I have tried just about everything to cure the problem and have only been successful in finding softening agents. One remedy I found was Johnson's foot soap, I get it at a major retail store. There are several packets in the box. Before I get started I always gather a towel and my pumice stone and anything else I need. I open a packet and dump it into water that is as hot as I can stand it. Then I pour in about a cup of salt, sometimes I add ACV, and sit and watch tv with my feet soaking. After 20 or so minutes I start working on one foot while the other is still soaking. After I get the dead, dry skin off my feet I soak them in Virgin Coconut Oil. After the first application of coconut oil has soaked in I repeat it. Then right before I go to bed I re-apply. This, combined with using my pumice evry couple days and re-applying the coconut oil keeps my feet soft and smooth for a while. I think the build up of dead skin is hereditary and wonder if there is a cure. Does anyone out there know what will stop my feet from cracking open? This year my right thumb has also cracked open and is painful."

OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTS

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

[YEA] Bev from Long Beach, CA/USA writes: "I suffered for years from cracked heels. Felt as though I was walking on glass fragments. Nothing topical worked for me. I started taking fish, flaxseed, and borage oil combination (purchased at wal-mart, spring valley brand, 1200 mg per softgel). Within months my heels had closed up and I haven't had a problem since. Hopes this helps others."

VITAMIN B-12

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

[YEA] Donna from Riverside, USA writes: "I know that circulation problems is an issue with certain diseases like Diabetes & Hypothyroidism. I use to have a problem walking & had really cracked heals until I started taking vitamin B12. VitB12 helps with circulation problem. My feet does not hurt when walking anymore and the cracks in my feet has healed."

BANDAID, EMERY BOARD, MOISTURIZE

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

[YEA] Peter from Belen, New Mexico writes: "What works for me for Cracked Heels is the following: First, I'll cover the crack(s) with a band aid to alleviate discomfort. Then, while showering, I use the coarse side of a foot Emery Board until the skin around the cracks is no longer calloused or hard; I then rub the area carefully with the smooth side. Finally, after the shower, I try to leave that area a little damp and use a non-fragrant body moisturizer from the health food store if the crack is not too sensitive - otherwise, a band aid again. As a followup, I try to maintain this area with moisturizer and periodic use of the emery board. I've been doing this for several years with good results. I hope this helps. What I haven't been able to do is heal the cracked tip of my finger or thumb. I'll try the vinegar and see if that helps. The band aid therapy works, but I want to eliminate the cause, whatever that may be..."

PED EGG AND COCONUT OIL

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

[YEA] Linsa from Columbus, Ohio writes: "I used to have horrible, painful cracked heel especially in the summer. I bought the ped egg and it was so nasty how much dead skin it shaved off. I put virgin coconut oil on them and I have wonderfully smooth feet (all summer long!)"

ANTI-FUNGAL SUPPLEMENTS

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

[YEA] Jonna from NYC, NY, USA writes: "1:30am, Saturday Night: I read AC from West Midlands, England's post about using Garlic for Athlete's foot a few days ago and was eager to try it. I have had athlete's foot on and off for years. I also have deeply etched cracked heals which I understand is possibly a fungal infection. And then recently the skin around my right big toe started to peel and looks nasty as can be. I tried the best OTC for Athlete's Foot, but with limited success. Takes 5 days to go away and then comes back a couple weeks later. We had just run out of garlic, so I opted instead for another powerful anti-fungal, Wild Oil of Oregano. I use OO for coughs and sinus infections and had about 15 capsules left. Before going to sleep, I punctured a capsule of oil and rubbed it over both of my feet, especially concentrating it on my big toe, in between my toes where the athelete's foot itched and the cracks on my heals. I put socks on so the oil wouldn't get all over the sheets. It doesn't smell bad at all -- much better than garlic for sure! Just like AC reported, there was dramatic improvement by the morning! The infection around my big toe was 50% better... The blisters in between my toes had disappeared. The cracks in my heals have started to seal and are unbelievably soft... (I had been rubbing shea butter on the cracks every night, which helped, but not to this extent). I did the Oregano oil 3 morning and night for 2 days, took a day off. The infection around my big toe is all but gone. No more peeling skin. The cracks on my heels continue to slowly improve. Tonight I switched to Grapefruit Seed Extract and my feet, normally cold, warmed up right away. This may be a great remedy for those suffering from cold hands and feet. My feet are still tinglingly warm 2 hours after applying the GSE. I have the feeling that the GSE will work just as well as the Oregano Oil. I also am trying the GSE on my perioral dermatitis and will report back any improvements. I can tell you that the itchy postules around my nose have disappeared. I had to wash off the GSE after about 20 minutes because it started to burn. "

NEEM SOAP, LUGOL'S IODINE FOR CRACKED HEELS

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

[YEA] Harrison from Boulder, Colorado writes: "Cracked heels can be cured by first cleaning out the wound with a good neem soap and a q-tip. Then dry the area carefully and add 2 drops of Lugol's iodine to the sore and a glob of aloe vera gel. Cover with a bandage. Repeat once a day. The problem is gone within a week."

RAW HONEY

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

[YEA] Julie from Seattle, WA writes: "re: Fissures (Cracked Feet) -- I get painful fissures on my feet; sometimes so bad that I can barely walk. Lately, I've been using raw (must be raw) honey on them at night. Slather liberally and put on cotton socks. In the morning, my feet are soft and usually the fissures are gone in 1-3 days."

PARAFFIN AND CANDLE WAX

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

[YEA] Maria from Cape Town, South Africa writes: "cure for cracked heels and hands heat one cup of parafin in an old pot on stove at very low tempersture. wait till it nearly boil and break two white wax candles in pieces and add to parrafin, when wax is melted. take off stove and wait till it has cooled down. use cream to rub on hands and feet.the best cure ever for feet and dry skin problems. you can either use it at night because of the smell (some people might nt like the smell of parafin) or you can use it as often as you like during the day.y ou can the wash your hands and feet with normal soap i am fifty one years old my mom used it to keep our feet healthy and up till today i used it on my self and my children and anybody with problem hands and feet THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC SITE

CRISCO SHORTENING

Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT
[YEA] Anna from Elk Grove, CA writes: "Dry Cracked Heels: This remedy sounds odd but works. A friend told me her dermatologist recommened crisco shortening for her cracked heels. She said it worked great so I tried it and my feet are softer, better than any lotions I use. Cheap too."

ANTIFUNGAL FOOT CREAM, OLIVE OIL

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT
[YEA] Kay from writes: "I had bad cracked heals and nothing worked until I used an antifungal foot cream for about two weeks and then after that i used olive oil as a moisturizer."

VINEGAR, SHOES AND SOCKS IN THE FREEZER

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT
[YEA] Robin from New Mexico, USA writes: "I was reading the oil pulling pages, and saw that so many people were plagued with cracking heels, and I felt bad because I know how to make it go away. You just put vinegar on the cracked heel everyday for 6 months without missing a day, and place your socks and shoes in the freezer for 24-48 hours from time to time. This will also heal nail fungus, itchy ears, athletes foot, and dandruff, (just put it on a little while before shampoo-ing, then rinse with vinegar/water dilute). Anything yeasty where you can stand to put vinegar. You of course would have to dilute it to treat vaginal yeast infections"

OIL PULLING

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT
[YEA] Kitty from Clatskanie, OR writes: "We have a group of people doing this procedure on curezone.com http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=738 also www.oilpulling.com has info There isn't a lot of information on it, in english anyway. It's excellent for dental health with results within days if not hours. It's truly amazing!!! One lady had 3 #9 pockets plus numerous 8, 7, 6 and 5s. After Oil Pulling for 5 minutes a day for two months, she went to the dentist with 2 #7 pockets at worst. I've been doing it for a few months now. I had gone to the dentist because of problems with a couple deep pockets. He was going to send me to a periodontist for possle surgery. Then I found out about oil pulling. I had posted on the dental forum at curezone and someone mentioned the oil pulling. After a couple days of doing it my gums felt much better. Now after about 3 months my gums are so much better, my teeth are markedly whiter, my mouth feels clean and gums healthy. My cracked heels are almost cured as well (go figure that). I have less aches and pains. It used to be difficult climbing the stairs and getting up my feet would hurt, but I feel much better all around. It's a crazy thing to do but it's fantastic. It's so simple and inexpensive. I use refined expeller pressed (Hain brand) sunflower oil. I also started adding a few drops of oil of oregano, which has anti bacterial properties. Check us out at curezone! Kitty "