Cracked Heels Every Winter? 5 Natural Ways to Soften and Heal Them

Winter often leads to dry skin but thankfully, Ayurveda has effective cracked heels remedy with desi ghee applied on your heels. Next comes a special neem paste which you can easily make at home by crushing neem leaves with a pinch of turmeric and coconut oil. 

Ayurvedic creams like shea butter or cocoa butter for foot care winter are also great remedies for cracked heels. Feet are usually the most neglected part of the body during harsh weather conditions. 

So, let us look at this guide on how to avoid cracked heels and heal your skin. 

Why heels crack in winter

Low humidity: Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries the air further. Dry air pulls water out of the outermost skin layer, which is why heels, elbows, and knuckles often crack first.

Increased friction: Walking, standing for long periods, and wearing shoes that rub or press on the heel all add stress to already dry skin. Each step stretches the skin, and when it can't stretch, it splits.

Lack of moisturisation: Many people moisturise less in winter, even though the skin needs more support. Without a barrier of moisture and oil, the skin loses water faster and stays rough.

How to prevent cracked heels on daily basis 

• Don’t walk barefoot, especially on hard floors: Bare feet lose moisture quickly, and hard surfaces add pressure to the heel with each step.

• Avoid hot water baths: Hot water strips natural oils from the skin. A lukewarm shower with a short soak is gentler and healthier options.

• Avoid aggressive scrubbing or use of foot files: Scrubbing too hard can cause tiny tears in the skin, which may then crack further. Use a file gently and only when the skin is soft.

• Never skip moisturiser after bathing; Applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp helps trap water. Skipping this step lets the moisture escape.

• Wear open slippers: Open-back slippers expose the heel to dry air and don't support the skin. Choose closed-back footwear around the house when possible.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Cracked Heels

If your heels look cracked, or feel itchy during harsh winters, it is necessary to soothe them:

1. Desi ghee application 

Simply heat a small amount of desi ghee and rub it on your heels right before sleeping. You can also cover it with socks for a heated effect. 

2. Turmeric + neem paste

As mentioned above, itchy and pigmented heels can be cured with a neem paste made with crushed neem leaves with a pinch of turmeric and coconut oil. 

3. Aloe vera gel

Applying aloe vera gel to cracked heels is a great remedy if your skin often feels dehydrated. Aloe vera gel freshly extracted from the plant is a recommended source for healthy-looking skin. 

4. Rich body moisturizers/ creams

You can also use shea butter or cocoa butter post shower. Packed with antioxidant-rich herbal ingredients, shea butter is made of natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree while cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and contains ample antioxidants alongside vitamins E and K. 

Some other ways to heal cracked heels is to always wash your feet with lukewarm water, as a long hot shower can literally make your skin dry. And then moisturize while your skin is still damp so your skin can soak in all the moisture properly. 

When going out, always choose to wear cushioned shoes with a closed back. Open-backed footwear gives the heel less support, and repeated pressure can widen existing cracks. 

When to see a doctor?

One must seek medical advice or consult an Ayurveda practitioner if a crack is deep, bleeds, hurts when you walk, or shows signs of infection such as spreading redness, swelling or pus. 

If you have diabetes or reduced sensation in your feet, contact a healthcare professional immediately. If mild cracks haven’t started to improve after about a week of consistent care, a professional can access them.