Cracked heels, also known as heel fissure, is a cosmetic problem that damages the outer layer of the heel's skin. If left untreated, the dust, dirt, and pollutants can penetrate deeper into the skin through the crack and cause severe damage. Also, cracked heels can cause cuts, wounds, discomfort, and pain, creating obstacles in your daily hustle.  

Symptoms of cracked heels: 

• Dry, hard, and thickened skin 
• Pain and discomfort while walking or standing 
• Peeling skin 
• Redness 
• Flaky patches 
• Bleeding 

Causes of cracked heels: 

• Obesity or excessive weight puts a lot of strain on your feet 
• Walking on rough surfaces for a long time 
• Any activity that puts a lot of pressure on your feet 
• Lack of cushioning on the shoe sides 
• Skin diseases like eczema or athlete's foot 
• Lack of foot hygiene 
• Hormonal imbalances like diabetes and thyroid 

How essential oils benefit cracked heels? 

Essential oils are an effective solution for cracked heels. It is plant-derived and leaves no side effects on your skin. The Ayurvedic formula of essential oils penetrates into the skin and repairs cell damage. Bring home the luxury spa treatments with essential oil treatments. These concentrated botanical oils are used worldwide for massage and aromatherapy. Even in salon pedicures, beauticians apply essential oils, preferably tea tree oil, at the end of the massage.   

Ensure to follow these steps before applying any essential oil: 

• Soak the cracked heels properly in warm water. 
• Scrub the dead skin cells with a pumice stone. 
• Massage your feet with a few drops of essential oils 
• Wear clean socks to avoid severe conditions in future. 

How to prepare the essential oil blend? 

Don't put essential oils directly on your skin; it might cause allergic reactions. 

• Melt the base (preferably cocoa butter) in a frying pan under low heat.  
• Add a few drops of preferred essential oil. 
• Keep stirring until it's thoroughly mixed. 
• Let it cool for sometime. 

• Add a carrier oil like almond or argon oil to dilute the mixture. 

Lavender essential oil: 

Lavender essential oil repairs the damage, nourishes and rejuvenates your skin. Since the Greek and Egyptian eras, this aromatic essential oil has been used to combat infection and skin disease due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Lavender oil is also a medicine to eliminate stress and fatigue; just a few drops in your warm bathwater. Even if you use a foot cream, mix it with a few drops of lavender essential oils to get moisturized feet. Then, take a deep breath while massaging to inhale the aromatic scent of lavender. Make this a bedtime routine to prevent dry and cracked heels. 

Tea tree essential oil: 

From skincare to healthcare, tea tree oil offers a wide range of benefits. Tea tree oil consists of antimicrobial properties that cleanse your skin and kill harmful bacteria and pollutants. In addition, tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling. You can dilute it with olive oil and regularly massage your feet for effective results. You can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with moisturizer or foot cream. Apply the mixture immediately after cleaning the feet. If you want to avoid the hustle, include Dr Foot's Foot Wash with tea tree oil. This plant-based foot wash prevents odour and fungal infection and hydrates your skin. 

Lemon essential oil: 

Along with cracked heels, if you are also worried about your foot odour, you can try out the lemon essential oil. The goodness of citrus nourishes your skin and deeply cleanses the clogged pores. Also, it helps in relaxing and reducing foot or ankle pain. Lemon oil also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties; it kills toxins and pollutants and helps you feel smooth, happy feet. Warming your dull skin also increases blood circulation, and repairs cracked heels' flaky, peeling skin. Lemon oil also has antifungal properties; make it part of your night skincare ritual to eliminate anxiety and stress. 

Peppermint oil: 

Peppermint oil consists of Omega-3 fatty acids that nourish your skin. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted as a medicine to combat infection and inflammation and reduce pain. Peppermint oil also consists of menthol that soothes your irritated and itchy skin. While diluting the peppermint oil, ensure you add only a few drops; excess oil can cause itchiness and a burning sensation in your skin. You can also apply a peppermint foot scrub if you want faster and more effective results. Mix a cup of dry oatmeal, cornmeal, 1/4 cup of coarse sea salt, and 1 tsp of peppermint essential oil. Massage it gently on the heels to exfoliate the skin. 

Eucalyptus essential oil: 

Eucalyptus essential oil can also be used as a disinfectant spray for shoe odour. This oil is a natural antiseptic and kills all the harmful bacteria on your skin. Also, antimicrobial properties prevent germ and bacteria buildup in your skin. In addition, eucalyptus oil enhances the skin healing process and repairs the cut and wounds in your cracked heels. Eucalyptus oil is a magic potion to heal dry skin and blistered feet.