Cracked heels are a common problem under the heel that occurs more often in those with dry skin, wear open heeled shoes and are overweight
Suggestions to treat cracked heels:
Moisturize regularly: Dry skin is a common cause of cracked heels. Apply a thick moisturizer or a foot cream specifically designed for dry and cracked skin to your heels twice a day, preferably after a bath or shower. Look for products that contain ingredients like urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid, as they help exfoliate and soften the skin.
Exfoliate gently: Use a pumice stone or a foot file to gently remove dead skin and calluses from your heels. Do this when your feet are damp, such as after a shower or soaking them in warm water for a few minutes. Avoid being too aggressive to prevent further damage.
Soak your feet: Soaking your feet in warm water can help soften the skin and make it easier to remove dead skin. Add a mild soap or foot soak solution to the water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, pat your feet dry and apply moisturizer.
Wear comfortable shoes: Ill-fitting or open-back shoes can contribute to cracked heels by causing friction and pressure. Opt for shoes that provide proper support, cushioning, and coverage for your heels. Avoid wearing shoes with thin soles or high heels for extended periods, as they can exacerbate the problem.
Use heel cups or silicone socks: Heel cups or silicone socks can provide additional cushioning and help prevent further cracking by reducing friction and pressure on the heels. Wear them inside your shoes, especially if you’re prone to developing cracked heels.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Drink an adequate amount of water each day to keep your skin hydrated from within.
Maintain a healthy diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, in your diet. These nutrients contribute to skin health and can help prevent dryness and cracking.
Avoid excessive hot showers or baths: Prolonged exposure to hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness. Opt for warm or lukewarm water instead and limit the time spent in the shower or bath.
Seek professional help if necessary: If your cracked heels are severe, painful, or do not respond to home remedies, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist or a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment options.
Consistency is key when it comes to treating cracked heels. It may take some time to see improvement, so be patient and continue practicing good foot care habits.
Cracked Heels FAQ’s:
What causes cracked heels?
Cracked heels typically form when the skin on the heel becomes dry and thick (callused), loses elasticity, and then splits under the pressure of standing or walking. The fat pad under the heel spreads outward with each step, stretching the surrounding skin.
Common contributing factors include:
- Dry skin from low humidity, cold weather, hot showers, or aging (heels have fewer oil glands).
- Open-backed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops that allow the heel to expand sideways.
- Prolonged standing on hard surfaces, walking barefoot, or excess body weight increasing pressure.
- Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot.
- Medical issues like diabetes or thyroid disorders that reduce skin moisture.
What do cracked heels look and feel like?
Early signs include dry, flaky, or rough skin and a yellowish thickened callus around the heel rim. Visible cracks (fissures) may develop, ranging from superficial to deep. Mild cases cause little discomfort, while deeper cracks can be painful with every step, itch, or bleed. In severe cases, redness, swelling, or discharge may appear if infection sets in.
How can I treat mild cracked heels at home?
Most uncomplicated cases respond well to consistent home care:
- Soak feet in lukewarm (not hot) water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin.
- Gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or foot file on damp, intact skin only—never cut or shave hard skin.
- Pat dry and immediately apply a thick moisturizer containing urea (10–40%), lactic acid, salicylic acid, or petroleum jelly while the skin is still slightly damp.
- For overnight treatment, apply a heavy cream or petroleum jelly and wear cotton socks to lock in moisture.
- Use closed-back, supportive shoes and consider silicone heel cups for extra cushioning.
Repeat daily. Improvement often appears within 1–2 weeks with consistency. Avoid applying strong keratolytics (like high-strength urea) to open or bleeding cracks.
What is the best cream for cracked heels?
Urea-based creams (typically 20–40%) are among the most effective because urea acts as both a humectant (draws in moisture) and a keratolytic (helps break down thickened skin). Alternatives include products with lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, glycerin, or petrolatum-based ointments (e.g., Aquaphor or plain petroleum jelly). Thick, emollient formulas work better than thin lotions. Apply at least twice daily, especially after bathing.
Why do my heels still crack even though I moisturize every day?
Moisturizer alone often isn’t enough if a thick callus rim is already present—the cream may not penetrate well, and the mechanical force of the heel pad spreading with each step continues to split the rigid skin. You usually need to gently reduce the callus first, switch to a stronger urea or keratolytic cream, wear closed-heel shoes that “cup” the heel, and stay consistent with overnight occlusion (cream + socks).
Are open-backed shoes or sandals a problem?
Yes. Backless footwear is one of the most common aggravating factors. Without a heel counter to hold the fat pad in place, the heel spreads sideways under load, placing repeated tension exactly on the callused rim and promoting cracks. Switching to closed, supportive shoes while healing makes a noticeable difference.
When should I see a doctor or podiatrist?
Seek professional care if:
- Cracks are deep, painful, or bleeding.
- You notice signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever).
- Home treatment shows no improvement after 1–3 weeks of consistent care.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a weakened immune system—any break in the skin on the feet warrants prompt evaluation because of higher infection risk.
A podiatrist can safely debride thickened callus and address underlying issues.
Can cracked heels be a sign of something more serious?
Usually they are just dry skin plus pressure, but persistent or severe cases can signal underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, eczema, psoriasis, or (less commonly) nutritional factors affecting skin barrier function. If cracks keep returning despite good care, or if you have other symptoms, get checked.
How can I prevent cracked heels?
- Moisturize heels daily (ideally after bathing) with a urea or thick emollient cream.
- Wear closed-back, well-fitting, cushioned shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops most of the time.
- Limit hot showers/baths and use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Stay hydrated and consider a humidifier in dry environments.
- Gently exfoliate callused areas regularly and maintain a consistent foot-care routine.
- Manage underlying conditions (e.g., blood sugar control if diabetic).
Most people can manage and prevent cracked heels with simple, consistent care. If symptoms are severe or you have risk factors like diabetes, professional advice is the safest next step.