Cracked, dry heels (heel fissures) are a common foot problem, especially for people who stand on their feet for extended periods. Dry heels usually aren't painful, but if heels are severely cracked they can bleed and cause pain. Sweating and open backs on shoes can also contribute to dry, cracked heels. However, there are easy and inexpensive treatments that can be used to soften heels.
Step 1
Add a small amount of foot soak or bubble bath to a small plastic tub (or foot spa bath) and fill it with warm water. Soak your feet in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes to soften tough skin on the backs of the heels.
Step 2
Dry your feet with a towel. Apply foot scrub and massage it into your heels. Leave the scrub on for five minutes.
Step 3
Using the pumice stone, gently scrub the heels to remove dry, dead skin and tough callouses. Place your feet inside a water-filled tub or foot spa bath, and rinse your heels thoroughly.
Step 4
Remove your feet from the tub or foot spa bath and dry them thoroughly with a bath towel. Massage 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil into your heels to lock in moisture and hydrate them.
Step 5
Apply a thick layer of moisturizing lotion to the heels and feet. Cover your feet with cotton socks and leave the socks on overnight so lotion absorbs into the skin (which helps soften heels).
Tips and Warnings
- Use hydrating lotions or creams that include such ingredients as shea butter or cocoa butter (these ingredients are known for moisturizing the skin). Instead of using cotton socks, pedicure/spa booties can also be worn (available at drugstores or beauty supply stores). If heels are extra rough and cracked, apply moisturizing lotion twice a day to the heels.
- People with skin sensitivities may experience allergic reactions to foot scrubs or foot soaks. Carefully read ingredients on the backs of products before using.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Foot scrub
- Foot soak or bubble bath
- Small plastic tub or foot spa bath
- Bath towel
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Thick moisturizing lotion
- Cotton socks
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