Dried Cracked Heels

If your heels are painful and cracked, it could be the result of your footwear. If you wear flip-flops or open-heeled shoes regularly, the exposed skin on your heels might begin to crack. These cracks can become easily infected, according to Houston podiatrist William Van Pelt in the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Consult a doctor before using any home remedies to heal your heels.

Significance

Cracked heels can stem from pressure being applied to the heels. If this pressure occurs repeatedly, either from prolonged standing, from wearing shoes that place pressure on the heels or shoes that leave the heels exposed, cracks can form, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website in the article "Cracked Heels." The hardened, calloused skin on the back of the heel is prone to cracking because the skin can become dry and hard.

Home Remedies

To hydrate your dry, cracked heels, Van Pelt recommends soaking the feet in warm water for 20 minutes before going to bed. When you soak your feet, the skin cells in your heels will absorb water. Next, slather your feet with petroleum jelly, which will help seal in the moisture from the soak. Petroleum works better than over-the-counter moisturizers because they won't help seal the skin the way petroleum jelly does, Van Pelt says. Before going to bed, put on a pair of socks to infuse your feet with moisture all night.

Prescription Treatments

If your cracked heels are painful or infected, consult a doctor. Your doctor might use an antibacterial medication to prevent or eliminate infection. She can prescribe a cream containing lactic acid and urea to soothe skin that is scaly and dry, according to MayoClinic.com in the article titled "Dry Skin."

Expert Insight

If cracked heels are incredibly painful, seal the cracks in the skin with permanent glue, recommends Dr. Rodney Basler, a dermatologist and assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Although the glue won't heal the cracks, it might help reduce pain for a special event or a day on your feet.

Warning

In some cases, skin that is cracked and dry might be caused by diabetes. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms. If you notice an open sore on your heel or any other part of your foot, consult a foot surgeon to determine the best treatment option.