Dry skin on your feet can lead to cracked heels, according to DermNet. When the cracks in your heels become deep, they can cause discomfort or even pain while you walk or stand. Calluses or corns typically develop on your feet first, then increased pressure on your foot causes the calluses to split, leading to painful cracked heals. Some conditions such as diabetes, obesity and psoriasis can make you more susceptible to cracked heels. Cracked heels can become infected, causing acute pain. See a doctor if you have a severely cracked heel.
Step 1
Change your shoes. Avoid wearing shoes with open backs to keep the skin on your heels from becoming drier and cracking more. Choose shoes that are not too tight to avoid excessive rubbing on your heels, which could worsen your condition, according to Foot Health Facts.
Step 2
Purchase an over-the-counter foot cream. Apply the cream to your cracked, dry heels frequently to reduce drying and cracking and to heel your skin, reports Foot Health Facts. Look for an oil-based foot cream and use it topically twice a day for best results, according to ePodiatry.com. Search for a special heel cream that contains urea, salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids for best results.
Step 3
Buff the dry, cracked skin on your heels with a pumice stone.
Step 4
According to DermNet, cover cracked heels with a liquid bandage if there is pain or bleeding during treatment.
Step 5
Visit a doctor if your heel crack is infected or if your cracked heels do not respond to home treatment after a week, notes DermNet. Ask your doctor about prescription creams or footwear that may help repair your cracked heels.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not use a razor or any kind of blade to cut the dry skin off your feet. Doing so may cause infection or further injury, according to ePodiatry.
Things You'll Need
- Loose shoes
- Over-the-counter foot creams
- Pumice stone
- Liquid bandage
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