The skin on your heels is dried out and cracked, causing you embarrassment and pain. While this common problem is not typically serious, DermNet NZ says that your heels can begin to bleed or make it difficult to walk when you leave the cracked skin untreated. Products that contain certain acidic ingredients can help repair dried-out heels and keep them hydrated to prevent them from becoming cracked in the future.
Identification
Cracked heels are characterized by hard, thick skin along the rim of your heel. This toughened skin is known as a callus, which your body forms in response to irritation, most likely caused by your shoes, according to the website DermNet NZ. The longer you leave a callus untreated, the more cracks it develops, and these deepen whenever you walk and apply pressure to your heels. Severely cracked heels can even become infected.
Function
Treat and prevent cracked heels with acidic creams or lotions that contain ingredients designed to get rid of flaking skin as well as help your heels hold on to moisture. DermNet NZ recommends looking for a product that contains urea or salicylic acid, which will slough off the toughened layers of your calluses and then promote healing by improving your skin's ability to retain water.
Application
Soak your feet in warm water for up to 15 minutes to clean and soften the skin. MayoClinic.com advises keeping the water temperature down, as hot water can dry out your skin. When you finish soaking, use a pumice stone to gently get rid of some of your calluses. Rinse off your feet, dry them thoroughly and slather on your acidic cream. Use a massaging motion to work the cream deeply into your heels, and then put on cotton socks to help keep the product on your feet.
Considerations
While most people's skin tolerates these acidic creams well, DermNet NZ notes that some may experience mild stinging or itching. Discontinue using the cream if you have a severe or allergic reaction to it. MayoClinic.com also states that harsh, soap-based body washes and cleansers can be drying to your skin and therefore could be making your cracked heels worse. Stick to mild washes formulated without soap, and moisturize your skin immediately after washing it.
Warnings
Do not use an acidic cream on severely cracked or bleeding heels but, rather, seek medical attention for treatment. If you do not see an improvement in the condition of your heels after a week of applying the cream, consult a podiatrist, who can discuss stronger options with you.
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