Dry skin, also called xerosis, is common on the feet, especially the heel area. Although this is often just a cosmetic issue and not a medical one, severely dry and cracked heels can be unattractive and, at times, painful. Luckily, cracked heels are usually easy to improve. If you have any medical conditions along with cracked heels or your heels don't get better after using cream, talk to your doctor.
Causes of Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can be the result of being overweight, being on your feet a good deal or wearing open-back shoes, explains ePodiatry. Some people are also just more prone to having dry skin. In some cases, cracked heals can be a warning sign of another medical condition, such as an underactive thyroid.
Using Cream on Cracked Heels
Any oil-based moisturizing cream should improve cracked heels. There are also balms on the market specially marketed for the heel area. These balms work by use of descaling or moisture-retaining ingredients, states DermNet. These balms may contain urea, salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids.
Applying Foot Cream
Moisturizing foot creams and balms should be applied to cracked heels two or three times a day. Before applying cream to your heels, use a pumice stone to gently rub away dead skin.
Seeing a Doctor
According to Foot Health Facts, cracked heels can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem, such as diabetes or loss of nerve function in the feet. If cracked heels are severe or don't respond to use of foot cream, talk to your doctor. Also check with your doctor as soon as possible if your cracked heels are accompanied by open sores.
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