Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are a common complication of dry skin on the feet, especially if the heels are also callused. While most cases of cracked heels are only a cosmetic concern, deep cracks can be painful and prone to infection. Relieving cracked heels requires daily care at home and treatment of any underlying causes of the problem. Severe or recurrent cracks necessitate a trip to the doctor.
Step 1
Stay off your feet as much as possible, until the cracks heal. Prolonged standing, especially on hard floors or while wearing open-backed shoes, can worsen cracks and increase pain, says the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Step 2
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Being overweight increases the pressure on the heels of your feet, which can make you more susceptible to cracked heels and can make treatment of existing cracks more difficult.
Step 3
Apply an oil-based moisturizing ointment to your heels every morning and night. Doing so immediately after showering helps seal moisture into your skin and relieves dryness.
Step 4
Use a pumice stone to remove callused skin. Severe calluses may require a trip to your doctor to undergo a procedure called debridement. This procedure involves the cutting away of hardened skin and calluses to make cracks easier to treat and less likely to recur.
Step 5
Try strapping or liquid bandages to hold cracks together and reduce pain. Strapping involves wrapping bandages tightly around the affected area to prevent movement of the skin.
Step 6
Wear heel cups to prevent your heels from expanding sideways when standing or walking. Heel cups are worn inside your shoes and are effective at relieving cracked heels and preventing the formation of new calluses and cracks.
Step 7
Treat any underlying medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to your cracked heels, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, eczema or psoriasis. The New Zealand Dermatological Society states that diabetics who develop deep heel cracks may require specialized care to prevent infection and diabetic foot ulcers.
Things You'll Need
- Oil-based moisturizing ointment
- Pumice stone
- Bandages
- Heel cups
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