Cracked Heels? Here’s How To Heal Your Feet

Ugh, there’s nothing like feeling a dry, sandpapery heel graze against your leg or watching it snag a new pair of tights. And cracked heels can make you too embarrassed or ashamed to show off those pretty toes.

But there are some things you can do to get your feet ready for primetime sandal season.

What are cracked heels?

Your heels take a lot of stress and pressure — just think about how much you use them as you walk around each day.

This can cause the skin on your heels to become thick and hard and eventually lead your heels to develop a rough texture or crack-like appearance called heel fissures, says dermatologist Lindsey Moore, MD.

“Cracked heels can be a health risk, too. They’re painful and can lead to a decreased barrier of the skin, setting you up for a potential infection,” says Dr. Moore. “It’s important not to ignore your feet in taking good care of your body.”

What causes cracked heels?

In most cases, cracked heels are a result of dry skin.

“Dry skin is common and can be caused by a variety of things,” Dr. Moore says. “Often, it’s a combination of a few different factors.”

These factors can include:

• Age: As you age, your skin changes. Factors like sun damage, decreased oil production and reduced skin thickness all contribute to dry skin — on your feet and elsewhere.
• Trauma: Your skin can dry out as a result of repeated friction from rubbing against your shoes and continued exposure to harsh environments, like a dry climate.
• Lack of maintenance: You may be neglecting your poor feet. “People don’t always moisturize their heels, even if they moisturize the rest of their body,” Dr. Moore notes.

How to heal cracked heels

There are some things you can do to take your heels from steel wool to buttery soft. Dr. Moore shares tips for taking care of those tough tootsies to heal your heels — and keep them healthy.

Wash your feet

You should wash your feet daily using water that’s not too hot — lukewarm is best. Taking care not to scrub, use a gentle, fragrance-free soap, like the Dove® Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar or Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s OK to soak your feet for a few minutes, but just a few.

“You don’t want to soak them too long, or you risk weakening the skin barrier, which allows for excessive moisture loss,” Dr. Moore advises.

Moisturize your feet

After you soak or shower, dry your feet and then apply a lotion or cream.

“Look for products with ceramides, which are molecules that help trap water in the skin and restore its natural barrier,” Dr. Moore explains.

Once your heels are healthy, keep up the routine by using an exfoliating moisturizer, like an over-the-counter (OTC) urea cream (20% or 40% concentration) or AmLactin® lotion. It will help remove dead skin and keep those heels soft and supple. It takes about two weeks of regular use to see a response with these OTC treatments.

Lock in the moisture

After you’ve lotioned up, give it a couple of minutes to sink in. You may also want to use an occlusive ointment, such as petroleum jelly, which creates something of a sealant to secure the moisture you’ve just applied.

Wear socks to bed

Not a sock person? It might be time to reconsider — overnight, at least. Slip into thin, 100% cotton socks to retain the moisture in your feet while you sleep.

And that sock habit is one you should adopt more often, not just when your heels are in need. You may not think of socks as a protective garment, but they help protect your feet from the outside world.

“Socks add an additional layer between your skin and the environment and can limit damage to the outer layer of the skin,” Dr. Moore says.

Go easy on tools and products

When it comes to cracked heel treatments, the skin care aisle is full of products that claim to soften and smooth your feet. But are callus shavers, graters, pumice stones or electronic foot files safe? Dr. Moore says these tools are OK when used as directed and in moderation. But you’re not trying to grate your feet like a fine Parmesan!

“They can be used on either wet or dry feet,” she shares. “Just don’t file over any areas of inflamed, itchy or sensitive skin, which can make things worse.”

What about using foot peels on rough heels?

“These chemical peels can gently exfoliate the outer layers of skin, leading to an improved appearance and softer feel,” Dr. Moore explains. “They can be done safely but should be avoided if you have or are prone to other skin conditions.”

This includes:

• Athlete’s foot
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Any other broken skin, like rashes, sores or wounds

Are cracked heels ever a cause for concern?

They can be. While most cracked heels can be treated at home, sometimes, dry skin can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

“Dry, flaky skin can be a sign of atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, a fungal infection or nutritional deficiencies, among other conditions,” Dr. Moore reports.

And in some cases, dry, cracked skin on the heels could signify diabetes.

If you’re dealing with an underlying condition, it’s best to seek treatment from a healthcare provider rather than try to get rid of the dry skin on your own.

Bottom line?

The most common cause of cracked heels is dry skin, which you can treat at home. And once you’ve gotten those heels back on track, establish a heel care routine that will help ensure that your feet are sandal-ready any time of year.

If you’ve tried it all and your heels continue to crack, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who can offer more advice on how to fix cracked heels.

“A dermatologist can evaluate you for an underlying pathologic process that may be contributing to your dry skin,” says Dr. Moore. “They can also offer advice on gentle skin care routines and safe products to keep your skin healthy.”