It is a common condition that can become a cause for concern. When the heels crack, there’s often discomfort, and sometimes pain. Due to the severity of the cracks, persons could be predisposed to an infection. Cracked heels are accompanied by thickened skin, and sometimes yellow or brown calluses around the heel edge. Often, the only problem with cracked heels, is their appearance.

Women are 50% more likely to report this condition than men. If the cracks in the heels are deep, they can be painful; hurting when a person stands; and they may sometimes bleed. A doctor or podiatrist should be seen in extreme cases, if there’s soreness, redness, swelling, or severe pain in any area of the foot, for more than a few days.

Causes

Cracked heels may be caused by obesity, poorly fitting shoes, or standing for long periods of time. Dry skin usually causes cracked heels. When weight and pressure are applied to the fat pad under the heel, the skin expands sideways. If the skin is lacking in moisture, it becomes stiff, less elastic, and prone to cracking.

Other causes include:

• open-back shoes
• friction from the back of shoes
• a poor way of walking
• dry, cold weather

Risk factors

Some conditions make people more likely to have dry skin, and a greater risk of cracked heels. These include:

• aging skin
• diabetes
• psoriasis
• eczema
• flat feet
• obesity
• athlete’s foot
• fungal infections
• heel spurs
• hypothyroidism
• Sjögren’s syndrome

Home Remedies

Cracked heels or heel fissures are a common foot condition that may affect one fifth of adults in the U.S. Moisturising treatments in the form of creams, lotions, and ointments can help retain moisture in the skin. This may prevent the skin from drying out and cracking, and can also help fix skin that is already cracked.

Once an emollient is absorbed, a thick layer of an occlusive moisturiser can be applied over the top, just before bed, to seal in the moisture. Occlusive moisturisers coat the skin in a thin film, that prevents moisture evaporating from the outermost layer of the skin.

Examples of these moisturisers include:

• petroleum jelly
• lanolin
• mineral oil

Although occlusives work well to lock in moisture, they can be greasy, sticky, and messy. Wear 100% cotton socks to bed to keep in the moisture, to prevent the bed sheets from becoming stained. The skin on the heels should start to soften after this routine is repeated for a few days.

Exfoliating the thickened skin with a file or foam pumice stone

In mild cases of cracked heels, moisturising two or three times per day may fix the problem. Rubbing any calluses gently, with a pumice stone, and applying a moisturiser can also help. However, be careful not to overuse the pumice, since the situation could be worsened.

Razors and scissors should be avoided for scraping and cutting the skin. People with diabetes or neuropathy, should not use harsh devices; instead, they should visit a podiatrist or dermatologist.

Applying a Keratolytic to thickened skin

When the heel skin is thick, applying a keratolytic may help thin it, as well as the other treatments. Keratolytics are agents that thin thickened skin; cause the outer skin layer to loosen; and help with removal of dead skin cells. This process allows the skin to keep in more moisture.

Examples of keratolytics include:

• salicylic acid
• urea

Medical treatments

In severe cases of cracked heels, or if medical care is required, a doctor or podiatrist may:

• remove dead skin
• prescribe stronger softening or removal agents
• prescribe an antibiotic if there is an infection
• strap the heel with dressings or bandages
• recommend shoe inserts, heel pads, or heel cups
• help the patient change how they walk

Prevention

The following steps can help avoid dry skin on the feet, and heel cracks:

• avoid hot water; use warm water instead
• limit time in the shower to 5-10 minutes, to avoid more moisture loss
• use a fragrance-free, mild cleanser
• gently blot skin with a towel to dry
• apply a moisturiser immediately after drying

Avoiding harsh soaps or scented skin care products

While it is important to keep cracked heels clean, dry, and free from infection, harsh soaps can dry out the skin further. Using a mild cleanser helps keep more moisture in the skin of the heel. There are also emollient products that can be used in the bath and shower instead of soap.

Wearing closed-heeled shoes

Wearing shoes or boots with a closed heel can help heal, and prevent cracks to the back of the foot. Shoes with closed heels with cushioning give support to the problematic area. People should avoid open-heeled shoes, those with thin soles, and ill-fitting footwear. Wearing shoes with a non-slip sole, and inserts or orthotics recommended by a foot health professional, may also protect the soft tissue of the foot.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!