How to Deal with Dry Cracked Heels?

Posted on June 29, 2007 in Foot Problems

Heel fissures, commonly referred to as dry, cracked heels, are caused by dry skin called Xerosis. If the skin around the rim of the heel is thick and has calluses, this can add to the foot problem and cause a lot of discomfort to the person suffering from cracked heels. Primarily a cosmetic problem, dry, cracked heels is a condition that can be very painful if the fissures/cracks are deep, making it difficult for the person to even stand as this may make the skin bleed. In severe cases, the cracked skin can become infected.

Symptoms of Cracked Heels
The edge of the heel can have thicker area of skin and look rough, dry, scaly, and hardened around the rim. Sometimes, the affected area is darker in color as compared to the rest of the sole. Wearing open or thin-soled shoes is not recommended as this makes the symptoms worse.

Causes of Dry, Cracked Heels

Preventing Dry, Cracked Heels: Self-treatment Tips
The first step is to follow a hygienic foot care routine, including wearing properly fitted footwear and avoiding tight-fitting stockings/socks. A twice-daily application of any good oil based moisturizing cream is very effective in preventing dry, cracked heels. The use of a pumice stone can reduce the thickness of the hard skin and make it easier for the application of the moisturizing cream to penetrate deeper into the skin, making way for softer, healthier heels and feet.

Comments

17 Responses to “How to Deal with Dry Cracked Heels?”

  1. tanya langley Says:

    my mother suffers badly with cracked heels.She can not wear shut in shoes.We have tried everything from creams to stones,even socks.Can you help us please?
    many thanks
    tanya

  2. becky Says:

    my dr. gave me some urea 40% ceam and is it good t o use

  3. Walter Wright Says:

    Information on how to prevent cracked heel is all well and good, but I came to the website because one of my heels already has a small fissure in it. How do I treat that fissure? What sort of moisturizing cream or other product should I use? What sort of bandage, band-aid, tape or steri-strip should I use to hold the fissure together? et cetera. Thanks for your help.

  4. yenda hites Says:

    i suffered long from cracked heels due to standing for long periods at work. the best moisterizing treatment to use is NEUTROGENA. it is a norwegian formula. that 2 times a day and soak your feet in salt water for about 40 min and use a pumice stone to scrape 1 time a day. try that it should work quickly

  5. Cameryn Says:

    My mother suffered from dry cracked heels for decades after being exposed to cold dry climate. She has tried everything from lotion to baby oils to pumice stones and even soaking her feet in water everyday but nothing seem to work. Anyone have a suggestion? Thanks!

  6. rathna Says:

    dear my husband suffered past one and half year it come small batch of the foot now it is improve large size of entire foot he was going to hospital and they said it is phsoriasis. it is genetic problem. his mother have a problem very long time. he was working a teaching profession. weight it 68Kg. height 5.4 we are worried about this problem how can cure the disease pl help me. thank u

  7. Faye Young Says:

    I have dry cracked heels that is very difficult for me to get under control. I have soaked them and used the pumice stone and put moistureizer and wear socks to bed so far it hasnt helped very much. I would appreciate your reccommendation.Thaks

  8. Belinda Barron Says:

    FOR FISSURES…….I only get fissures when I neglect my feet, allowing the heel to get too thick and dry…..When I do get a fissure I apply an antibiotic cream (Terramicina*P) but any antibiotic cream will probably work. Apply the cream “into” the fissure as best as possible then keep it covered with a Band-Aid large enough so that the “pad” of the band-aid covers the entire length of the fissure (which also helps with pain when you walk). The pain will go away in a day or two, then allowing you to groom it, causing it to heal completely.

  9. rajani Says:

    the information is not complete on proper treatment of cracked soles
    Please givede tails of treatment for a common house-wife along prevention and home remedies.

  10. rajani Says:

    send details of treatment

  11. Psychic Advice Says:

    Too bad i didnt come across this blog before. Great stuff you got here. Thanks.

  12. doug h Says:

    The fissures may be so dry, deep and cracked they will not heal easily. My podiatrist used a small sander to actually take the rough edges off.
    Then a packing of neosporin and gauze or big band aid. A couple days of this and all should be much better.

  13. shawn Says:

    put the urea 40% or 20% on -then cover with plastic wrap before bed.

  14. margery todd Says:

    my husphand feet have been cracked on the bottom of the foot and what can i do to help him. It sometimes hurt for him to walk on them.

  15. Hirene Says:

    Over the counter wart remover (which is Salycilic Acid) works great on the soles of the feet. Also, I have used liquid drain opener (which is lye, the stuff soap is made out of), diluted with water, and have soaked the soles of my feet in it. Also works well and is very cheap. Otherwise, you’ll be scraping forever.

  16. Hirene Says:

    I wish to correct my comment. Liquid drain opener contains sulfuric acid — not lye. DON’T USE LYE. Actually, please delete my entire comment. Someone who doesn’t know what they are doing may get hurt.

  17. Steve Wiker Says:

    The solution above with the sulfuric acid … I am certain it would work great – leaving just a couple of stumps for you to walk on. At any rate, the fissure would be gone. lol

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