Treatment for Cracked Heels to Smoothen Them Fast

Treatment for cracked heels typically focuses on hydrating and nourishing the skin and speeding up recovery. Cracked heels, also called heel fissures, are a common foot problem among both men and women and can even affect children. However, it affects women more often than men.

Cracked heels basically result from dry and thickened skin and can also be accompanied by brown or yellow calluses that get accumulated around the heels’ edge.

While a cracked heel is not a big deal for most people, it can be uncomfortable and painful if not treated at the right time. In some cases, it might also lead to bleeding.

What are the causes of cracked heels?

Walking barefoot can cause cracked heels. (Photo via Pexels/Isaac Taylor)

The very first symptom and a sign of heel fissures is thickened skin, known as callouses, around the edge of the heel. When you walk, the pad under the heel gets expanded and causes the callouses to crack, which leads to cracked heels.

Other factors that might lead to heel fissures include:

Poor quality footwear
Standing for a prolonged duration
Walking or running barefoot
Hot showers
Excessive dry skin due to weather changes
Using harsh and chemical-based soaps and bodywashes

Medical causes

Several medical causes can also lead to cracked heels. Poor blood circulation and high blood sugar are the two most common causes of dry and rough skin, which can lead to cracked heels, rashes, and rough patches on the skin. Other potential medical conditions include:

Hypothyroidism
Deficiency of vitamins
Psoriasis
Fungal infection
Atopic dermatitis
Plantar dermatosis
Aging
Pregnancy
Obesity

The good news, though, is that cracked heels can be treated and prevented by following certain remedies. Read on to learn about some of the best remedies for curing and preventing cracked heels.

Treatment for cracked heels

Some of the most effective treatment for cracked heels include the following:

Soak your feet

The best remedy for cracked heels is to soak and exfoliate your feet at least twice a week. When you have cracked, dry heels, the skin around them becomes thicker and rough than the rest of the area. Soaking your feet in lukewarm water can help smoothen them up and prevent dryness.

Keep your cracked foot in soapy, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. You can also use a pumice stone or a foot scrubber to scrub out thick skin. Pat your feet dry. Never scrub your feet when they are dry, as that can do more damage and make your skin drier.

Apply a good moisturizer

Soaking and moisturizing your skin is an effective treatment for cracked heels. (Photo via Pexels/Ann poan)

Once you’ve pat dried your skin, apply an occlusive moisturizer on your heel before bed to seal the nourishment in. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer, and put on socks to allow your feet to relax. Some occlusive moisturizers you may use include petroleum jelly, mineral oil, lanolin, and dimethicone.

Among them, petroleum jelly is considered to be the best, as it helps reduce water loss from the skin. If you find occlusive moisturizers to be sticky and greasy, you may use any other brand moisturizer on your heels.

Coconut oil

Applying coconut oil is also an effective treatment for cracked heels. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help the skin retain moisture if it's prone to infections and bleeding. Coconut oil is often recommended by doctors to cure dry skin and psoriasis.

Honey

Applying honey as a natural remedy is also a very effective treatment for cracked heels.

Studies suggest that honey contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help cleanse infections and moisturize dry and rough skin. Honey can be used as a foot scrub or can be simply applied as a mask and left overnight.

Apart from the aforementioned options, there are other treatments for cracked heels that are just home-based but not proven scientifically to cure cracked and dry heels. These include:

Applying vegetable or olive oil
Soaking foot in vinegar
Applying shea butter on the skin to moisturize
Exfoliating cracked heels with oatmeal and oil
Applying a paste of mashed banana to moisturize

While these options are an effective treatment for cracked heels, certain tips can help prevent the condition in the first place. If you're prone to crack and dry heels, avoid wearing back-open sandals, flip flops, and footwear that's too tight. Wear good quality shoes that are sturdy and have wide heels that support the feet.

Cracked heels aren’t a cause of any health condition, but if you are unable to relieve them with home remedies and over-the-counter options, see a doctor immediately to prevent serious complications.