Treatment for Dry Cracked Heels

Dry cracked heels are among the most common foot ailments that plague people from all walks of life. Cracked heels are also referred to heel fissures and are caused by having dry skin on the heel. For most people with this, the problem is then amplified because the area around the cracks is thick because of a callus. This makes it very difficult to treat the problem effectively, so more work needs to be done in order to improve the dry cracked heels.

Cracks in the skin are visibly noticeable and often are painful. Bearing weight can be exceptionally painful and the heel condition can be made worse by wearing open shoes, allowing the skin to be further damaged. Cracks can be formed through a variety of ways, some outside of an individual’s control. Standing on your feet for long periods of time every day, especially on hard floors, can eventually lead to cracks forming. Being overweight will increase the pressure placed on the heel and if the skin is already dry, can lead to cracking. Finally those that suffer from diabetes often suffer from cracked heels because of the side effects of diabetes leading to dry skin and circulation problems. These three causes can all cause cracks to form, and most certainly will form if wearing open shoes is a habit.

The best way to treat dry cracked heels is a twofold process. First, the removal of the hard skin (callus) on the heel must be done. The best way to accomplish this is to gradually saw it down with a pumice stone. This will smooth over the skin and make it easier to treat the cracks. Next, a moisturizing lotion or oil should be applied to the smooth area, with the cracks exposed. Saturating the area that is affected is key, followed by covering the area up with a sock. I would recommend doing this process right before bed. This will allow for the cracks to be covered in cream, uninterrupted, for several hours while your feet are resting. Repeat this process until your feet begin to show improvement. I would say this should take several weeks. Even after your heels recover, it would be best to moisturize your feet every night before bedtime, allowing your feet to be repaired after a hard day’s work.

It is important to treat dry cracked heels because they can be painful, a sore sight, and can be a bad health symptom.