Why your heels keep cracking

Friction makes the skin on your heels thicken into calluses. When that thick skin becomes very dry, pressure from walking can split it. Loose sandals let feet move and rub against the shoe, so footwear can contribute to the problem while looking convincingly off duty. Cold, dry weather, walking barefoot and long, hot showers also contribute. Moisturizing addresses dryness; reducing rubbing and pressure addresses another part of the problem.12

How to care for cracked heels at home

  1. 1Wash gently. Keep baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes, use a gentle cleanser without fragrance, and blot your feet dry rather than rubbing.
  2. 2Moisturize while the skin is still damp, within five minutes of bathing. Choose a moisturizing cream containing 10 to 25% urea, or one containing alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. Reapply whenever your heels feel dry.
  3. 3Protect the cracks during the day. A liquid bandage creates a barrier that helps reduce pain, supports healing and keeps germs out.
  4. 4Wear socks and cushioned shoes. Avoid shoes with open heels, worn down shoes and shoes that fit poorly. Adjust activities to take pressure off painful heels.
  5. 5Before bed, apply plain petroleum jelly. Wear socks if you want to keep the grease off your bedding.
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Socks keep greasy moisturizer off the sheets, which have not volunteered for foot care.1

Should you file off the hard skin?

Treating the thick callus matters as well as protecting the crack. Urea helps thin and break down callused skin; apply urea cream to the calluses twice daily. If that is not helping, soaking followed by a pumice stone is an option for the callused heel. With diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling, get advice about foot treatment rather than starting a filing routine yourself. A podiatrist can remove calluses with specialist tools.23

How long should you keep treating them?

Continue protecting the heels and reducing pressure until the cracks heal and pain eases. There is no fixed healing time for every cracked heel. If the dryness and cracks do not improve with home care, or are severe, see a dermatologist. After healing, keep moisturizing and checking for calluses to help prevent another split. If you are unsure the thick skin is a callus, get it assessed: plantar warts and psoriasis need different treatment.12

When to get medical help

Contact a doctor or podiatrist for pain, redness, pus or swelling. Cracks let bacteria enter, and an infected heel can become a wound that is difficult to heal, especially with poor circulation.2

Diabetes can reduce feeling and blood flow, so an injury can be serious without giving you much warning. Check the tops, soles, heels and between the toes daily; use a mirror or ask for help if needed. Contact your GP, podiatrist or diabetic foot team straight away for a wound, redness, swelling, a hot foot or signs of infection. Sudden colour changes, severe pain, or a foot that suddenly becomes cold or numb also need urgent medical attention. Do not wait for your next routine foot screening.3

Podiatrists treat dry, cracked heels and advise on footwear. NHS access depends on local eligibility: Derbyshire's community podiatry service accepts cracked heel referrals only when there is a moderate to high risk medical condition.45

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1How to care for dry, cracked heelsaad.org
  2. 2The heel problem that threatens your mobilityhealth.harvard.edu
  3. 3Caring for your feet if you have diabetes or are at high risk | Our latest updatesnhft.nhs.uk
  4. 4Podiatry Self-Referraleglintonmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk
  5. 5Community podiatrydchs.nhs.uk