Cracked Heels
Fed up with cracked heels?
Although not a serious health concern, cracked heels, also known as fissures, can look unsightly and feel uncomfortable.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for cracked heels, many of which can be carried out from the comfort of your own home.
Read on to discover:
What causes cracked heels?
Cracked heels occur when the skin on your feet becomes dry and thick. Although this can happen to anyone, there can be a key reason for dry heels. Your reason could be one of the following:
- You wear open-backed shoes such as sandals or flip-flops
- You live in a cold and dry climate
- You take hot showers and baths
- You spend long periods of time on your feet
- You can also get cracked heels from walking barefoot too often or outside
Who is most at risk of developing cracked heels?
There are certain medical conditions that might increase your risk of developing cracked heels. These are:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Hypothyroidism
- Juvenile plantar dermatosis
- Sjogren syndrome
- Athlete’s foot
- Flat feet
- Heel spurs
- Psoriasis
- Fungal infection
- Vitamin deficiency
You often get cracked heels in pregnancy due to added weight your heels must ensure, as well as hormonal changes.
What other symptoms can accompany cracked heels?
As well as cracks in the heel area, there are other symptoms that may accompany cracked heels. These include:
- Flaky skin
- Itchy skin
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Red and inflamed skin
- Ulceration
In cases of a painful split heel, you are more at risk of developing complications such as an infection or a foot ulcer.
What are the best cracked heel treatments?
There are several over-the-counter treatments that you can use to treat cracked heels, many of which have been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of dry and cracked skin on the feet.
Foot creams
If you are looking for emollient cream for cracked heels, then CCS foot care cream is the best choice.
CCS foot cream has been specially formulated to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin on your feet. It contains powerful ingredients, including vitamin D and urea, which actively target and nourish dry skin, as well as lactic acid, which helps to remove dead skin cells.
To apply CCS foot cream, gently wash your feet in warm water and then apply the cream all over your feet, paying close attention to the heel area. Apply once in the morning and again in the evening for best results.
Heel balms
A highly effective dry cracked heels treatment, heel balms are designed to moisturise and soften the skin on your heels, as well as gently exfoliate it.
There are many over-the-counter heel balms available but for best results, look for one that contains salicylic acid for cracked heels and alpha hydroxy acids. In some people, heel balms can cause stinging or irritation. If this occurs, stop using the product immediately and wash the affected area with warm water.
You do not need a prescription from your doctor to purchase heel balms, and you can find them online or at most pharmacies.
Silicon heel cups
Silicon heel cups are inserts that are worn over the heel area. This is designed to help alleviate heel pain and provide relief for cracked heels and tired feet.
These can be worn with most shoe styles and can be worn inside a sock if desired.
Silicon heel cups are particularly good for people who spend long hours on their feet or who partake in sporting activities where impact shock reduction is required.
How to get rid of cracked heels at home
To treat cracked feet at home, follow the below simple steps:
- Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes
- Gently scrub the affected area with a pumice stone or foot file
- Dry your feet thoroughly
- Apply a moisturiser for cracked heels or petroleum jelly to the affected area
- Put on a pair of thick socks
You should always avoid picking cracked heels and instead make the most of the best lotions for cracked heels that will heal them for you. Healing deep cracks in heels won’t be helped if you pick.
Are there any natural remedies for cracked heels?
If you are looking for cracked heels treatment home remedies, then there are several that you can try. Although, it is worth noting that these have not been medically approved as cracked skin on heels treatment.
Some of the most popular natural ways to soften cracked heels are:
- Honey
Honey has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which means it is a good choice for cracked skin. It may also help heal and cleanse the wound and hydrate the skin.
To use honey for cracked heels, apply directly to the affected area overnight or use it as a natural foot scrub to remove hard skin.
- Coconut oil
Coconut has been used to treat dry skin and dry skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema for many years. In fact, this is the best oil for cracked heels. As an anti-inflammatory, it can help to soothe cracked skin and reduce any irritation if your cracking heels reason is due to these skin conditions.
To use coconut oil for cracked heels, simply apply to the affected area and then put on a pair of socks to allow for maximum hydration.
- Shea butter
Shea butter cracked heels treatment works by giving the affected area a significant hydration boost. Shea butter is known for its ability to soften and nourish the skin and can be applied directly to the affected area as often as needed. This is one of the best heel crack repair
- Oatmeal
If you are looking for a natural way to exfoliate the hard skin on your heels, then oatmeal is a good choice.
To use oatmeal for cracked heels, mix a handful of oatmeal with a carrier oil, apply to the affected area and then massage the mixture into the skin.
When to see your doctor about cracked heels
In most cases, cracked and crusty heels will go away without the need for professional medical intervention. However, if your heels become severely cracked or you cracked heels turn black and you don’t see any improvement after a week of treatment, make an appointment with your doctor.
Occasionally, badly cracked heels can lead to a condition known as cellulitis, which requires urgent medical attention.
If you have diabetes or another health issue that affects circulation, you should also consult your doctor about persistent cracked heels and how you find a cure for dry, cracked heels that works for you.
How to prevent cracked heels
To prevent cracked heels or to stop really dry cracked heels from coming back, follow the below foot care tips for cracked heels:
Check your feet daily
Your feet take you everywhere, yet they are often the most neglected area of skin on your body. To prevent badly cracked heels from occurring, you need to be checking your feet on a daily basis. Look out for issues such as:
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Cracked heel cuts
- Ingrown toenails
- Corns and calluses
- Athlete’s foot
- Plantar warts
- Cracked heels black skin
Wash your feet daily
You should wash your feet at least once a day in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any dirt and germs and keep the skin on your feet healthy. Once washed, make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, as this will help to prevent infections.
Trim your toenails
If you allow your toenails to become too long, this can cause your feet to push up against your shoes, resulting in pressure and friction. To avoid this, trim your toenails regularly and always cut them straight across and then file gently with a nail file or emery board.
Invest in supportive shoes
Flimsy footwear is one of the most common causes of cracked heels, especially if deep cracked heels hurt to walk. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, and other open-toed footwear that do not offer support to the foot. You should also always wear padded socks that fit your feet well.
Protect your feet from extreme temperatures
If you are heading to the beach or walking on hot pavement, you need to ensure that you are protecting your feet with appropriate footwear. You should also apply a sunscreen lotion to your feet daily.
During cold temperatures, wear thick socks, especially at night, and wear waterproof boots when the weather is wet.
Invest in a good foot cream
The best heel crack cream contains ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid, all of which work to soften the skin and remove dead skin cells.
You can get a medicated cream for cracked heels, or you can simply use an OTC moisturising cream.
How to remove dead skin from your feet
To remove head skin from your feet, try one of the below dead skin removal techniques:
Pumice stone
A pumice stone is a natural lava stone that can be used to remove dead skin and corns and calluses from your feet.
To use a pumice stone to remove hard and dead skin from the feet:
- Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes to soften the skin
- Dip the pumice stone in warm water
- Gently move the stone in circular motions across the affected area
- Focus on removing just the top layer of dead skin
- Apply the CCS foot cream or lotion to your feet
Foot scrub
Foot scrubs are a popular foot care for cracked heels as they can effectively scrub away dead skin.
Foot scrubs can be bought at most pharmacies and supermarkets or online and do not require a prescription.
To use a foot scrub for dead skin removal:
- Apply the scrub directly to the affected areas
- Gently rub it in using the palms of your hand
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Apply the best cracked heel cream like the CCS cream or lotion to rehydrate the skin
Epsom salt soak and scrub
Epsom salts are known for their ability to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. They are also one of the most affordable over-the-counter dead skin removal treatments.
To use Epsom salt to remove dead skin from your feet:
- Pour ½ cup of Epsom salt into a footbath or 1 cup into a full bath
- Soak your feet for up to 20 minutes
You can also use Epsom salts to scrub away dead skin on your feet and care for cracked heels.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get rid of cracked heels?
You can get rid of cracked heels fast by applying a moisturiser for cracked heels, such as CCS foot care cream on a daily basis. It can also be beneficial to soak your feet in warm, soapy water and then file the hard skin with a pumice stone or foot file.
What causes dry, cracked heels?
The most common reason cause of cracked heels is unsupportive footwear, especially sandals and flip-flops, which do not provide support around the heel area. Other causes of dry, cracked heels include cold, dry weather, and spending long periods of time standing.
How can I permanently get rid of cracked heels at home?
To permanently get rid of cracked heels at home, apply a thick, moisturising foot cream, such as CCS foot care cream, once in the morning and then again at night. Twice a week, soak your feet in warm, soapy water, and then file the affected area with a pumice stone or foot file.
Which cream is best for foot cracks?
The best heel crack cream for cracked heels is one that contains ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, and vitamin D, such as CCS foot care cream. These natural ingredients are known for their ability to hydrate, soften and gently exfoliate dry and thick skin.
How to heal cracked heels overnight?
To help cracked heels heal overnight, you should apply a thick foot cream to your entire foot, paying close attention to the heel area. Cover with a pair of thick socks, and in the morning, your really dry, cracked heels will feel much softer and smoother. Repeat every night until your cracked heels have completely gone away.
How to fix extremely cracked heels?
To fix extremely cracked heels, you should ask your doctor or podiatrist about medicated cream for cracked heels. They might give you steroid cream for cracked heels. This medical treatment for cracked heels is usually only recommended when OTC cracked heels treatments have not been effective and your cracked heels hurt more than normal.
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