Cracked Heels Treatment and Relief

What You Need To Know

Understanding what causes cracked heels and how to treat them at the source.

Understanding Cracks and Fissures

Cracks and fissures are breaks in your skin. They may be the result of skin that is too dry or too moist. When skin is too dry, it can become rough and flaky, and a large fissure often forms at the base of the heel. When skin is too moist, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection, which can cause cracks between the toes.

Your skin is a complex organ that requires the right amount of moisture to stay healthy. It can be hard to achieve the right balance of moisture in your feet. Walking barefoot can strip your skin of its natural oil, and so can wearing sandals or open shoes. Natural oils form a protective layer on your skin. Without enough oils, skin may crack, and cracks may widen into deep fissures that cannot heal on their own.

Moist skin can result from not drying feet after bathing or from excess sweat. Wearing shoes without socks or shoes that don’t ventilate can trap sweat on your feet. Overly moist skin can encourage bacteria and fungus to grow, which weakens your skin and leads to cracks. Fungus can progress to athlete’s foot or thick fungal nails.

When you come in, your doctor will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and the kinds of shoes you wear. Your doctor will then inspect your feet for breaks in the skin, growths, drainage, and redness. Your skin may also be tested for fungus so treatment can be matched to the underlying cause.

Caring for Your Feet at Home

Treatment depends on whether your skin is too dry or too moist. If moist skin is causing fungus or bacteria, your doctor may apply medication to your feet and send you home with an antifungal soak or lotion. Oral medications may also be prescribed. If you have dry skin, your doctor may remove rough patches with a pumice or special lotion. Fissures may be taped to help them heal, and an antibiotic ointment may be prescribed to soothe cracks and prevent infection.

If you are caring for dry skin at home, use moisturizer on your feet after bathing and at bedtime. Ask your doctor before using a pumice stone to reduce calluses. Never walk barefoot, and avoid sandals and other open shoes that expose your skin.

If you are caring for moist skin, always dry between your toes after bathing, and don’t apply moisturizer between the toes. Ask your doctor about antifungal powders and lotions or special foot antiperspirants. Choose cotton socks instead of nylon so moisture can move away from the skin.

Whether your skin is dry or moist, check your feet daily. Look at the top and bottom of your feet and between your toes, using a mirror if needed. Call your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or increased heat. Choose well-fitting canvas or leather shoes that let skin breathe, avoid synthetic shoes that trap moisture, and always wear shoes with socks, even at home. With the right treatment and daily habits, cracked heels can heal and stay healed.