Cracked heels start as dry, thickened skin and can split into painful fissures. They’re common in people who stand for long shifts, wear open-backed shoes or sandals, or have dry skin. With the right routine, most heal within weeks.
Imagine your heels catching on your bedsheets, then a crack that bleeds and stings with every step on a long shift. You’ve tried a little hand cream with no luck. The secret is a stronger foot cream, used every day, and a bit of patience.
How to heal cracked heels
- Soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes, then gently use a pumice stone or foot file on hard skin; don’t overdo it
- Apply a thick foot cream with urea (often 10% to 25%) or salicylic acid, once or twice daily
- Wear cotton socks over the cream at night
- Choose closed-back, supportive shoes
- Drink enough water and avoid very hot showers
But when should you see someone?
See a podiatrist, nurse or doctor if cracks are deep, bleeding, painful or not improving, or if there are signs of infection such as redness, heat or pus. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don’t use blades or strong files at home. Get any cracks or sores checked promptly, as foot wounds can become serious. Thick, cracked skin can sometimes be linked to fungal infection, eczema, psoriasis or thyroid problems.
Your next step: Buy a urea-based foot cream and use it every night with cotton socks for two weeks. Most people see a big difference.
Sources: NHS (Cracked heels), Royal College of Podiatry, American Academy of Dermatology. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor, podiatrist or pharmacist.
Leave a Reply