Cracked heels start as dry, thickened skin around the edge of the heel. As the skin loses flexibility, pressure from standing and walking splits it. Shallow cracks are a cosmetic nuisance. Deep ones, called fissures, can hurt, bleed and become infected. Most cases respond well to regular softening and protection.
Why heels crack
The skin on the heel is thick and has no oil glands, so it relies on sweat and moisturizer to stay supple. When it dries out and builds up, the fat pad under the heel spreads sideways with each step and the stiff skin around the rim gives way.
Common causes
| Cause | How it contributes |
|---|---|
| Dry skin, cold or dry weather | Skin loses flexibility |
| Open-backed shoes and sandals | The heel pad spreads without support; skin dries |
| Walking barefoot | Friction and dryness |
| Standing for long hours, especially on hard floors | Constant pressure |
| Extra body weight | More pressure on the heel pad |
| Hot showers and harsh soap | Strip natural oils |
| Aging | Thinner, drier skin |
| Skin and health conditions | Athlete's foot, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, an underactive thyroid |
A home routine
Every day
- Wash and dry your feet, including between the toes.
- Apply a heel cream containing a softening ingredient: urea at 10% to 25%, lactic acid or salicylic acid. These draw in water and loosen thickened skin.
- Apply again at bedtime, followed by a layer of petroleum jelly or a thick balm over the heels.
- Put on cotton socks overnight to hold the moisture in.
Two or three times a week
- Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes, or do this after a shower.
- Gently rub the thickened skin with a pumice stone or foot file. Use light pressure, and stop before the skin feels sore.
- Rinse, pat dry and apply heel cream.
Reduce the hard skin gradually over several weeks. Removing too much at once leaves the heel tender and encourages the skin to thicken again.
During the day
- Wear closed-back shoes with cushioned soles and a firm heel cup.
- Use heel cups or cushioned insoles if you stand for long periods.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.
What to avoid
- Cutting or shaving hard skin with razors, blades or scissors. This causes injury and infection.
- Filing dry, unsoaked skin aggressively, or filing over open cracks.
- Applying exfoliating creams to deep, open or bleeding cracks. They sting. Use plain ointment and a dressing instead.
- Ignoring the cause. If shoes or standing are the trigger, cream alone will not solve it.
Caring for a deep crack
- Wash and dry the heel.
- Apply petroleum jelly or an ointment.
- Cover with a bandage or a liquid bandage to hold the edges together and reduce pain.
- Avoid open-backed shoes until it heals.
- Watch for signs of infection.
How long does healing take?
- Softer skin: a few days.
- Shallow cracks: about one to two weeks of daily care.
- Thick, long-standing cracked skin: several weeks.
Continue with a simple moisturizing routine afterwards to prevent a return. See How to Moisturize Your Feet.
When to get help
See a podiatrist or doctor if:
- Cracks are deep, painful or bleeding.
- There is redness, swelling, warmth or pus.
- There is no improvement after two weeks of regular care.
- The skin is very thick, and you cannot manage it safely.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet. Do not treat cracked heels yourself. Small wounds can become serious, and professional care is safer.
A podiatrist can remove hard skin safely, strap deep fissures, advise on insoles and check for underlying causes, such as a fungal infection.
Preventing cracked heels
- Moisturize your feet daily.
- Wear supportive, closed shoes most of the time.
- Keep hard skin under control with gentle, regular filing. See Foot Calluses: Gentle Care and When to Get Advice.
- Drink enough fluids, and keep showers warm, not hot.
- Check your feet weekly.
Heels behave much like elbows and knees. See Rough Elbows and Knees: Daily Skin Care Tips. For a full pedicure routine, see How to Do a Pedicure at Home, and for foot care on active days, Foot Care for Walking, Work, and Exercise.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Moisturize Your Feet
- Foot Calluses: Gentle Care and When to Get Advice
- How to Do a Pedicure at Home
- Rough Elbows and Knees: Daily Skin Care Tips
- Foot Care for Walking, Work, and Exercise
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to heal cracked heels?
Apply a urea-based heel cream twice a day, seal with petroleum jelly and socks at night, gently file after soaking a few times a week and wear closed shoes.
Are cracked heels a sign of a health problem?
Usually they are just dry, thick skin. Sometimes they are linked to conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, eczema or athlete's foot, so persistent cases should be checked.
Should I use a pumice stone on cracked heels?
Yes, gently, on softened skin around shallow cracks. Do not file over deep or bleeding cracks.