How to Heal Cracked Heels

Cracked, dry heels are a very common but painful foot condition. The cracks are caused by dry skin. The skin then thickens and calluses form around the edge of the heel making the problem worse. It isn't hard to heal cracked heels and keep your feet looking and feeling good. Read on to learn how to heal cracked heels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use a pumice stone to buff off as much calloused skin as possible. Use on heels and on the edges of the feet and toes. Do this procedure for one week, preferably just before bedtime.
2. Soak feet in warm, soapy water for at least 15 minutes after using the pumice stone. If your feet are sore and extremely cracked, get a product called Domboro Solution and use it according to directions for the foot soak. While soaking, gently use the pumice stone again and do more scraping of thick skin and calluses.
3. Dry the feet thoroughly and wait ten minutes so the cracks are completely dry. Use a hair dryer to make sure the cracked areas are dry. If moisture remains hidden in the cracks, it can cause infection.
4. Apply a cream called Lansinoh after feet are totally dry. This is 100 percent pure, modified lanolin.
5. Put on clean white socks and keep them on all night. In the morning, remove the socks and reapply more Lansinoh cream. Put on a clean pair of white socks.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 daily for an entire week. If your feet are terribly cracked and very painful, do this treatment twice daily to speed the healing process.
7. Discontinue the soaks when your feet have healed, and are soft and smooth. Apply a good lotion every night to keep the condition from reoccurring.

Tips & Warnings

• If your heels are infected, oozing, draining or if you have diabetes or other health issues, see your physician or podiatrist. These suggestions are for healthy people with dry skin and cracked heels that will respond quickly to minimal treatment.