How to Prevent Cracks in Your Heel

Cracked heels can cause pain and discomfort.

Long-distance runners, people who spend a significant amount of time on their feet, overweight individuals and those with dry skin and diabetes are all at risk for cracks in their heels called heel fissures. Caused by a build up of hard dead skin, cracks can become very deep if untreated and can lead to infections. The best way to treat heel fissures is by prevention. Avoid cracks in your heels by wearing appropriate footwear and having an adequate skincare routine.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Heel cups or heel pads
• Pumice stone
• Moisturizer

Instructions

1. Hydrate your skin by drinking water or other non-caffeinated drinks throughout the day since symptoms of dehydration include dry skin. If you live in a dry environment, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

2. Avoid walking around in open backed shoes or those with thin soles since they do not provide proper support. Use silicone heel cups or heel pads in your shoes, which will redistribute the heel's weight, providing better support by not allowing the fat pad to expand sideways.

3. Soak your feet for five to 10 minutes in lukewarm water. Use a pumice stone to gently rub away dead skin on your heels.

4. Apply a moisturizer to your feet after taking a shower or soaking your feet. Moisturizers containing ingredients such as urea and salicylic acid work best since they retain water in the skin cells and help loosen dead skin cells. Put cotton socks on your feet after applying moisturizer.

References

• DermNet NZ: Treatment for Cracked Heels