Check out all the best products to treat, repair, and prevent cracked heels. Our selection of products include moisturizing cream, callus removers, shoe inserts, and much more. Don’t let your cracked heel problem get out of hand, start treating it right away before bleeding or infection occur.

Having cracked heels, or heel fissures, can be an unsightly cosmetic problem or physically painful. If you notice that your heels are starting to dry out and crack, start treating them right away. Left untreated, they will only get worse. The cracks can grow to be quite deep, and bleeding may occur. Then you will have to worry about infection. This is especially true for people with diabetes.

It is best to avoid getting cracked heels at all. Here is a list of preventative measures you can take to avoid getting heel fissures.

Thick Calluses Result in Cracked Heels

Over time your feet will produce layers of dead skin on your heels. This is normal, and will help to protect them. Unfortunately when the calluses get too thick problems can occur. Thick layers of dead skin will no longer have any elasticity. So, when you walk instead of expanding, your heels will crack open.

Step 1: Remove Pretruding Dead Skin

If your heel are severely cracked, there will be deep crevasses with jagged edges around them. This protruding dead skin can get caught on clothing or bedding. This could result in ripping or tearing of the skin, making things even worse. To remove the skin in this problem area grab some toenail clippers. Clip off any skin that is protruding from your heel. This works great because there is no chance of cutting too deep. If you use a blade or scissors, you run the risk of cutting too deep or slipping. You could end up making things even worse.

Step 2: Chemical Exfoliation

Often times calluses are too thick for moisturizers to penetrate and work effectively. So, we need to remove this dead skin. If you have really thick calluses the best option is chemical exfoliation. However, if your calluses are simply a cosmetic problem, physical exfoliation might be a better option.

The best chemical exfoliant for calluses is salicylic acid. This acid will safely remove the dead skin cells from your feet, and can found in many over-the-counter products. You can buy salyicylic acid pads that you apply to your feet for twelve hours, or you can make your own with salicylic acid gel and a bandage. After you remove this treatment, the dead skin will be very soft, and you will be able to rub it away easily.

Step 3: Physical Exfoliation

Most of the callused area should be removed from the salicylic acid treatment. Now you can finish the job by physically buffering away the rest of the dead skin. Physical exfoliation is also good for thin calluses, and for part of your daily routine.

There are a number of exfoliating products available to remove calluses, but pumice stones are the most popular option. Prior to using the pumice stone, soak your feet in a warm bath or take a shower. This will soften the skin. Then take the pumice stone and gently rub back and forth across the dead skin. It should slowly buffer away the callus, exposing new healthy skin below. This can take a while, depending on how thick the callus is. Do not apply too much pressure, because you could contact healthy skin and cause bleeding.

If you are going to use a product like the ped-egg, do not soak your feet first. These products are meant for dry skin.

Step 4: Apply Moisturizer

Once the callus has been removed or reduced to an acceptable level, you can then moisturize your feet. This will help to soften and repair your heels over time. Moisturize your feet at least once daily. After a shower and before bedtime is the best time to apply this treatment. Moisturizer will help to keep the skin on your feet soft, elastic, and healthy. It will also help to prevent dead skin from building up in the future. There are also medicated foot sleeves that have moisturizer in them. These work well for intensive short term moisturizing.

Continued Maintenance

You might still have some callus build up, or your feet might not be as soft as you want them to be. Plus, over time layers of dead skin will start to form again. In these cases, you can do steps 3 and 4. These two steps should be part of your normal hygiene routine anyway, and will help to prevent cracked heels in the future.

The best way to treat cracked heels it to never get them in the first place. This is easy to do, there are only a few preventative measures you have to follow. Cracks typically develop in calluses that have built up over time. When you are dehydrated or are exposed to dry conditions, and your skin dries out. Eventually, something will trigger a crack start, such as extra pressure on your feet.

By keeping your calluses in check, our feet moisturized, and your weight evenly distributed you can prevent cracked heels. Here are some tips to help you achieve this.

Cracked heels, also known as foot fissures, are a common problem for many people. Sometimes the cracks will be shallow and merely a cosmetic problem, and other times they cracks can be deep and painful.

Here we will discuss the most common causes of cracked heels. The four most common causes of cracked heels are thick callus build up, dry skin, excess pressure to your feet, and fungal infections. Often times a combination of these factors will result in cracking heels.

Callus Build Up

The biggest factor that can cause cracked heels is the forming of thick calluses on your feet. Over time, from everyday activities calluses will build up, especially on heels. This thick layer of dead skin is helpful in protecting our feet. If the callus grows to be to too thick though, you can run into problems. Thick layers of dead skin will no longer be elastic like healthy skin. So, instead of heels expanding under pressure, they will crack open.

To prevent this from happening you can exfoliate away the dead skin on your feet. It can be helpful to either use a pumice stone for physical exfoliating, or salicylic acid pads for chemical exfoliating.

Dry Skin

Once your feet become dried out, you are at risk of developing cracked heels. There are many things that can cause the skin on your feet to dry out. The winter months are notorious for drying out people’s skin, especially in desert locations. Getting a humidifier can help to keep your skin soft and moist during the winter months. Lack of proper hydration is another cause of cracked heels. Make sure you are always drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Excessive hot baths or showers will remove natural oils from skin that retain moisture. Finally, not taking proper care of your feet by moisturizing them often enough can lead to dryness.

Excess Pressure

After you have thick calluses and they are faced with harsh dry conditions, a crack is almost inevitable. Eventually, you will put extra pressure or weight on your feet and it will trigger a crack to form. This can be simply from walking, running, lifting something, or standing for too long. These circumstances cause your heel to expand and flatten. Normally, the skin is moist, and elastic enough to handle this pressure.  However, when the skin is dry it is not elastic at all, and instead of expanding your heels will crack open. Maintaining a healthy weight and using shoe inserts can help to reduce the pressure on your feet. Heel cups in your shoes can also prevent heels from expanding and cracking.

Fungal Infections

Sometimes dry and cracking heels is caused by a foot fungus. Normally these cracks are not deep, but instead are thin white cracks on the surface. Flaking is also common. This is caused by the athelete’s foot fungus. Most people think that althete’s foot only occurs between the toes, this is incorrect. The infection can spread to almost any other part of your body, including heels.

Fungal growth speeds up in dark and moist conditions. So adding moisturizer will not help your cracked heels in this case. In face, it will make things worse. Instead you should be using an anti-fungal cream.

One part of our bodies that we don’t normally think of are our feet. However, feet get a lot of abuse, and we use them for almost every activity. They play a crucial part when walking, running, or even just standing. This is why it is important to properly care for them, and keep them in top condition.

This article will go over some important foot hygiene tips to give you healthy, soft feet. Not only will it feel good to have healthy feet, but it can also play an important role in preventing a variety of foot problems.

Moisturizing

Rough and scaly feet are really undesirable for most people. Moisturizing can help alleviate this problem, and will instead give you soft feet. A person should be moisturizing their feet at least once a day if they want to have healthy, touchable feet.

Prior to moisturizing, make sure that excess dead skin is removed. Then take a shower or give yourself a foot bath. This will soften up your skin so the moisturizer can penetrate in more easily, thus it will be more effective when applied. It is also a good idea to moisturize right before going to bed. That way the treatment is working while you sleep.

If your feet are extremely dry or there is a lot of callus build up, you can wrap plastic around the moisturizer or put on socks on while you sleep. This will lock in moisture and soften your feet much faster. Don’t do this too often though, because it can make your feet too fragile.

Remove Dead Skin

Over time dead skin and calluses can build up on our feet. This naturally occurs and helps to protect our feet from rough surfaces. However, the layers of dead skin can sometimes get too thick. This can be really unsightly, because it will have a yellowish tint. Plus, the calluses are rough to the touch and can look crusty. In severe circumstances they may crack open, and start to bleed. This is why it is important to frequently remove the dead skin from your feet.

The best way to routinely remove calluses and dead skin from your feet is to use a pumice stone. The first step is to soak your feet in warm water or take a shower. This will soften the feet so it is easier to remove the dead skin.  Next, take a pumice stone and gently rub it back and forth on the desired area. The porous stone will slowly buffer away the dead skin. If you do not do this very often, or have thick calluses, it may take a while to remove the dead skin.

Foot Exercises

If you are always on our feet during the day, then they can feel fatigued and sore. Occasionally, give them a break and do some foot exercises as well as stretches to help revitalize them. Here are some of the things you can do to energize your feet.

Take off your shoes and let your feet breathe for a while. Shake them around and wiggle your toes. This will help to loosen up your joints and muscles. Do different things to stretch your feet out. Try to write the alphabet on the ground with your toes, make a gripping motion, point your toes out, or move your feet as if you are pressing a gas pedal.

Foot Massages

Massaging your feet is a really beneficial thing to do. Not only does it feel good, but it can also encourage healthier feet. A foot massage can alleviate different pains and cramps, will loosen muscles. The more elastic your feet are, the less likely you will suffer from a variety of foot problems. Massaging your feet can also increase flow of blood to the area. This increased blood flood can help your feet regenerate more quickly after injury or surgery.

Here are a few tips on how to give yourself, or someone else, a foot massage. Make sure the feet are warmed up prior to giving a massage, this will help to relax the muscles. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the sole of the foot, and begin working it in. Use your thumbs and move them in circular motions. Start at one end of the foot and move towards the other. After massaging the sole, move to the individual toes.

Footwear

Shoes that fit good are a must have. If you have uncomfortable shoes that leave your feet feeling sore, chances are you are building up calluses. If you really love your shoes, than one option is to consider purchasing some sole inserts. These will help reduce and redistribute the pressure on the feet. Thus, they will help to prevent calluses.

If you are prone to dry skin or cracked heels, sandals and shoes with an opened back should also be avoided. This is also true if you are trying to recover from a foot injury. Open back shoes do not retain any moisture and give almost no support. They will provide enough room for a person’s feet to expand, and this could result in cracking and reopening of wounds.

There are multiple causes of cracked heels, and one them is foot fungus. The most common fungal foot problem is known as athlete’s foot. Even though this infection can cause dry cracking skin, it needs to be treated a little differently than if you were just treating dry feet.

This article will go over the common causes of athlete’s foot, as well as tips to prevent it. We will also cover how to  treat foot fungus if you already are afflicted with it.

Causes

Fungi thrives in dark, damp locations. Thus, it is usually transmitted from people to people in places like public showers or locker rooms, because people walk around barefoot. This condition will cause cracking, blistering, dryness, and flakiness of the skin. It will also feel very uncomfortable and itchy. Typically this skin condition will start between the toes. It will spread to other parts of the body though it not treated, including heels.

Prevention

• Avoid going barefoot in damp locations (public showers, locker rooms, bath houses)
• If you have to use public showers, always wear some cheap flip flops
• Make sure you are cleaning your own shower with bleach regularly
• Keep your shoes as dry as possible (check out this electric shoe dryer)
• Wear breathable shoes
• Wear cotton socks that absorb sweat
• After a shower thoroughly dry your feet. focus between toes
• Take your shoes off when in your home to air out your feet
• Change socks twice a day
• Dry your feet last so you do not spread the infection
• Do not share towels

Treatment

When treating athlete’s foot, you will need to take some of the same measures as you would when preventing it. It is important to make sure your feet and footwear is dry. Read the list of preventive measures above. Moisturizing is not a good idea when trying to fight a fungal infection, it just adds moisture and feeds the problem.

You need to take additional action to kill the fungus associated with athletes foot. There are a number of over-the-counter medications you can use to treat atheletes foot. They will usually come in gel, lotion, powder, or spray form. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging, and get it between your toes. Many people neglect to use the treatments after symptoms are gone, and then the problem can resurface. Here is a list of over-counter-treatments:

In server cases, or if the infection is not going away, you need to see a physician. They  can provide you with additional information and tips to control the problem. Plus, they will likely prescribe you are more powerful anti-fungal treatment or oral antibiotics.

The root cause of cracking heels is the build up of dead skin cells, also known as calluses. Over time calluses can get thicker and thicker if not taken care of. Eventually, something will trigger a crack to start. Then the crack can worsen, split open, and get deeper. Bleeding and infection can occur, leaving your feet very tender and achy.

By occasionally removing the dead skin on your feet, you can prevent cracked heels. Plus, your feet will be touchable, soft, and healthy.

When you notice a significant callus build up on your heels, or other parts of your foot, take action to remove it. You can identify callus build up because the skin will be hard, rough, and will have a yellow tint.

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a great over the counter method to removing calluses. This acid is also used in treating acne and removing warts. It works on calluses by softening the skin in the applied area. Once it is softened, you can easily buffer it away with a pumice stone or rub it away with other method.

Salicylic treatments for calluses often come in gel or in pad form. If you are using the gel, place it on the callus and then cover it with a bandage. Do this several times a day. Usually it will not take longer than 12 hours for the skin to be sufficiently softened. The salicylic acid pads work in a similar way, except you will leave it on for the suggested time frame.

2. Using a Pumice Stone

There are a variety of products available to help you get rid of dead skin on your feet, but the most popular are pumice stones. This is because pumice stones are porous, meaning they have fine holes which exfoliate the skin.

Before using the pumice stone, soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes, or take a shower. This will soften up the skin, and makes it easier to remove.

After you have soaked your feet, grab the pumice stone. Start rubbing back and forth or in circular motions on the callused areas. The dead skin cells should start to get buffered away. Once the layer of dead skin is gone, you should a see soft, pink, healthy layer of skin. If you have a really thick callus, it may take some time to remove. In these cases it is best to remove it in more than one session, over several days.

Do not apply too much pressure when using the pumice stone, you could end up hitting healthy skin. This can cause bleeding and infection.

3. Using a Ped-Egg

The Ped-Egg is new product that essentially does the same thing as a pumice stone. The design is similar to a cheese grater, and has a compartment to capture the dead skin flakes. Make sure you are only using it on dry skin. If your skin is wet or has lotion on it, the ped-egg could tear the skin, resulting in injury. So, it is best to use it prior to taking a shower.

To use it all you do is gently rub back and forth on the dead skin. Again, similar to a pumice stone, do not use too much pressure. You can flip the metal grate over, and the other side will have a more fine texture. This is good for smoothing out your feet. When you are finished, open up the ped-egg and inside will be white powder. This is your dead skin. To finish, rinse your feet off in the shower.

4. Electric Callus Remover

Pumice stones and the ped-egg can leave your arm sore from the back and forth motion. If you do not want this side effect you can get a electric callus remover. These are really handy, and will buffer away dead skin on your feet. If you are prone to getting calluses this device can be really convenient, and is a time saver.

An effective method to treat your dry and cracked heels is to use moisturizing gel socks, also called heel sleeves. These socks contain medicated creams and oil to soften and repair damaged heels. Here we will discuss how a heel sleeves works, and some of the best products available.

How They Work

If you have rough, dry, and cracked heels then moisturizing gel socks can be used as quick way to heal them. They work by locking in moisture, and providing medication directly to the heel. The medication will either be a moisturizing lotion, or more commonly mineral oil. While you are wearing these heel sleeves, they will provide the continuous benefit of moisturizing and softening the skin on your heels. If you have tender or achy heels, these socks also come with a pad to ease the pain as you walk. Wearing these medicated socks at night is a good idea. This way you are getting the benefits while you sleep, without having to worry about ruining the socks by walking around.

Best Moisturizing Gel Socks

Visco Heel-So-Smooth Sleeves

These heel sleeves by Visco work to repair cracked heels when you sleep. They contain a mineral oil in them to penetrate the dry skin which will sooth and moisturize. The socks will also lock in the natural moisture of your body. Using a moisturizing cream or lotions will make them even more effective. These socks will be effective for months.

 

Oppo Gel Heel Socks

These gel heel socks by Oppo are dermatologist tested and will quickly get rid of dry, cracked heels. While you are wearing these socks you will be continuously moisturizing and repairing the damage and softening your skin. They use a mineral oil, similar to the other heel sleeves mentioned here. These also come with a removable heel pad for extra comfort when you are walking around.

 

Moisturizing Gel Booties

These gel moisturizing booties from Rucci work just like heel sleeves. They will make your feet feel softer and smoother, and will repair cracked heels. The booties themselves are made out of a light terry fabric and have a non-slip sole. They are great from wearing around your home, similar to slippers. However, they are a bit moist and mushy inside, instead of soft and warm.

When your feet don’t feel good, nothing feels good. After all, our feet provide support to the rest of our body. Cracked heels can really make your feet sore, but fortunately there are some remedies that work quickly and effectively.

One of the best ways to get healthy, soft feet again is to use a medicated heel cream or lotion.

How Cracked Heel Cream Works

There are many different types of foot creams, with many different types of ingredients and claims. For example, there are foot creams that moisturize the skin but also add vitamins A, C, and E to help revitalize and rebuild healthy new skin cells. Some foot creams include essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, to moisturize and replenish the skin naturally. There are other foot creams that help by relieving pain with an external analgesic cream. After applying these creams, you may find it helpful to put socks on. This allows the cream to absorb into the cracked areas of the foot to provide maximum healing. Apply cream twice daily for best results.

Best Cream for Cracked Heels

Heel Tastic Therapy

Heel Tastic Heel Therapy can be very helpful in eliminating cracked heels and it takes the pain away quickly. A combination of imported Indian Neem and Karanja oils restore the heels to a healthy condition. Not only will this medicated heel balm soften skin and repair cracks, it will also soothe any pain. Heel Tastic balm is easy to apply without making a mess, since it is applied from a tube, similar to a solid deodorant.

 

O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet

O’Keeffe’s Cream is great for people who have very dry, cracked feet because it contains Allantoin. Allantoin protects the skin, but it also really dives through thick, dry skin to get the moisture in. Another really great feature of O’Keefe’s is that it traps in the moisture. It adds this moisture without a greasy feeling. If you prefer your foot cream non-scented, you will be happy with O’Keefe’s Cream, as this formula is odorless.

 

Zim’s Crack Cream

Zim’s Crack Cream is a great foot cream that was developed by a pharmacist. This cream is natural, and is an herbal-based liquid. You’re not only limited to simply applying this to your feet. You can use this treatment anywhere you have dry skin, from hands to elbows. One of the really great things about this cream, besides the nearly instant healing, is that there is no animal testing on any of the Zim’s line of products. It is best when applied at night.