We can be caught off guard by cracked heels. You may be walking barefoot at home one day and then experience discomfort, dryness, or even painful skin splits. We often overlook it until it becomes painful. The good news is that cracked heels can be avoided or even repaired with a little knowledge and careful attention.
Taking care of our entire body, including the areas we frequently overlook, is more important than just taking care of our hands or face. We move through life on our feet. Let's show them the affection they merit.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
When the skin surrounding your heels gets dry, thick, and less elastic, it can lead to cracked heels, also called heel fissures, which eventually split under pressure. This widespread problem is caused by a number of factors:
Because our foot soles lack oil glands, their skin is inherently drier.
Long periods of standing, particularly on hard floors, strain your heels.
Sandals or shoes with an open back let the skin spread outward and don't support the heel.
Reduced humidity results in generally drier skin in colder or drier climates.
Scrubbing too hard or not moisturizing frequently can exacerbate dryness.
Medical conditions that can exacerbate dryness and skin sensitivity include diabetes, eczema, and thyroid problems.
Sometimes our lifestyle choices and our lack of attention to our feet combine to cause discomfort or roughness.
5 Signs That Your Heels Need Help
The heels' skin may be dry, flaky, or peeling.
Callused, thick skin that is difficult to touch.
Visible fissures that could be deep or shallow.
Experiencing discomfort or itching.
Visible Inflammation or redness (and in extreme situations, bleeding or infection)
4 Easy At-Home Treatments That Do Work
To start healing cracked heels, all you need is consistency and the appropriate type of care—a fancy foot spa is not necessary. Here's how to begin:
1. Soften, Exfoliate, and Soak
To soften the skin, soak your feet in warm water for ten to fifteen minutes. If desired, add a small amount of Epsom salt or gentle soap. To get rid of dead skin, gently exfoliate using a foot file or pumice stone. Be gentle—don't scrub too hard!
2. Keep moisturizing.
Apply a thick foot cream or heel balm with nourishing ingredients such as the following after exfoliating your feet:
Glycerin: to draw in moisture
Shea or cocoa butter: to seal in moisture
Lactic acid or urea can be used to soften thick skin, which is particularly useful for deep cracks.
Apply liberally, paying attention to the edges and soles of your feet.
3. Preserve Wetness Overnight
To improve its absorption while you sleep, apply your moisturizer before bed and then put on cotton socks. This simple habit can work wonders over a few days.
4. Maintain Proper Care
Continue moisturizing your heels every day even after they start to look better. Repair is far more difficult than prevention.
4 Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Cracked Heels
Select the right shoes: Closed-heeled, supportive shoes relieve pressure points and prevent skin from drying out.
Avoid taking too many hot showers because they can deplete the skin's natural oils.
Steer clear of barefooting on unclean or hard surfaces.
Exfoliate gently once or twice a week; excessive exfoliation can exacerbate cracks.
When to Consult a Professional
It is best to see a podiatrist or dermatologist if your cracked heels are extremely painful, bleeding, or exhibiting symptoms of infection (such as pus, swelling, or warmth). Because foot issues can worsen rapidly, this is particularly crucial if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
We recommend our best-selling Johnson's Glycerin Cream for cracked heels, elbows, and knees. This all-new, clinically proven formula, enriched with Vitamin E, repairs and protects skin from the first use.
Your body is telling you, "I need a little care" when your heels are cracked. In fact, cracked heels are more than just a cosmetic concern. Your feet need care, nourishment, and relaxation, just like your hands or face. You don't need to wait for them to get painful and rough. One soft step at a time, you can maintain their strength, smoothness, and readiness to carry you forward by taking a few regular, gentle steps