Cracked Heels Care and Treatment

What You Need To Know

Understanding cracked heels, why they happen, and how they can be treated.

Understanding Cracks and Fissures

Cracks and fissures are breaks in your skin. They may be the result of skin that is too dry or too moist. When skin is too dry, it can become rough and flaky. A large fissure often forms at the base of the heel. When skin is too moist, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection, which can cause cracks between the toes.

Your skin is a complex organ that requires the right amount of moisture to stay healthy. It can be hard to achieve the right balance of moisture in your feet. When skin is too dry or too moist, cracks or fissures may appear.

Walking barefoot can strip your skin of its natural oil. So can wearing sandals or open shoes. Natural oils form a protective layer on your skin. Without enough oils, skin may crack. Cracks may widen, becoming deep fissures. These fissures may not be able to heal on their own, and they leave your foot open to infection.

Moist skin can result from not drying feet after bathing, or from excess sweat. Wearing shoes without socks or shoes that do not ventilate can trap sweat on your feet. Overly moist skin can encourage bacteria and fungus to grow, which weakens your skin and leads to cracks. Fungus can progress to athlete’s foot or thick fungal nails.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and current symptoms and talk with you about the kinds of shoes you wear. Your feet will be inspected for breaks in the skin, growths, drainage, and redness, and your skin may be tested for fungus so treatment can begin.

Caring For Your Feet at Home

Your doctor will treat cracks and fissures in the office, but daily care at home makes a real difference in preventing them from coming back. The habits below help protect your skin whether it tends to be too dry or too moist.

If your skin is dry, use moisturizer on your feet after bathing and at bedtime. Ask your doctor before using a pumice stone to reduce calluses. Never walk barefoot, and avoid sandals and other open shoes that expose your skin and strip away natural oils.

If your skin is moist, always dry between your toes after bathing and do not apply moisturizer between the toes. Ask your doctor about using antifungal powders and lotions or special foot antiperspirants. Choose cotton socks instead of nylon so moisture can move away from your skin.

Whether you have dry or moist skin, check your feet daily. Look at the top and bottom of your feet and between your toes. You may need to use a mirror. Call your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or increased heat.

Footwear also plays a big role. Choose well-fitting canvas or leather shoes that allow skin to breathe, and avoid synthetic shoes that trap moisture. Disinfect or replace shoes as often as your doctor suggests, and always wear shoes with socks, even at home. With consistent care and the right footwear, most patients see their heels heal and stay healthier long term.