Complete Guide to Cracked Heels: Causes, Prevention, Treatment & More!

Our feet, the unsung heroes of our daily lives, often bear the brunt of neglect. In many parts of the world, including Pakistan, foot care is an overlooked aspect of overall well-being, with prevention strategies receiving even less attention. The challenging climatic conditions in this region, characterized by harsh winters and scorching summers, take a toll on the delicate skin of our feet, rendering them susceptible to issues such as cracked heels.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the details of cracked heels – a prevalent and often underestimated condition. From understanding the nature of this problem to exploring why it poses a significant concern, we will discuss its common causes, effective prevention methods, and talk about a range of treatment options. So, join us if you want more details on improving your foot care knowledge and saying farewell to neglected feet. Read on!

What are Cracked Heels?

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words cracked heels? Most likely you picture a heel with several unsightly cracks on the bottom. Cracked heels or heel fissures is a common foot condition. So, most people have likely come across someone in their lives with this condition even if they themselves haven’t personally experienced this condition.  Heel fissures appear in the form of thick cracks on the bottom of your feet with thick pieces of dry shallow skin.

Why are Cracked Heels a Problem?

At first glance, cracked heels may not raise immediate alarm bells. These fissures, however, are not instantaneous; rather, they gradually evolve from subtle changes in the skin's texture. Initial signs include the hardening and thickening of the skin on the heels, progressing to the formation of callouses. Left untreated, this condition can escalate, leading to painful cracks in the skin.

In more severe instances, cracked heels may become a breeding ground for bacterial infections, culminating in a skin condition known as cellulitis. Even seemingly innocuous factors, such as insect bites from mosquitoes, can introduce cellulitis-causing bacteria into the compromised skin. Symptoms may manifest as fever, pain, swelling, or redness, and in extreme cases, blisters may appear. Untreated cellulitis poses a serious threat, potentially spreading through the bloodstream and giving rise to life-threatening complications.

What are the Common Causes of Cracked Heels:

Heel fissures, or cracked heels, often serve as a visible consequence of overutilizing our feet, resulting in a depletion of skin moisture. The array of factors contributing to this phenomenon includes:

1. Inappropriate Footwear Choices:

Optimal foot protection lies in the choice of suitable shoes. Prolonged use of open-style shoes such as sandals or slingbacks exposes feet to adverse weather conditions. Ill-fitting shoes, similarly, allow excess air exposure, leading to excessively dry skin that, upon expansion, can result in painful splits.

2. Extended Barefoot Stints:

Walking barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods subjects the skin to friction, causing dryness and hardness. This heightened susceptibility to developing cracked heels is a direct consequence of the abrasive interaction between the foot skin and the flooring.

3. Weight-Related Factors:

Obesity adds another dimension to the issue, as the fat pads beneath the heels expand during walking. Overweight individuals, without proper foot support, are prone to developing cracked heels even with brief periods of walking barefoot.

4. Prolonged Exposure to Hot Water:

Surprisingly, indulging in lengthy hot showers or baths can contribute to cracked heels. The extended exposure to hot water strips the skin of essential oils and moisture, leaving it dry and predisposed to developing cracks.

5. Adverse Weather Conditions:

Particularly in the cold and dry months of December, January and February in Pakistan, exposed heels are susceptible to cracking due to the lack of rain and heightened environmental exposure during this season, making these months the driest of the year.

How to Prevent Cracked Heels?

Preventing cracked heels is not only about addressing existing concerns but also adopting proactive measures to safeguard your feet. Here's a set of expert tips to ensure your heels remain smooth and crack-free

1. Optimal Footwear Selection:

Prioritize the right footwear to lay a solid foundation for preventing cracked heels. If susceptibility to this condition is a concern, opt for well-fitted shoes that offer enhanced heel support. Steer clear of sandals, flip-flops, or open-back shoes, as they elevate the risk of skin dryness without providing adequate support. Choose shoes with a sturdy and wide heel to maximize cushioning and avoid those with tall or skinny heels that can induce cracking as your heel expands during walking.

2. Limit Shower and Bath Duration:

Acknowledge the impact of showering habits on your skin's health. Prolonged showers can strip your skin of essential oils, exacerbating the risk of cracked heels. Keep your showers and baths within the 5 to 10-minute range to achieve effective cleanliness without compromising skin hydration. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel to avoid unnecessary friction.

3. Choose an Effective Moisturizer:

Not all moisturizing creams are created equal. Opt for a moisturizer containing approximately 10 to 25% urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxyl acid. Apply the cream immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp, ensuring maximum moisture retention. A highly recommended choice is Footology Heel Balm, formulated by internationally-certified podiatrists specifically for the challenging weather conditions in Pakistan. With its active ingredient being 25% urea, this balm is exceptionally effective in both prevention and rapid recovery of cracked heels. Once done applying the Footology Heel Balm, cover your feet with your favorite socks to trap in the moisture.

4. Don’t Stand in One Position for Far Too Long

Standing in one position or sitting with crossed legs for long periods can lead to the onset of various symptoms for cracked heels. Particularly, if you are standing on hard surfaces like concrete or if the terrain is uneven.

5. Treat Underlying Medical Conditions

Sometimes cracked heels are caused by underlying health conditions, such as Diabetes, obesity, eczema, hypothyroidism, athletes foot or juvenile plantar dermatosis among others. In such conditions, taking the above mentioned steps may not improve your cracked heels. You need to treat your condition for your heels to get better. Talk to a dermatologist or podiatrist to get expert advice on your unique health condition.

How to Treat Cracked Heels?

Use the following methods to treat your cracked heels

1. Heel Balm

The primary line of defense against cracked heels lies in the application of an advanced heel balm. These moisturizing formulations boast active ingredients that not only lock in essential moisture but also work to soften skin cells and exfoliate dead cells. Seek out ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, saccharide isomerate, and alpha-hydroxy acids like Amlactin for a potent solution that can affectively take care of heel cracks in shortest possible time.

Our Top Recommendation: Footology Heel Balm

Footology Heel Balm is crafted with a unique blend, featuring 25% urea alongside Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Glycerin, among other nourishing components. This specialized formula, designed by internationally certified podiatrist, addresses the rigors of Pakistan's harsh weather conditions, ensuring your feet receive the care they deserve. The powerful 25% urea is the active ingredient in the formule that promotes the swift recovery of cracked heels.

But, not all heel balms are created equal. Some of them may initially cause a minor stinging sensation in the heels, which is perfectly normal. However, if any discomfort persists or triggers a severe reaction on your skin, prompt consultation with a skin specialist is advisable. Some severe cases of cracked heels might necessitate specialized heel balm, injections, or steroid creams to alleviate inflammation and relieve burning or itching sensations.

Tips for Using Footology Heel Balm:

• Start with clean and dry feet.
• Apply approximately 2 cm of balm, gently massaging it in with circular motions.
• Ensure thorough coverage of the entire affected area.
• Use the heel balm once or twice daily, adjusting the amount based on your specific condition.
• Avoid using the balm if there are any infections, wounds, or cuts on the skin.

2. Regular Exfoliation for Rejuvenated Heels:

The skin around cracked heels often exhibits characteristics such as dark yellowish skin, dryness, and roughness of skin, making it susceptible to splitting under minimal pressure. You can combat this condition through regular exfoliation with the following steps:

• Soak your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for approximately 20 minutes.
• Utilize a foot scrubber, loofah, or pumice stone (Jhaanwaan in Punjabi) to remove thickened skin from the heels.
• Gently pat your feet dry and apply Footology Heel Balm or any available foot moisturizer.
• Wear socks to contain any residual moisture.

Avoid dry scrubbing, as it can exacerbate the risk of further damage to the heel skin. Consistent exfoliation is key to preventing the buildup of hard skin on your heels.

3. Get Some Liquid Bandage In the form of Spray:

For deep cracks that cause discomfort during movement, consider the efficacy of liquid bandage. This solution acts as a protective seal, preventing infection spread and further skin cracking. Liquid bandages, usually come in the spray form and offer convenience in your daily routine, adhering securely to the affected area. You can take them anywhere and use any time. Sprays cover a uniform area and keep your hands free of cream. Just ensure clean and dry skin before application, and as the cracks heal, the coating naturally dissipates.

4. Other Home Remedies You Can Try

If OTC medicines aren’t available, you can also try some home remedies to take care of the problem. For instance:

1. Honey – Honey has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Modern research published by the National Library of Medicine shows that honey can affectively heal and cleanse any type of wounds, including heel cracks by moisturizing the skin. You can utilize small amounts of honey as a foot scrub after getting a soak or use it as a footmask before sleeping every night.
2. Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is a popular recommendation for dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Nutrients in coconut oil help your skin contain the moisture. Therefore, using coconut oil on feet after a soak is a good strategy. If your heels are prone to bleeding or any foot infections, coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can be a life-saver.
3. Vinegar – Vinegar is another very efficient home remedy for cracked heels. While it’s usually used as a cooking ingredient, vinegar can be highly effective in treating dry and cracked heels. Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of lukewarm water and use as a soak for the feet. You can also use a pumice stone to scrub the dead skin after soaking your feet in vinegar-water for 20 minutes.
4. Mashed Bananas – Mashed Banana mask is also an excellent moisturizer for heels. Mash two ripe bananas into the form of a paste and use its pulp on dry cracked heels. You can apply it all over the feet, including nails and toes. Let the mask stay on your feet for approximately 10 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off with lukewarm water. Don’t use unripe bananas for this paste, as they contain certain acids which may worsen your condition.
5. Almond or Olive Oil – Almond and olive oils contain anti-inflammatory properties. You can use them as after-bath massager. Apply adequate amount on your heels after bathing and massage them for about 10 minutes. Put on thick warm socks immediately afterwards and keep the socks on overnight. When you wake up next morning, you will notice softer heels for sure. Keep following this routine until the cracks on your heels cure and subside.
6. Oatmeal – Oatmeal possesses anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. It can help you get rid of the dead skin cells and hydrate the skin. You can use it as an exfoliation mask or with any vegetable oil like olive/sunflower oil. Grind the oatmeal and mix with oil. Apply this solution on your heels for 10 minutes and gently scrub off the dead cells with some lukewarm water. Dry out the feet and put on your socks immediately.

Final Thoughts

While cracked heels may not be a pressing concern for many, they often become an unwelcome norm, especially in harsh weather conditions. Limiting exposure to dry air can alleviate mild cases, allowing the skin to naturally recover. For those facing persistent issue of cracked heels, the use of effective remedies, such as the Footology Heel Balm, or other reputable over-the-counter creams, proves beneficial in tackling more serious instances.

However, you should exercise caution and seek professional advice in cases of complications or underlying health conditions. Consulting with a doctor before starting any treatment ensures a safe and tailored approach to healing.

The recovery process for cracked heels requires patience, spanning several days to weeks. During this period, prioritizing well-fitting footwear and abstaining from barefoot walking becomes imperative to prevent the occurrence of new heel cracks. By incorporating these measures into your daily routine, you empower yourself to not only address current concerns but also foster lasting foot health in the long run. Good luck!