How to Fix Cracked Heels
No One Wants Cracked Heels!
They’re the gift that none of us wanted (and yes, I am definitely included in the cracked heels club).
Not only are they unsightly but they can also cause pain and infection.
But living in Brisbane in the summer months means a lot of time out of shoes.
Thongs, sandals or bare feet provide the environment for cracked feet – a combination of drying the skin, and not having support from a shoe helps the cracks to open up.
So what can we do about them? That’s what I’m here to talk about.
Here I’m going to explain the extreme treatment needed by people with thick cracks on both feet.
Cracks that they’ve tried almost everything to fix without any success.
Warning: these tips are not recommended if you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or heart disease or are prone to skin infections.
Best Cracked Heels Treatment for Home?
The following are the most effective ways to treat cracked heels at home:
- At least once a day, use a moisturiser on your heels when they are clean and dry, preferably one with Urea in it.
- Use a pumice stone to reduce hard skin build-up on your heels
- Wear appropriate footwear (shoes AND socks).
Some Great Products for Cracked Heels
Most products that work really well in reducing the amount of callous on your heels, and therefore reduce the cracking, contain a decent amount of Urea.
Synthetic Urea (thank goodness right?) dissolves the intercellular matrix of the cells which make up the outer hard layers of the skin. This causes the skin to slough off, leaving a softer layer.
Here are some of the better products we recommend for callous and fissure (crack) removal:
Walkers 25% Urea cream – non greasy but strong remover of callous and cracks, available at Dynamic Podiatry in 500ml for $24.95
Scholl’s Eulactol Gold – Also 25% and non greasy, comes in 120ml $16.95
Dermal Dia Balm 25% – 4 x 75gm tubes for $41.85
Duit Foot & Heel Balm 25% – ONLINE – 50gm for 11.95
Important Note: Please check all ingredients of these products before using. If you have allergies, check with your doctor to see if these products are safe for you.
Intense Cracked Heels Treatment - with a warning
I have to give a strong warning here, this is a great treatment for healthy young people who tend to get heel cracks from wearing thongs or going barefoot.
Do Not Use This Treatment If
If you have reduced blood flow to your feet from peripheral vascular disease or any other condition,
If you have diabetes,
If you have reduced sensation in your feet from any cause,
If you are immunocompromised,
If you have infections anywhere in your feet,
With that out of the way I can explain the treatment.
It’s called a “wet wrap” and basically you apply the urea cream before going to bed and then wrap your heels in cling wrap.
It is important to check in the morning if it has not caused any wounds.
If you feel like you need a second night of treatment make sure you thoroughly check your feet before doing so.
This is a really effective treatment and as long as you don’t fit into any of the groups mentioned above, then give it a go!
How Can a Podiatrist Treat Cracked Heels?
If self-treatment at home isn’t getting on top of your cracked heels, then visiting a podiatrist is the next recommended course of action.
Podiatrists have the necessary equipment and clinical knowledge to safely remove any thick and hardened skin, which will help existing cracks to heal and allow any moisturiser to be absorbed more easily.
At Dynamic Podiatry we also have a specific moisturiser available (Urea 15), which is proven to be most effective in treating dry skin around the heels, and may be recommended over other standard moisturisers.
Why Do I Get Cracked Heels?
If you have a problem with cracked heels that keep recurring, a podiatrist can take a closer look at the cause of the problem.
We find that most cases of cracked heels result from mechanical pressure on the heel area, or from poorly fitting footwear, particularly for people who spend a lot of time standing.
Advice on orthotics and footwear to reduce pressure on the heels can be highly effective in preventing cracked heels from recurring.
Other causes of cracked heels from dry skin include fungal infections and wearing open-heeled shoes and not drinking enough water which can also contribute to hard skin.
We're Here To Help Free You of Cracked Heels
If you are looking for help with cracked heels our podiatrists at Dynamic Podiatry can help in treating cracked heels and will ensure that you receive the best advice to manage your them long term.
Call 3351 8878 or click on the Book Your Appointment button below.
