Introduction

Cracked heels, sometimes called heel fissures, are a common problem for many people. You may see or feel them as dry and thick skin on your heels. Sometimes, they can just affect the way your feet look. Other times, these cracks get deep and painful. If deep cracks start to bleed or get infected, they can make things much worse.

These cracks usually happen because the skin becomes very dry and starts to split from your body weight pushing down. If you know what causes cracked heels and practice a regular routine to care for your feet, you can get your foot health back, and also feel good about your healthy skin. A little effort goes a long way for smoother, better feet.

Understanding Cracked Heels: Causes & Risk Factors

The main reason for cracked heels is dry skin. When your heels do not have enough moisture, the skin does not stretch well. It gets tough and can break easily. When you walk or stand every day, the dry skin can crack and split. This is how you get cracked heels.

Many things can make you more likely to get cracked skin. Your health, where you live, and what you do every day can all play a role. Knowing what causes cracked skin is important in finding ways to treat and avoid it. The next parts talk about the usual health and daily life reasons for cracked skin.

Common Medical Conditions Leading to Cracked Heels

Some medical problems can affect your skin. This makes it hard for the skin to hold water. When this happens, you may get cracked heels more often. If you have diabetes, you can get nerve damage that makes you sweat less. This leads to dry skin and cracked heels. People with diabetes need to watch their foot health all the time. Even tiny cracks can become big infections if not cared for.

Other skin conditions like eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis can make patches of dry skin that feel sore on the feet. Fungal infections, like athlete's foot, can break down the skin barrier. This makes the skin dry and leads to cracks. The Cleveland Clinic says that hypothyroidism is another reason people can have dry skin for a long time. This is when the thyroid gland does not work as it should. People with diabetes need to be extra careful about cracks in their feet. Even small cracks can turn into sores or serious infections if you do not treat them.

Certain long-term health issues can make you more likely to get heel fissures.

• Diabetes can make sweat glands less active. It can also lower how much you feel things on your skin. This may lead to dry skin and wounds that take more time to heal¹.
• If you have hypothyroidism or psoriasis, the skin cannot replace old cells as fast. It is hard for the skin to hold in moisture then¹.
• Obesity puts more pressure on the heel. This extra stress makes the skin split and leads to dry skin².

If you have any of these health issues, it is important to work with your doctor to manage them. This is the best way to help your cracked heels heal and to stop the problem from coming back again. You need to fix the main cause, not just treat cracked heels. This will give you better results in the long run.

Environmental and Lifestyle Contributors

Your daily habits and where you live are key to your foot health. A lack of moisture in the air, especially in dry winter months or in places that are very dry, can take water out of your skin. This may make your heels feel cracked and rough.

Taking long and hot showers or baths can take away the natural oils from your skin. This can make your skin feel more dry. Using harsh and drying soaps on your feet can make this worse. The kind of shoes you wear is also important.

Several things in the way you live can lead to cracked heels:

• Wearing open-heeled shoes: Sandals and slingbacks let your heels feel the air and do not give your feet much support. This can make the fat under your heel move out and the skin may crack.
• Standing for long periods of time: Being on your feet for a long time can put more pressure on your heels. This is harder when you stand on rough ground.
• Hot showers, dehydration, and harsh soaps take away the skin’s natural oils.
• Walking around with bare feet: When you walk with no shoes, the soles of the feet face friction and they can feel dry.
• Not drinking enough water: If you get dehydrated, your whole body feels it, even the skin’s moisture.

At-Home Fast-Track Remedies for Cracked Heels

Most of the time, you can help your cracked heels at home. There are a few easy steps that work well. The best way to make your cracked heels feel better fast is to make the skin softer. You will also need to remove dead skin and keep the new skin underneath full of moisture all the time. This will help your heels get better and feel good again.

This way helps to take away the discomfort fast and starts to fix the problem right away. If you keep at it, you may notice a big change in only a few days. The following home remedies use the best ingredients and steps that can give you quick and clear results.

Moisturizing Creams and Ointments That Work Quickly

When you want to heal cracked heels, you need more than just any moisturizer. A regular cream will not work well on thick skin. You need to get a thick, strong cream or ointment that is made for this problem. These special creams work deep into the skin and help fix the skin barrier. Try to find creams that have a lot of hydrating power. It is also good if they have exfoliating ingredients. This will help remove dry layers and help your feet feel better. This way, you take good care of your cracked heels and thick skin at the same time.

Ingredients like urea, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids are good choices for your skin. They help add moisture. They also work to break down dead skin cells and make your skin feel soft. Occlusive agents like petroleum jelly, shea butter, and lanolin are also important. They create a protective barrier on the skin. This helps keep moisture locked in. A study from the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research says that using a moisturizer with both an occlusive and something that attracts water can give the best results for your skin. You can read more at the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.

Mixing these ingredients helps your heels get better quicker. This way, they have the best shot at quick healing.

Effective Foot Soaks — Ingredients and Methods

Soaking your feet is the first important step in treating cracked heels. It helps soften the hard and thick skin, so you can get rid of it without hurting your feet. A 15-20 minute soak in lukewarm water is enough to get your skin ready for what comes next. When you soak your feet, the skin gets more water and it also lets other treatments work better.

You do not need to go out and get fancy things for this. A few simple things can help make your soak feel better. If you use a mild soap, it can clean your skin without being too rough. When you add epsom salt, it helps your feet feel calm after a long day. Try not to use water that is too hot, or soaps that are harsh. This is because they can take away the natural oils from your skin and make it feel dry.

Here’s a simple method for an effective foot soak:

1. Fill a basin with some lukewarm, soapy water.
2. If you want, you can add a cup of Epsom salt or put a few drops of coconut oil in the water. This will help to make your feet feel even softer.
3. Soak your feet in this water for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. When you finish soaking, take your feet out and pat them dry. Make sure your feet are dry before you start to exfoliate.

Safe Exfoliation Techniques for Healing Heels

After you soak your feet and the skin feels soft, the next thing to do is remove the dead skin. This step means you gently get rid of the dead skin cells and thick skin that pile up on your heels. It is important to take off this rough layer because it helps creams and lotions work better. The products reach your healthy skin, help heal heel fissures, and let your skin heal faster.

Safety is very important. If you scrub your skin too much or use the wrong tools, you can hurt your healthy skin barrier. This can cause you pain and may even make you bleed. If you are not careful, it could lead to an infection. The aim is to go easy, use gentle touches, and stick to regular care. Below, you will find tips about safe tools you should use and how many times you should scrub your skin to get good results for healthy skin.

Removing Hard Skin: What’s Safe and What’s Not

When you want to get thick skin off your heels, it is best to be gentle. A pumice stone or a foot file can help with this. First, soak your feet in water. Then, take the pumice stone and rub it gently in a circle over the hard areas. The idea is to take off a little dead skin each time. Do not try to remove all the thick skin in one go. This way is safe and good for your feet.

Aggressive ways may hurt you more than help you. Do not use razors, scissors, or other sharp things to cut off skin. Cutting skin in this way is called "debridement." A podiatrist or a doctor should do this, not you. Trying to do this at home can be risky. You may cut too deep. This makes a painful wound. It can also let bacteria get in. When this happens, you can get a bad skin infection.

Safety First: Foot Care Precautions

• Limit Exfoliation: Do not scrub your skin for more than a few minutes at one time. If you feel any pain or see redness, stop right away.
• Avoid If At-Risk: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy, you should talk to your doctor before you try to exfoliate at home. The risk of getting an infection is much higher for you.
• Moisturize After: Always use a thick moisturizer on your skin right after you exfoliate. This will help protect your new skin and stop further dryness.

How Often to Exfoliate and Moisturize for Best Results

Consistency is key when you want to heal cracked heels and stop them from coming back. The best and fastest way is to set up a routine. Be sure to moisturize and exfoliate every day and every week. This will help your cracked heels feel good and look better. Give it time and stay with the plan for the best results.

Moisturizing needs to be a part of your day, every day. The best time to use a thick cream or ointment is right after you take a bath or shower. Your skin will still be a little damp then, and that helps to lock in moisture. You can also put cream on again before you go to bed. Cover your feet with socks after applying, and this will help your skin take in more and stop moisture loss during the night.

Right after you scrub your skin, put on a thick cream that is full of moisture. Look for products that have:

Studies say that moisturizers with both humectants and occlusives, like urea and petroleum jelly, work best to help your skin. Be sure to use them at least two times a day. The best times to use them are right after you take a bath and again before you go to bed.

Exfoliation is not something you should do every day. Using a pumice stone to gently scrub two or three times each week is enough for most people who have thick skin. This can help manage the tough skin without making it feel sore. Listen to your body. If your heels feel sensitive, it is best to do this less often.

NatraCure Solutions for Cracked Heels

To boost your healing process for cracked heels, it helps to add some special products into your routine. NatraCure has new and helpful solutions made to give deep, focused hydration for cracked heels. You can find out more about their products for cracked heels. These items from NatraCure work well with your favorite moisturizing cream. They help keep the moisture in and guard your skin. This can give you much better results over time.

Using things like heel sleeves or moisturizing socks can give your feet extra moisture. The socks help keep your skin soft, feel good, and let your moisturizer last longer. This makes the healing of cracked skin go faster and can give you soothing relief, helping you feel better day after day.

Recommended NatraCure Products for Fast Recovery

For fast recovery from cracked skin that is dry, use your favorite heavy-duty moisturizer. Mix it with one of our special foot care products. These products make a thick barrier on your skin. This helps you keep more moisture for your skin.

The NatraCure Vented Moisturizing Gel Heel Sleeves work well for this. The gel lining in these sleeves has vitamins and oils that help soothe and hydrate your skin. The vented fabric lets your skin breathe at all times. You can wear them for a short time in the day or even overnight. They give your feet a deep moisturizing treatment.

For a full foot treatment, here are some good choices:

• Intensive Moisturizing Gel Socks: These socks cover the whole foot and help give it deep moisture.
• Gel Heel Sleeves: These focus on the heel to give strong care where it is needed most.
• Moisturizing Foot Wraps: You can use these on the heels or any other dry spot. They are flexible and work for many areas.

These products help keep your moisturizer on your skin. It does not rub off on your sheets. This gives you the best healing results. For more tips, explore the NatraCure Health Blog.

How to Properly Use Heel Sleeves, Wraps, and Socks

Using heel sleeves, wraps, or moisturizing socks is easy. These things give a protective barrier that holds in the emollients from your cream or ointment. This helps the cream go deep into your skin. It stops it from drying out or coming off.

For the best results, first wash your feet and make sure your heels are dry. Put a good amount of thick moisturizer on your heels. Next, put on the gel heel sleeves or socks. These often have a gel lining with shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. They help give your skin even more moisture.

Follow these simple steps for optimal use:

1. Wash your feet well and make sure to dry them all the way.
2. Use a good moisturizing cream and put it on your heels.
3. Put on the NatraCure heel sleeves or socks. Leave them on for 20-30 minutes, or you can keep them on overnight for a deeper treatment.
4. Take off the sleeves. Rub the rest of the moisturizing cream into your skin.

Caution for At-Risk Groups
Diabetes, Neuropathy, or Poor Circulation

• Do not use rough scrubs or sharp things on your feet.
• Check your feet every day for any cracks, red spots, or signs of infection.
• Use creams that a podiatrist says are safe, like ones with 10% urea, and get help from a doctor if you see any cuts or sores.

Diabetic patients with heel fissures are at higher risk of ulceration and amputation¹ ⁵.

Conclusion

To heal cracked heels fast and safe, it helps to use some good home remedies. A big part of the process is keeping your feet well moisturized. Pick products that fit your needs. You should try to understand what causes cracked heels and what can make them worse. Knowing this helps you stop bigger problems before they start. Use safe exfoliation techniques. For clear tips, read the exfoliation techniques guide.

If you want great results for cracked heels and better foot care, add NatraCure's products to your routine. These products are made to help with comfort and healing. If you feel ready to make your foot care routine better, start now. Your feet will feel good, and thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I See a Doctor About My Cracked Heels?

You need to see a doctor if your cracked heels are very bad, bleeding, or show signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, it is important to have a doctor look at any foot problems, including cracked heels that do not get better with care at home. Go to the doctor if the cracks in your feet are deep, bleeding, infected, or if they do not get better after you take care of them for a week.

Can Home Remedies Completely Heal Cracked Heels?

Yes, most people can get rid of cracked heels by using home remedies all the time. A daily routine the includes soaking, scrubbing, and adding moisture to your feet often works well. But, if you have a medical condition that causes your cracked heels, you might need to see a doctor, along with doing home care, to fully heal them.

Are Certain Groups at Greater Risk for Complications?

People who have diabetes, bad blood flow, or nerve problems are at higher risk for issues from cracked heels. These problems may include infection. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, you also need to watch your feet closely. This is because cracked heels can be more harmful to people in these groups.

What are the fastest ways to heal cracked heels at home?

The fastest way to heal cracked heels at home is to soak your feet to make the skin feel softer. Use a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Then, put on a thick moisturizing cream. A urea-rich cream works well for cracked heels. Pull on socks after you use the cream, and keep them on overnight. Repeat this process each day to help your feet feel better.

Which creams or ointments work best for treating cracked heels quickly?

The best creams for cracked heels have things like urea, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid. These ingredients help to take off dead skin and add water back to it. Good creams have about 10–25% urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or sometimes petroleum jelly. Thick ointments with petroleum jelly, shea butter, or lanolin are good too. They help make a protective barrier and keep the moisture in so heels heal faster.

How often should I moisturize my cracked heels for the quickest results?

To get fast results for cracked heels, use some lotion two times each day. The best times to do this be after you take a bath or soak your feet and right before you go to bed. When you put on the cream and then wear socks overnight, it helps your feet use more of the lotion. This makes healing happen faster.

Are there any effective home remedies for healing cracked heels fast?

Yes, some good home remedies can help you heal cracked feet. You can soak your feet in lukewarm water mixed with Epsom salt. Then, try to scrub gently with a pumice stone. After this, put on a heavy moisturizer like shea butter, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly. A great way to help your feet heal faster is to wear socks overnight after you put on the moisturizer. This keeps the moisture in and helps your feet feel better by morning.

What causes cracked heels and how can I prevent them from coming back?

Cracked heels happen when the skin on your feet gets very dry and thick, making it split or crack when you walk. To prevent cracked heels, you should use a good moisturizer on your feet every day. Try to skip open-backed shoes as they can make the problem worse. Drink enough water so your skin stays healthy, and try not to take long or hot showers because those can dry out your skin more. Gently exfoliating on a regular basis can also help. This will remove hard skin and stop it from building up. Taking these simple steps each day can help keep cracked heels, thick skin, and hard skin away.

Do socks or foot wraps help cracked heels heal faster, and how should they be used?

Yes, socks and foot wraps help a lot with healing. After you put on a thick moisturizer, wear cotton socks or special gel heel sleeves like the ones from NatraCure. These keep the cream on your skin. The socks or sleeves make the area feel very moist. This helps skin heal better, especially when you sleep at night.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help speed up the healing of cracked heels?

Lifestyle changes that help you feel better include wearing closed-heel shoes that give good support. These shoes lower the pressure and rubbing on your feet. Make sure you drink plenty of water during the day to help your body heal. Try not to stand on hard floors for long periods, as this can make things worse. Using a humidifier in your space can also be helpful, since it adds enough moisture to the air and helps with healing.

When should I see a doctor for cracked heels that aren't healing?

If your cracked heels are not better after a week of using home care, or if they get worse, you need to see a doctor. It is important to get help right away if you see signs of infection. Signs of infection can be strong pain, redness, swelling, or discharge.

Is it safe to remove the hard skin on my cracked heels, and how should I do it?

Yes, it is safe to do this if you are gentle. After you soak your feet, use a pumice stone or foot file to slowly scrub off the hard skin. Do not use razors or anything sharp, because this can hurt you or cause an infection. Always be gentle and do it often.

Can soaking my feet help heal cracked heels faster, and what should I use?

Soaking is good for your skin. It makes hard skin softer, and this is important to help it heal. Use a basin with lukewarm water. Keep your feet in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can add mild soap or Epsom salt to the water. Do not use very hot water. This can dry out your skin.

References

Boulton AJ and Vileikyte L talk about the diabetic foot in their study. They show how big the problem can be for people. You can read more in J Fam Pract. 2000;49(11 Suppl):S3–S8.

Loden M explains how using topical emollients and moisturizers can help with dry skin. His research is in Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(11):771-788.

You can read more about dry skin and moisturizers in Loden M and Maibach HI’s book, Dry Skin and Moisturizers: Chemistry and Function. CRC Press; 2005.

A book called Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies (5th edition) by Lebwohl M, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, and Coulson I, covers a lot about how to treat skin problems.

Armstrong DG and Lavery LA share ways to prevent, spot, and classify diabetic foot ulcers. See Am Fam Physician. 1998;57(6):1325-1332.

Draelos ZD clears up some myths about how moisturizers work. You can find this research in Dermatol Clin. 2000;18(4):597–607.