Tips for Dry, Cracked Heels

Cracked heels or heel fissures are a common foot problem experienced by many people. In most cases the problem is merely a nuisance and unattractive to look at, however when the cracks or fissures become deep, standing, walking or any pressure placed on the heel can be painful.

What causes dry Heels?

Cracks in the heels are generally caused by insufficient moisture. These cracks can become sore and may even bleed. Seriously dry feet can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Cold winter weather
• Dehydration, or not drinking enough water
• Not moisturizing your feet
• Taking very hot baths or showers
• Soaking in a hot bath for too long or too frequently
• Using harsh, drying soaps on your feet
• Scrubbing feet dry
• Advanced age
• Being obese or severely overweight
• Use of footwear that is too tight or loose around the heel and chafes the skin
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes or athlete’s foot
• Putting an immense amount of pressure on the feet (standing or walking for many hours)

Heel fissures and cracks occur when the skin loses its moisture content and dry out and cracks. When the feet become too dry, heel fissures can develop quite easily. It's kind of like if you put plaster on a balloon and let it harden and blow up the balloon, the balloon will expand the plaster and crack. The heel pad wants to expand outward, but the skin is not pliable enough to expand with it, so it cracks.
Common Home Remedies for Dry Heels

Here are some common home remedies to help you with your condition. Consult with your doctor about any home remedy before trying it:

• Soak your feet in lemon juice for approximately ten minutes. Lemon juice is a mild acid that helps to dissolve dead and dry skin for easy removal. Use a loofah or soft foot brush to scrub your feet after you’re done soaking them. You may want to wait until any cuts or traumas have healed before trying this.
• Combine a spoonful of olive oil and a few drops of lemon or lavender oil to create a moisturizing cracked-heel cream. Shake the ingredients until they form a thick, milky solution and use when needed. Shake before each use.
• Apply vegetable oil to your feet after bathing, especially in the area of the cracks. After application, wear thick socks. Try doing this at night before bed and wearing your socks to bed. You should see results within a few days.
• Combine one teaspoon of Vaseline and juice from one whole lemon. Wash your feet and pat them dry before applying. Apply to the dry areas and heels of your feet until you’ve used the entire batch. You should do this just before bed and wear wool socks to lock in the moisture. The wool will also prevent your sheets from becoming stained. The oils in the mixture will soften the dry areas. Exfoliate in the morning. Do this as recommended by your doctor.

Prevention of Dry Feet

Many of the treatment methods mentioned above can also be used to prevent dry skin on your feet. Here are some tips to help you avoid this condition:

• Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter lotions, creams, and moisturizers to help you manage the dryness.
• Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Instead, try applying cold compresses or ice packs to the itchy area for a few minutes at a time.
• Do not wash too often. Avoid bubble baths, fragrant soaps, and other products that may dry your skin. Pat your skin dry when you are finished instead of rubbing the towel over your body. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water. The heat from the water can contribute to your dry feet.
• Avoid saunas and steam baths if possible.
• Moisturize after each shower or every time your feet come into contact with water.
• Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Avoid excessive sweating.
• Avoid blasting the heater in your home, or use a humidifier to help keep moisture in the air. Heating units are notorious for drying out the air in a home or office.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can cause the itchy feeling to worsen.

Source: Foot Vitals