Cracked Heel: Why They Happen & How to Treat Them

Why Cracked Heels Develop

• Lack of moisture: Some people naturally have drier skin, while others experience dryness due to age, climate or dehydration. When the skin loses elasticity and becomes hard, it can split under pressure.
• Footwear and environment: Shoes that leave the heel exposed: such as thongs, slides, sandals or going barefoot cause repeated stretching of the skin with each step. Heat, long periods of standing and outdoor surfaces all worsen dryness, allowing cracks to form.
• Genetics and skin type: Certain skin types are simply more prone to dryness and callus build-up. If cracked heels “run in the family,” you may be more susceptible.
• Hormonal changes: Shifts in hormones can temporarily reduce the skin’s ability to hold moisture, leading to roughness and increased risk of fissures.

When Professional Help Is Needed

Seek podiatry care if you notice:

• Cracks that are painful or bleeding
• Deep fissures
• Redness, swelling or signs of infection
• No improvement with regular moisturising
• Co-existing health issues such as diabetes or impaired circulation

Your podiatrist can assess the cause, provide safe treatment and create a long-term plan to reduce recurrence.

Treatment Options

1. Callus Removal: Podiatrists can gently remove hard, compacted skin so that the heel can move more comfortably and creams can penetrate better.
2. Urea-Based Moisturisers: A heel balm containing 15–40% urea is ideal for hydrating and softening thickened skin. Depending on your skin type, this may be a short-term remedy or part of long-term care.
3. Occlusion Therapy: Useful when standard daily cream isn’t enough.

How to do it:

• Apply your heel balm and rub it in well.
• Add a thicker layer of the same cream on the dry areas.
• Cover your feet with a plastic bag.
• Keep them covered for up to two hours.
• Use weekly or fortnightly.

4. Wet Wraps: A stronger moisture-recovery method where cream is applied and covered with damp socks overnight. Ask your podiatrist to show you the correct technique.