Cracked Heels Care You Can Count On

What You Need To Know

Learn what causes cracked heels and how our podiatrists treat them.

Understanding Cracked Heels and Fissures

Cracks and fissures are breaks in your skin. They may be the result of skin that is too dry or too moist. When skin is too dry, it can become rough and flaky, and a large fissure often forms at the base of the heel. When skin is too moist, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection, which can cause cracks between the toes.

Your skin is a complex organ that requires the right amount of moisture to stay healthy. It can be hard to achieve the right balance of moisture in your feet. Walking barefoot can strip your skin of its natural oil, and so can wearing sandals or open shoes. Natural oils form a protective layer on your skin, and without enough oils, skin may crack. Cracks may widen, becoming deep fissures that may not be able to heal on their own.

Moist skin can result from not drying feet after bathing, or from excess sweat. Wearing shoes without socks or shoes that don’t ventilate can trap sweat on your feet. Overly moist skin can encourage bacteria and fungus to grow, which weakens your skin and leads to cracks. Fungus can progress to athlete’s foot or thick fungal nails.

Whether you have dry or moist skin, check your feet daily. Look at the top and bottom of your feet and between your toes. Call your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or increased heat. At your visit, your doctor will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and the kinds of shoes you wear, then inspect your feet for breaks in the skin, growths, drainage, and redness.

Treatment and Daily Foot Care

If moist skin is causing fungus or bacteria, your doctor may apply medication to your feet. You may be given an antifungal foot soak or lotion to take home, and oral medications may also be prescribed. If you have dry skin, your doctor may remove rough patches with a pumice or special lotion. Fissures may be taped to help them heal, and an antibiotic ointment may be prescribed to soothe cracks and prevent infection.

For dry skin at home, use moisturizer on your feet after bathing and at bedtime. Ask your doctor before using a pumice stone to reduce calluses. Never walk barefoot, and avoid sandals and other open shoes that leave your heels exposed to the air.

For moist skin, always dry between your toes after bathing, and don’t apply moisturizer between the toes. Ask your doctor about using antifungal powders and lotions or special foot antiperspirants. Choose cotton socks instead of nylon so moisture can move away from your skin.

Proper footwear also makes a difference. Choose well-fitting canvas or leather shoes that allow skin to breathe, and avoid synthetic shoes that trap moisture. Disinfect or replace shoes as often as your doctor suggests, and always wear shoes with socks, even at home. With consistent daily care and treatment from your podiatrist, most cracked heels heal well and future problems can be prevented.