How to Help Cracked Feet

Overview

Cracked feet, or foot fissures, occur when friction or prolonged pressure splits open dry skin on the feet. Eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism increase the risk of developing foot cracks, and the heels are more likely to crack than other areas of the feet. Minor cases are typically only of cosmetic concern, but deep cracks can cause significant pain and are easily infected by bacteria and fungi, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Treatment involves reducing pressure on the feet and treating the underlying cause of dry skin.

Step 1

Wash your feet daily using warm water and a gentle soap. Avoid using very hot water and soaking your feet, as this may increase dryness and worsen cracks. Dry your feet–and between your toes–very well to reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infections in cracked skin.

Step 2

Remove calluses with a wet pumice stone before they crack. This is best done immediately after bathing, when the skin on the feet is softer. The New Zealand Dermatological Society states that calluses on the heels are often the first sign of impending cracks.

Step 3

Apply an oil-based moisturizer to dry areas of your feet. Oil-based moisturizers are more effective at treating severely dry skin than water-based lotions. Don’t apply lotion or ointment between your toes, cautions University of Iowa Health Care.

Step 4

Stay off your feet until your cracks are completely healed. When you must stand for prolonged periods, rest your feet frequently and avoid standing on hard floors whenever possible.

Step 5

Wear properly fitting shoes to prevent the formation of calluses, and use heel cups or insoles in your shoes to redistribute your weight evenly across your heels. This can help prevent new cracks and encourage healing of existing cracks.

Step 6

Visit a podiatrist for medical treatment of severe cracks. Your podiatrist can apply bandages around your heels or other cracked areas to limit skin movement. He may also use special glue that holds the edges of the cracks together to encourage healing, or may cut away hardened skin in a procedure called debridement.

Step 7

Lose weight–if you are overweight–to reduce pressure on the heels of your feet. Being overweight causes the heel pad to expand sideways, which makes it more prone to cracking and other injuries, according to ePodiatry.

Step 8

See your doctor for treatment of underlying medical disorders that may be contributing to your cracked feet. Some skin conditions, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and neuropathy can all lead to dry skin on the feet. Effective management of these conditions is often sufficient to treat and prevent foot cracks.