Macro photo pair of cracked heels. Male back view.
Cracked heels are a common foot problem. In a survey over 20 percent of adults in the United States experience cracked skin on their feet. This can occur in both adults and children, and seems to affect women more often than men. (Women tend to wear less comfortable shoes….Fashion over function, right ladies?)
For most people, having cracked heels isn’t serious. It may cause discomfort when going barefoot, but in some cases, cracks in the heels can become very deep and cause pain. Read on to learn about the best home remedies for treating and preventing cracked heels.
Soak, exfoliate and moisturize your feet
- Keep your feet in lukewarm water with epsom salt for up to 20 minutes.
- Use a loofah, foot scrubber or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
- Gently pat your feet dry.
- Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area. These balms contain ingredients to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dead skin. Look for the following ingredients;
- Urea
- Salicylic acid
- alpha-hydroxy acids
- saccharide isomerate
We recommend Revitaderm
and it is available to purchase in our office.
- Put on socks to avoid spreading any lotion around.
*If your cracked heels are painful or bleeding, make an appointment to see one of the doctors at Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists today!