Cracked heels are very common. They can be painful, unattractive, and very upsetting - especially to those of us who love wearing sandals. Contrary to popular belief, that dry cracked feet are only as a result of dry skin. They are the result of improper foot care and can affect anyone whether they suffered from dry skin or not.

Failure to provide adequate support and exposing feet to adverse conditions is the primary cause, followed by excessively dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Treatment involves removing old callused skin and keeping the feet well moisturized as they heal.

Usually, cracked skin on our heels and feet is caused by excessively dry skin which is caused by walking barefoot or wearing shoes with open backs which exacerbate the problem, meaning that even in the summer our feet are in rough shape.

Unfortunately, as the condition worsens, it becomes more difficult to treat, since regular moisturizers won’t penetrate the dry, dead, thick skin on our heels. It is important to note that skin problems on our feet can also be a sign of other health issues, and particularly people with diabetes, skin or circulation problems will want to discuss any foot care regimen with their doctor before beginning. If the cracks on your heels are very deep or bleeding, you’ll also want to speak with your doctor.

If like most of us, you’re just suffering from worn and weathered skin, here is the routine which used to combat a very bad case of very dry and cracked skin heels.

To treat dry cracked heals you first need to soften the skin on your feet. Do this by soaking your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to soften dead skin. Lather a foot brush with soap and scrub clean. Use a pumice stone to gently rub away dead skin. Rinse feet and dry with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer to all areas of the feet. For slightly cracked or dry feet, this may be all that is needed to maintain soft supple skin.

After soaking your feet dip your pumice stone in the water to get it wet. Then gently rub the pumice stone over your dry cracked heels. Apply very gentle pressure as you rub the dry areas. Once you are finished with the pumice stone rinse your feet off and then dry them.

Apply lotion to your feet after the foot bath. You should apply pure Vaseline or udder cream as moisturizer. Continue with a daily routine of removing dead skin and then soaking your feet until calluses have been reduced and cracks begin to heal.

Before you go to bed apply a cracked heel cream to your dry cracked heels. Then put on a pair of socks and allow your feet to soften as you sleep.

Wear comfortable shoes that have adequate support for the heel. Standing for prolonged periods puts pressure on the heel and will cause dry skin to crack if the heel is not properly supported.

Avoid shoes with open heels and refrain from going barefoot. If you must wear dress shoes that do not supply the necessary support for your feet, take breaks from standing often.

Repeat all steps as necessary. Keep in mind that it can take awhile to treat dry cracked heels. Consult your physician if there are any signs of infection or if the treatment prescribed is not effective.

Those with diabetes or other conditions that may affect healing should use caution in treating any areas of broken skin that may result in infection. If in doubt, it is best to contact your doctor for advice.

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