Podiatrist-Recommended Solutions for Cracked Heels
Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry and thick, resulting in painful cracks or splits. Although it may seem like a minor concern, untreated cracked heels can lead to pain, infections, and more serious foot issues. Kansas City Podiatrist, Dr. Joel Foster, explains why it is important to treat cracked heels before they become problematic and recommends three treatments that can help resolve them.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry and thickened, leading to painful cracks or splits. Several components can contribute to this condition, including:
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Dry Skin: Dryness is one of the leading causes of cracked heels. Environmental factors such as cold weather, low humidity, or hot showers can strip the skin of moisture.
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Excessive Pressure or Friction: People who spend long periods of time standing, walking, or running may experience increased pressure on their heels. This can cause the skin to stretch and crack over time.
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Obesity: Carrying extra weight increases the pressure on your feet, particularly the heels, making them more prone to cracks and calluses.
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Poor Footwear Choices: Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support can allow your feet to rub and create friction, leading to cracked heels. Dr Foster recommends shoes with a wide toe box, a stable, neutral heel, a stable midfoot, and shoes without medial or lateral wear.
- Not Moisturizing Enough: Failure to regularly moisturize your feet and heels can lead to dryness and thickened skin, both of which contribute to cracking.
- Dermatologic Conditions: Skin conditions like Athletes foot (Tinea Pedis), Eczema, or Psoriasis can also cause secondary cracking of the skin.
How to Treat Cracked Heels
If you’re experiencing cracked heels, don’t worry! Here are some treatments you can try to help restore your skin and relieve discomfort:
1. Moisturize Regularly
Your feet are prone to dehydration due to factors like pressure, friction, and exposure to environmental elements, so regularly moisturizing keeps the skin soft and hydrated.
Dr. Joel Foster recommends a 40% urea cream for hydrating and replenishing dry, damaged skin. Urea is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air and deeper layers of the skin to deeply hydrate dry, rough areas. It also functions as a keratolytic agent, gently exfoliating dead skin cells to leave the skin feeling smoother and softer.
2. Wear Occlusive socks
Wearing a generic sock can absorb the moisturizer, preventing it from staying on your skin and reducing its effectiveness. Occlusive socks create a barrier that prevents the moisturizer from evaporating, allowing it to deeply penetrate the skin and lock in moisture. Combining a good moisturizer with occlusive socks will ensure your skin retains moisture and stays smooth and soft.
For the most effective way to treat cracked heels, Dr. Foster recommends combining 40% urea cream with bee occlusion socks to help lock in moisture and allow for better absorption. This combination will provide hydration and promote healthier, smoother feet.
Bees wax occlusion socks are made from a soft, breathable cotton material that keeps the skin moist and protected. The secret ingredient to these socks is a beeswax derived solution. This solution creates the soothing, breathable environment that your skin needs to heal.
(One month before and after using urea cream combined with bees wax occlusion socks)
3. Soak and Exfoliate
Foot soaks are another option to treat cracked heels because they help soften and hydrate the skin, making it easier to remove dead skin cells and calluses. Soaking your feet in warm water allows the skin to absorb moisture, which helps reduce dryness and discomfort. It also prepares the skin for exfoliation, allowing tools like pumice stones or foot files to work more effectively. Foot soaks can also improve circulation, promote relaxation, and enhance the absorption of moisturizers or treatment products, contributing to faster healing of cracked heels.
Tolcylen micro-cleansing foot soak is recommended by Dr. Foster to effectively help cleanse, soften, refresh, and promote healthy-looking feet. Unlike many epsom salt soaks that dry out the skin, the Tolcylen micro-cleansing foot soak uses a blend of moisturizers, cleansers, and conditioners in a calming crystalline salt base to clean and moisturize the feet. These ingredients are combined with the patented Tolcylen delivery vehicle to penetrate deep into the skin and nails.
40% urea cream, bees wax occlusion socks, and Tolcylen Micro-Cleansing Foot Soak are all available for purchase at our office, no appointment needed!
When to See a Podiatrist
If you continue to experience cracked heels, or if you experience pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, it's important to see a podiatrist. Dr. Foster, a double-board certified podiatrist, can assess the severity of the condition and offer personalized advice on the right treatment plan for you. Call our office today!