Preventing Dry, Cracked Heels

Dry air, particularly in the wintertime, can wreak havoc on your feet and rob them of the moisture they need to stay healthy and soft. This can cause hard, cracked heels, especially because your feet are naturally dryer than most other body areas. Causes range from improper footwear to being very physically active or using harsh soaps that strip your foot skin of natural protective oils. Dry, cracked heels may also stem from specific medical conditions like diabetes, fungal infections, or pregnancy. If you have an underlying medical condition that could have caused or contributed to the problem, you should seek medical advice before attempting at-home care.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Feet

Our board-certified podiatrists at Curalta Foot + Ankle recommend the following steps to prevent dry, cracked heels with this simple at-home care:

· Limit bathing and showering time: Hot water can dry out your skin and make your cracked heels worse. When you get out of the shower or bath, blot your skin dry with a towel.

· Use only gentle cleansers and moisturizers: Fragrance-free cleansers are recommended so your feet retain their natural oils. Apply moisturizing creams to your heels immediately after drying your feet to lock in moisture.

· Protect your heels: During the daytime, you may want to apply a liquid bandage over your heel cracks so your skin creates a protective barrier. This helps reduce pain, speeds up healing, and prevents germs from penetrating the skin.

· Wear the proper shoes: By avoiding open-heeled shoes like flip-flops, slingbacks, or shoes that don’t fit properly, you can greatly reduce the odds of irritating dry, cracked heels so they can heal.

Contact Curalta Foot + Ankle for Help with Dry, Cracked Heels

If you’re bothered by the appearance of your dry, cracked heels, you’re not alone. Many people have this condition and benefit from the help of a board-certified podiatrist like ours at Curalta Foot + Ankle. To book your appointment to see a board-certified podiatrist, please contact us online or call 1-888–777-1430 today.