How To Heal Cracked Heels In 4 Steps, According To A Podiatrist

Maddy Zollo Rusbosin

February 19, 2020 2:03 PM

Theres nothing worse than deciding to slip on your favorite pair of backless shoes and seeing rough, cracked skin. While a pedicure definitely helps improve the look of fugly feet, realistically you wont always be able to get one, plus the results don't last more than a few days. Luckily, its easier than you think to keep your heels smooth at-home. Not only will DIY-ing it save you money and time, but itll also help ease the pain that dry, cracked heels can cause. Below, find expert-approved ways to heal cracked heels, so you can wear those sandals, sling-backs, and mules with confidence.

How To Heal Cracked Heels In 4 Steps

Step 1: Soak + Exfoliate

Once a week set aside a little time after you shower to treat your feet. If your heels aren't already softened up from your shower, soak them in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to do so. If youre feeling fancy, put in a few drops of your favorite essential oil or use a pre-packaged foot soak like Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt that has peppermint essential oil, baking soda, aloe and coconut oil in it to repair and refresh. Afterwards, physically exfoliate and slough off dead skin with a pumice stone like Natural Earths Lava Pumice Stone .

Step 2: Moisturize On The Reg

For hardened heels, its crucial to use a moisturizer daily. Look for one with urea or lactic acid on the ingredient label as these will exfoliate as well as hydrate, explains Emily Splichal , DPM, a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist.

Arm & Hammers Heels & Feet Moisturizer Plus Gentle Exfoliators is a great multitasker since its formulated with baking soda, alpha hydroxy acid (like citric, glycolic, and lactic) exfoliators, and coconut oil. Plus, it has a no-touch massaging brush so you can apply it mess-free.

You can also look to your pantry for a DIY solution. You can put any oils olive oil or coconut oil on the heel but wait to do this until after you soak as oils acts as a sealant to moisture, Dr. Splichal furthers. She also suggests sealing it into skin with saran wrap to lock in moisture (or you can always opt for moisturizing socks like these with built-in aloe).

Step 3: Choose The Right Footwear

If youre constantly dealing with cracked skin, it may be time to reevaluate your shoe collection as certain pairs can aggravate heelsespecially tighter ones that are restrictive of movement like boots or pairs that have a stiff heel counter (the little plastic insert thats used to reinforce the heel cup and increase support), notes Dr. Splichal. Her favorite sole soothers? Shoes with softer fabrics that dont have a heel counter such as All Birds or Coach loafers .

Step 4: Make Your Foot Care A Routine

Just like your skincare routine, its equally important to continue to give your feet some TLCeven after youve healed them. The best treatment for cracked heels is avoiding it in the first place which means daily moisturizing and weekly exfoliatingthis is important in both cold and warm weather, advises Dr. Splichal, which in all honesty, is pretty easy advice for anyone looking to put their best foot forward.

Maddy Zollo Rusbosin