When it comes to foot complaints, the most common, but also some of the least reported are foot calluses, corns on feet and dry cracked heels. They can be a major frustration, especially if you are a big fan of wearing sandals. Dry cracked heels are unsightly, although not harmful, except in cases where the cracks become too deep which can cause them to bleed, with the deep heel fissures prone to becoming infected.

Dry cracked heels are often more than just dry skin, with the cracks often deep going down to the lower layers of skin, which can cause discomfort and soreness. You are most likely to suffer from dry cracked heels if you are constantly on your feet or are overweight, with the problem becoming far more likely with age. When the skin starts to produce less sebum, the skin is prone to drying, and the problem can become more likely. If you leave this condition untreated, chances are that it will become worse and the further the problem progresses, the harder it is for the skin to heal naturally.

Studies have shown that various conditions can lead to dry cracked heels. One is when you stand for a prolonged period of time, either at home or at work or spend all day on your feet. Being overweight can potentially amplify the pressure found at the subcutaneous pad under your heels, causing it to enlarge and spread leading to cracked heels if the skin is not flexible enough. Wearing back-open footwear can also increase the probability of having dry cracked heels. If you have a history of athlete’s foot, eczema, diabetes, and psoriasis, chances are high that you will also suffer from cracked heels. If you continuously expose your feet to water, your skin will be robbed of its moisture, leaving your skin rough and very dry.

Whilst hereditary issues and foot irregularities may make one more prone to develop dry cracked heels, in many cases it is a lifestyle choice which leads to the problem. Wearing of shoes with a poor fit with the heel free to move is a problem, and similarly overly tight shoes, or those without a proper heel cup for support and cushioning. The problem has also been linked to diet, with deficiencies in zinc and other vitamins and minerals making skin problems all the more likely.

One of the most visible signs of dry cracked heels apart from the noticeable cracks is having red or flaky skin patches and peeling skin on the heels, and in some cases itchiness. You must be very careful not to peel pieces of dry skin because it can potentially damage the deeper layers of the skin. If there is a long piece of dead skin, you can use scissors to carefully clip it away rather than pulling it off.

In serious cases, there may be bleeding or discharge from cracked heels, a sign that the lower layers are already affected. Treating the infection then becomes the priority become treating the cracks in the heels. Wearing lose and airy footwear helps to create an environment less conducive to fungi and bacteria. Antibacterial creams and oral medication may be required to help clear the infection. Infected cracked heels should not be treated until the infection has been cleared.

You have a lot of DIY options to choose from to treat dry cracked heels. One is to apply the pulp of yellow banana on the affected area for 10-15 minutes and rinsing it thereafter. You may also add avocado or coconut to make a thicker paste, which can supply your skin with all the nutrients it needs to make it soft and moisturized. Aloe Vera has a moisturizing as well as an antibacterial effect, with freshly squeezed lemon juice applied for 10 minutes every week reported to be a good natural treatment. The juice from the lemon is a natural acid that is proven to help dissolve dry and dead skin to facilitate removing it with a corn file. Whilst designed to get rid of corns on feet, they are effective for removing calluses on the feet and for treating dry cracked heels.

It is also wise to clean and moisturize your feet before going to bed, and again in the morning. First, you soak your feet in lukewarm water for 15 minutes before patting them dry. You can then apply petroleum jelly to your cracked heels, and wear a pair of socks to trap the heat of your body and moisture. Deep moisturizing oil based lotions are also highly beneficial when used twice a day.