Say goodbye to cracked heels - top dermatologist’s secret to soft, smooth feet revealed

Cracked heels treatment: Dry and cracked heels are not just an eyesore, but they can be seriously irritating and even painful. If you haven’t dealt with them yet, chances are, you will. According to Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology, cracked heels become more common with age, as per a report.

Why Do Heels Crack More As You Age?

That happens due to thinning fat pads, drier skin, and reduced oil production, which leave the area more vulnerable to dehydration and cracking, as per a Yahoo report.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

If your feet are starting to resemble reptile skin, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer through it. Dr. Camp breaks down what’s behind the problem and how to fix it.


He explained that, "Friction from walking and running, open-backed footwear, walking barefoot, long, hot showers, hormonal changes and certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis — all can cause dry, cracked feet," as quoted by Yahoo.

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Can Cracked Heels Signal a Health Problem?

While, in some cases, there could be more serious underlying conditions like diabetes, kidney disease and vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also make the skin in this area more likely to dry out and crack.

Home Treatment for Cracked Heels

But don't worry, Dr. Camp recommends a simple three-part solution for quick relief:

1. Use a foot rasp in the shower when the skin is soft to exfoliate dead skin, as per Yahoo.
2. Apply a moisturizer with keratolytic ingredients like lactic acid or urea to gently exfoliate and hydrate, as per the report.
3. Opt for a thicker, ointment-based moisturizers if you're dealing with painful cracks or fissures, as per the Yahoo report.

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When to See a Dermatologist for Cracked Heels

However, if your heels aren’t improving, then the doctor advises to "Consult with a board-certified dermatologist if at-home treatments are not effective, as this may be indicative of a case of more than just dry skin," as quoted in the report.

How to Prevent Cracked Heels from Coming Back

To keep cracked heels from coming back, Camp suggests a nightly habit: Soak your feet in lukewarm water for two to three minutes, pat them dry, and apply a thick moisturizer, as per the Yahoo report. Then, for best results, slip on white cotton socks and wear them for a few hours or overnight while you sleep, according to the report.

FAQs

Is walking barefoot bad for my feet?
It can be, especially on hard or rough surfaces. It increases friction, which leads to dryness and cracking.

How often should I moisturize my feet?
Daily, especially at night before sleeping.