Cracked heels (heel fissures) are very common, especially in dry weather and for people who stand a lot. Most cases heal within 1 to 2 weeks with a simple daily routine.
Why heels crack
- Dry skin, especially in winter or hot, dry climates
- Standing for long periods, particularly on hard floors
- Open-back shoes and sandals, which let the heel fat pad spread
- Long hot showers and harsh soaps
- Extra body weight, which adds pressure on the heels
- Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, eczema, psoriasis and athlete’s foot
Nightly routine to heal cracked heels
- Soak your feet in warm (not hot) water for 10 minutes.
- Gently rub thick skin with a pumice stone or foot file. Don’t cut hard skin yourself.
- Pat dry and apply a thick foot cream to the heels, such as Himalaya FootCare Cream.
- Put on cotton socks overnight to help the cream soak in.
- Moisturise again in the morning.
Ingredients that help
- Urea (10 to 25%) softens hard skin and holds in moisture
- Salicylic acid or lactic acid gently remove thick, dead skin
- Petroleum jelly, glycerin or shea butter seal in moisture
Prevent cracks coming back
- Moisturise your feet every day
- Wear closed-back, supportive shoes
- Drink enough water and avoid very long hot baths
- Check your feet for athlete’s foot, which can cause cracking. See athlete’s foot treatment.
When to see a doctor or podiatrist
- Cracks that bleed, are deep or very painful
- Redness, warmth, swelling or pus, which can mean infection
- No improvement after 2 weeks of daily care
- If you have diabetes or poor circulation: see a doctor or podiatrist about any crack or sore, as foot wounds can become serious quickly
Frequently asked questions
How long do cracked heels take to heal?
Mild cracks usually improve within a week of nightly care. Deeper cracks can take 2 to 3 weeks.
Is Vaseline good for cracked heels?
Yes. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture, especially under socks overnight. A cream with urea works faster on thick skin.
Can I use a razor to remove hard skin?
No. Cutting can cause deep cuts and infection. Use a pumice stone or foot file instead.
More in our Skin and Fungal Infections guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
