Some medical conditions may make you more susceptible to cracked heels, such as diabetes, eczema, hypothyroidism, juvenile plantar dermatosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
When are cracked heels worse?
Often when we think of dry skin, we think of winter when the air is cold and temperatures indoors and out are fluctuating, putting our skin through a lot. But when it comes to feet, Lynn explains that the summer season is the worst. “When we switch to wearing sandals, it may come as a surprise that the increased airflow around our feet can actually lead to dryness of the skin.” Our activities in the summer also contribute to dryness. Things like spending time on the beach and walking barefoot can have an exfoliating effect as we walk, making our skin feeling smoother but also more prone to dryness, Lynn explains.
Who is more prone to dry, cracked feet?
If you’re someone who has dry facial skin, hair or nails, we’re sorry to say that your heels are probably more prone to dryness, too. “To help this, it is essential to prioritise moisturising routines after bathing or showering, as well as every morning and night, to maintain softer skin,” says Lynn.
“It is particularly crucial for people with diabetes to take extra precautions and ensure proper foot care, as they may have reduced sensation in their feet,” she warns. “By keeping their feet well-hydrated, they can help prevent cracked heels, which could potentially lead to open wounds,” which, in some cases, cause infection.
Ways to prevent cracked heels?
The answer is pretty simple actually: give your feet the same care as your face. OK, not exactly the same, we’re not asking you to do a 10-step routine on your feet. But at bare minimum, moisturise them a few times a week.
Moisturise
To keep them in tip top shape, “I always recommend applying a foot cream both in the morning and at night,” says Lynn. You can target the areas that are most dry like the heels, too. This combination of hard-working foot cream ingredients helps keep the skin of your feet well-moisturised, ensuring their overall health. “Use a good moisturiser at least once a day that contains urea which is a gentle chemical skin softener and is great at hydrating the skin rapidly,” says Andrew Gladstone, podiatrist, MCRPod and founder of City Chiropody. We like Mavala’s Hydro-Repairing Foot Cream, and Eucerin’s UreaRepair Plus 10% Foot Cream as both contain urea and are deeply hydrating.
Remove dead skin
Gently removing dead skin cells from feet is key to preventing cracking. Use a foot file or pumice stone to gently buff away old, dead skin, but be careful not to remove any of the healthy skin underneath. You should avoid this step if your heels are already noticeably cracked.
Get regular pedicures
Getting regular pedicures from a trained manicurist who has experience with foot conditions can help keep on top of cracked heels. Regular treatments that are booked in advance means your feet will rarely get to the stage that they’re dry and cracking because you know every few weeks they’re being buffed, polished and hydrated.