How to Treat Cracked Heels at Home
Updated: Jul 8
Cracked heels are one of the most common foot problems seen by podiatrists. They can range from mild dry skin to deep, painful cracks that affect everyday activities.
In many cases, cracked heels develop gradually when dry skin and hard skin build up on the heel and eventually split under pressure.
The good news is that most cracked heels can be improved with simple treatments at home and a consistent foot care routine.
In this guide, we'll explain what causes cracked heels, how to treat them and when to seek professional advice.
What Are Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels, sometimes called heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heel becomes very dry and thick.
Over time, pressure from standing and walking causes the skin to split.
Cracked heels often start as:
Dry skin on the heel
Small surface cracks
If left untreated, these cracks can become deeper and may cause discomfort or pain when walking.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Several factors can contribute to cracked heels.
Common causes include:
Dry Skin
The skin on the heels naturally contains fewer oil glands, making it more prone to dryness.
Standing for Long Periods
Spending long hours on your feet increases pressure on the heels.
Open-Back Shoes
Sandals and flip-flops allow the heel to expand sideways, increasing the risk of cracking.
Hard Skin Build-Up
Excess callus around the heel can become dry and rigid, eventually splitting.
General hydration and skin health
Not drinking enough fluids can contribute to dry skin throughout the body.
Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions may increase the risk of cracked heels, including:
eczema
psoriasis
hypothyroidism
If cracked heels are severe or persistent, it may be worth speaking with a podiatrist.
Are Cracked Heels Dangerous?
In most cases, cracked heels are not dangerous and can be managed successfully with simple home treatments.
However, if the skin becomes very dry and thickened, the cracks (also known as heel fissures) can deepen over time. Deep cracks may become painful, bleed or, in some cases, become infected.
You should take extra care if you have:
Diabetes
Poor circulation
Reduced sensation in your feet
Certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
These conditions can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.
Signs that your cracked heels may require professional assessment include:
Bleeding
Significant pain when walking
Redness or swelling
Discharge or signs of infection
Cracks that are not improving with home treatment
Although cracked heels are usually not serious, seeking advice early can often prevent them from becoming more difficult to manage.
Why Do My Cracked Heels Keep Coming Back?
One of the most frustrating things about cracked heels is that they often seem to improve and then return again.
This usually happens because the underlying causes of the cracked heels have not changed.
Common reasons cracked heels keep coming back include:
Not moisturising regularly
Wearing open-backed shoes such as sandals or flip-flops
Standing for long periods
Excess hard skin build-up
Walking barefoot frequently
Underlying skin conditions
Increased pressure on the heels due to foot structure or biomechanics
Cracked heels often require ongoing maintenance rather than a one-off treatment.
Once your heels have improved, continuing to moisturise regularly and maintaining good foot care habits can help prevent the problem from returning.
For many people, preventing cracked heels is much easier than treating them once they have developed.
Should You Peel or Cut Cracked Skin?
No. We would strongly advise against cutting, peeling or attempting to remove cracked skin using blades, scissors or other sharp instruments.
Although it can be tempting to remove thick skin quickly, doing so can:
Cause injury to healthy skin
Increase the risk of infection
Make cracks more painful
Lead to bleeding
Delay healing
Similarly, harsh foot graters or aggressive electric devices can sometimes remove too much skin and worsen the problem.
Instead, the safest approach is usually to:
Apply a suitable foot cream regularly
Use a gentle foot file or pumice stone
Remove hard skin gradually over time
Wear supportive footwear
When treating cracked heels, slow and consistent treatment is generally much more effective than trying to remove large amounts of skin at once.
Can Cracked Heels Heal Naturally?
Mild cracked heels may improve naturally, particularly if the skin is protected and kept well moisturised.
However, because your heels are under constant pressure whenever you stand or walk, many cases of cracked heels will not improve significantly without some form of treatment.
If dry skin and hard skin continue to build up, the cracks may become deeper over time.
Fortunately, most cracked heels respond well to simple home treatments such as:
Regular moisturising
Gentle removal of hard skin
Wearing supportive footwear
Avoiding excessive pressure on the heels
The earlier you start treating cracked heels, the easier they are usually to manage.
If your cracked heels are painful, bleeding or not improving despite regular treatment, it may be worth seeking professional advice.
How to Treat Cracked Heels at Home
In many cases, cracked heels can improve with consistent home care.
The key is to soften the skin, gently remove thick skin, and keep the area well moisturised.
1. Moisturise Your Heels Daily
One of the most important steps in treating cracked heels is regular moisturising.
Foot creams designed for dry skin often contain ingredients such as urea, which helps soften thick skin and improve hydration.
Apply a moisturising foot cream once or twice daily, focusing on the heel and surrounding dry areas.
For product recommendations, you can read our guide on the best, podiatrist reccomended foot creams here.
2. Use a Foot File to Remove Hard Skin
Gently filing thickened skin can help improve cracked heels.
Use a foot file or pumice stone to carefully remove excess hard skin. (Please don't use graters, electric files or anything too harsh!). Something simple like this is perfect -
Important tips:
Be gentle and avoid over-filing
Do not attempt to cut the skin yourself
Stop if the area becomes sore or irritated
Regular gentle filing can help prevent further cracking.
3. Wear Supportive, Closed Shoes
Footwear plays a surprisingly important role in heel health.
Open-backed shoes can allow the heel to spread and worsen cracks.
Choosing supportive, closed shoes can help reduce pressure on the heel and allow the skin to heal.
4. Avoid Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot can increase pressure on the heel and make cracked skin worse.
Wearing supportive footwear around the house may help protect the heels while they recover.
5. Use Heel Balms or Overnight Treatments
Some people find that applying a thicker moisturiser before bed helps improve dry heels.
You can apply foot cream and then wear cotton or bamboo socks overnight to help the moisturiser absorb into the skin.
This can be particularly helpful for more severe dryness.
How Long Do Cracked Heels Take to Heal?
Mild cracked heels often improve within one to two weeks with regular moisturising and proper foot care.
More severe cracks may take longer to heal, especially if thick skin has built up over time.
Consistency is key. Regular foot care helps prevent the problem from returning.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
While many cases of cracked heels can be managed at home, some situations require professional treatment.
You should consider seeing a podiatrist if:
The cracks are deep or painful
The skin is bleeding
The area shows signs of infection
Home treatments are not improving the condition
You have diabetes or circulation problems
A podiatrist can safely remove thick skin and recommend appropriate treatments to help the skin heal.
Preventing Cracked Heels
Once your heels improve, maintaining good foot care habits can help prevent the problem from returning.
Helpful tips include:
Moisturising your feet regularly
Wearing supportive shoes
Avoiding excessive pressure on the heels
Keeping the skin hydrated
Filing thick skin gently when needed
Developing a regular foot care routine at home can go a long way towards keeping your feet healthy.
If you’d like to learn more about everyday foot care, you can read our complete guide to foot care at home.
Final Thoughts
Cracked heels are a common and often preventable foot problem.
With the right care, most cases can improve with simple treatments at home, including moisturising,
gentle skin care and supportive footwear.
However, if cracked heels become painful or persistent, professional advice from a podiatrist may be needed.
Taking small steps to look after your feet now can help keep them healthy and comfortable in the long term.
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