Cracked heels (heel fissures) are a common, often painful foot problem — dry, thickened skin that splits under the pressure of standing and walking. This guide explains why they happen and how to treat and prevent them.
What Cracked Heels Are
The heel carries your body weight, and its fat pad spreads sideways with each step. If the overlying skin is dry, thick or inflexible, it cannot stretch and splits instead. Severity ranges from minor surface cracks to deep, bleeding fissures that risk infection.
Common Causes
Dry skin is the main driver, worsened by hard-skin build-up, prolonged standing, open-back footwear, hot showers, ageing skin, and conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems or eczema. Read more on causes and risk factors.
How to Treat Them
Treatment centres on restoring moisture and gently removing hard skin. Soak briefly, exfoliate with a foot file or scrub, then apply a rich heel balm — ideally with urea, lactic acid or shea — and seal with a thick cream moisturiser overnight under cotton socks. Heel creams such as Bionnex and Daviss are made for this, and barrier-supporting ceramides help. Daily moisturising keeps results; see treatment in detail.
Prevention
Moisturise daily (especially after bathing), exfoliate weekly, wear cushioned closed-back shoes, stay hydrated, and avoid very hot, long showers. For naturally dry skin, soothing panthenol and regular care help most. More in our home remedies guide.
When to See a Professional
Deep, painful or bleeding cracks, signs of infection, or heels that do not improve with home care — especially with diabetes — need professional treatment.
With consistent moisturising and gentle exfoliation, most cracked heels heal well. Buy foot-care moisturisers in Pakistan at Derma.pk.
