Summer should be the season of carefree bare feet and beautiful sandals, but for many people, cracked heels become a painful and embarrassing concern. The combination of hot weather, increased amount of barefoot walking, and exposure to pool chemicals creates the perfect storm for heel problems.
To understand what causes cracked heels and knowing how to treat them, keep reading this blog. I’ll show you how professional treatments can change your Summer feet from painful to pleasant.
What are cracked heels?
Cracked heels are what happens when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and cracked or split.
Think of your heel skin like the sole of a well-worn shoe. Over time, the thick skin on your heels builds up to protect your feet from pressure and friction. When this protective layer becomes too dry and rigid, it can’t flex properly with your walking movements, which causes it to split and crack.
These cracks, known in the medical field as heel fissures, start small but can deepen into painful wounds that may even bleed. What starts as a cosmetic concern can quickly become a serious health issue, especially for people with diabetes or circulation problems.
And this only gets worse in Summer! Increased barefoot walking on rough surfaces, like a poolside and the elements from the beach drying out skin, can all impact the health of the skin.
Also, hot pavement and sand exposure, more time in open-back shoes and sandals, and higher activity levels all contribute to heel problems during the warmer months.
The root causes of cracked heels
The root causes of cracked heels are primarily dry skin (xerosis) and increased pressure on the heels, often due to factors like obesity, prolonged standing, or ill-fitting shoes.
Dry skin is the obvious and most common culprit, however, cracked heels often result from a combination of factors that many people don’t realise affect their foot health.
Structural issues play a significant role. High arches or flat feet change how weight distributes across your heels, therefore creating pressure points that lead to thicker, more crack-prone skin. Poor walking patterns and heel spurs can also worsen these problems by putting extra stress on specific areas of your heels.
Health conditions frequently contribute to problems like cracked heels. Diabetes affects both skin healing and natural moisture levels, making cracks more likely and slower to heal. Thyroid disorders can slow skin cell renewal, and circulation issues reduce the nutrients your heel skin needs to stay healthy and flexible.
Your lifestyle matters more to your foot health than you may think. Standing for long periods on hard surfaces, wearing shoes that don’t properly support your heels, skipping daily foot moisturising, and using harsh soaps that strip natural oils all contribute to the likelihood of cracked heels.
As well, let’s not forget, age naturally changes our skin. As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, oil production in our feet reduces, and our foot structure gradually changes, all making heel cracks more likely.
When to ask for professional help
You should seek professional help when cracks are deep enough to see pink or red tissue underneath, when there’s any bleeding from heel cracks, or when you notice signs of infection like warmth, swelling, or discharge. Pain that interferes with normal walking or cracks that don’t improve after two to three weeks of home care also likely need professional attention.
Many people try to handle cracked heels at home, but certain situations require professional podiatrist care. Recognising these warning signs can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.
People with diabetes, circulation problems, or immune system issues should be particularly cautious and seek help sooner rather than later. Red flag symptoms include fever accompanying foot problems, red streaks extending from cracks, numbness or tingling in feet, and wounds that won’t heal properly.
Solutions from a professional
As an experienced practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients transform their heel health with the right professional approach. The solutions go far beyond basic moisturising and address the underlying causes of heel problems.
Prescription strength moisturisers are great and contain much higher concentrations of active ingredients like urea or lactic acid than shop-bought lotions. These formulas can actually penetrate thick heel skin effectively, something regular creams simply can’t do.
Then, professional removal of thick, dead skin layers using specialised tools creates a smooth surface that can properly absorb moisture. This procedure is completely pain-free when done correctly and often provides immediate relief from the thick, uncomfortable buildup that contributes to cracking.
For people whose cracked heels stem from structural foot problems, custom-made shoe inserts can redistribute pressure and prevent recurring issues. These aren’t the generic insoles you find in shops, but specialist devices that address your specific foot shape and walking pattern.
Advanced treatment options are available for stubborn cases. Low-level laser treatment can stimulate healing and improve circulation when traditional methods haven’t worked. For severe cases, targeted treatments can reduce inflammation and promote healing in the deeper layers of heel skin. Deep cracks may require specialised wound care techniques to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
Daily foot care routine for cracked heels
The best treatment for cracked heels is preventing them in the first place. Here’s a realistic daily routine that fits into busy Summer schedules without taking over your life:
It should only take a few minutes each time!
- Do a quick visual inspection of your feet in the morning when getting dressed. Apply sun cream to the tops of your feet if wearing sandals and choose appropriate footwear for the day’s activities.
- In the evening, wash your feet with lukewarm water and soap, gently drying between toes and around heels. Then, apply a thick moisturiser specifically designed for feet. Pay extra attention to the heel area and any dry spots you notice.
Then, once a week…
Perform gentle removals of dead skin with a pumice stone or foot file, followed by a deep moisturising treatment with overnight foot cream, to keep your heels smooth and healthy. This is also a good time for nail trimming and general foot maintenance.
Prevent cracked heels this Summer
Here’s how to protect your feet in the warmer seasons:
Rinse your feet immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt water, both of which dry out skin significantly.
Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration and consider wearing water shoes on rough pool decks or rocky beaches to prevent damage.
Choosing the right sandals makes a huge difference to heel health. Look for sandals with adequate heel support and cushioning rather than completely flat designs. Adjustable straps that don’t rub against your heels prevent irritation that can lead to thickened, crack-prone skin.
Hot weather considerations include staying properly hydrated to support overall skin health, avoiding walking barefoot on hot pavement or sand, and changing socks more frequently if your feet tend to perspire heavily.
Avoid common online mistakes
The internet is full of DIY cracked heel treatments, but some popular methods can actually make problems worse rather than better.
Never use razor blades or scissors to cut away skin, as this can cause serious injury and infection. Soaking feet for extended periods can actually dry skin out instead of helping it, despite feeling temporarily soothing.
Also, harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar can damage healthy skin and delay healing. Most importantly, never ignore pain or signs of infection hoping they’ll resolve on their own.
Safe home care follows simple principles. Gentle approaches work better than aggressive treatments, consistency matters more than intensity, and when in doubt, it’s always better to seek professional advice rather than risk making problems worse.
What to expect from a professional
If you’re considering professional help for cracked heels, understanding what’s involved can help you feel more confident about seeking treatment.
A comprehensive evaluation from a foot health practitioner includes:
- A complete examination of your feet and ankles
- Analysis of how you walk to identify pressure points
- A review of your health history and medication
- Discussion of lifestyle factors affecting your foot health.
- This approach ensures we understand the full picture of your heel problems.
Remember, dealing with cracked heels doesn’t mean you have to give up summer activities or hide your feet. With the right knowledge and professional support when needed, you can enjoy healthy, comfortable feet all season long.
Your foot health is unique to you, and understanding your specific needs is key to maintaining beautiful, pain-free heels. Don’t let cracked heels keep you from enjoying your summer.
Ready for Professional Heel Care?
If you’re struggling with persistent cracked heels or want a comprehensive foot health assessment, my clinic specialises in personalised treatment plans that address your unique needs. Contact me today and book an appointment.
