Are you in a position that has you standing for long hours? Pun intended. Or perhaps you have a serious medical condition that causes dry feet? With the sandal season right around the corner, we look at cracking feet causes and the best home remedies to heal cracking feet. Your unsightly cracked heals and feet are mainly as a result of dry skin brought on by a lack of moisture to the affected areas.

What Causes Cracked Heels?



What *actually* causes cracked heels? | Well+Good
Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. A long winter and spring stuck inside in the dry air may have made the skin on your feet, especially your heels, super dry — dry enough to crack like a fault line. And while COVID-related self-isolation may tempt you to keep your feet hidden, cracks in your heels can fracture into deep cuts, or fissures, that can be pretty painful and even get infected. Other variables that can dry skin on heels enough to crack are age your skin gets thinner, less elastic and some common medications can contribute and, of course, winter can be quite the culprit. Drier skin means more cracking and peeling.


Nutritional Deficiencies that Cause your Cracked Heel
Dry skin between the toes is usually caused by a fungal infection known as athlete's foot. Other causes for cracks between toes can arise from contact dermatitis or skin infections. Read on for more information about causes and treatment options.




While dry skin can seem rather innocuous, cracked soles of the feet can often itch, burn and even bleed, making you vulnerable to infection. Fortunately, medical experts have several recommendations for treating dry and cracked soles of the feet, particularly the areas most prone to cracking, the heels and the areas between the toes. In addition, you can take preventative measures at home to ensure that dry skin does not develop deep cracks. Cracked soles of the feet can be symptomatic of various conditions, some mild and others more serious, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society 2. Simply wearing open-heeled shoes, exercising frequently, walking barefoot or placing excess pressure on your feet can result in developing corns and calluses that ultimately create cracked foot skin.