Dry, cracked heels are caused by a lack of skin moisture, which can be worsened by wearing open-back shoes such as sandals. Dry and cracked heels should not be ignored because they can cause pain if left unattended and can cause deeper cracks over time, increasing the risk of infection.

Causes of dry heels

First and before knowing the ways to care for the heels and treat their dryness, we must know the causes of dry heels, which include:

• Dry or cold air
• Hot and dry air
• Air conditioners that cool the air but remove moisture
• Taking long, hot showers or taking a lot of showers frequently
• Washing the heels frequently
• Some types of soaps and detergents
• Certain skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema
• Getting older because the skin becomes thinner and produces less natural oil

Tips to treat and prevent dry heels

Treatment begins with paying more attention to your feet to include

• Moisturize the feet at least twice daily. It is best to use a moisturizer after showering because it helps lock in moisture in the skin.
• Use emollients such as Eucerin or Cetaphil
• Putting moisturizers that contain substances that help remove dead skin and soften the skin, such as urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid. But use it with caution as it may cause skin irritation.
• Use a foot file once or twice a week to remove hard skin.
• Wear socks and closed shoes from the back, even in hot weather, if you notice dry skin or cracks in the skin.
• Avoid using products that contain alcohol, perfumes, dyes, or other chemicals.
• Take a short shower with warm water.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Continue to apply the cream daily even after the skin has recovered to prevent its recurrence.

Night care routine

Give your heels more attention before going to bed by following these steps:

1. Soak your feet for 10 minutes in plain, soapy water.
2. Gently rub your heels with a loofah or foot scrubber to help remove dead skin.
3. Apply a thick cream containing Vaseline, Aquaphor…etc.
4. Wear a pair of thin cotton socks at bedtime to help moisturizer work more effectively.