What Really Causes Cracked Heels And How To Heal Them (Part I)

WHEN SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING CRACKED HEELS, WHAT’S OCCURRING WITH THE SKIN?

Dry or cracked heels can occur due to a number of factors. Our feet, crucial in supporting our body, endure substantial pressure in day-to-day life. This pressure can cause the skin on the heels to expand outward. When the skin lacks moisture, its elasticity diminishes, making it more rigid and susceptible to cracks and fissures. The primary culprits behind dry, cracked heels include a range of different causes:

• Underlying medical conditions like obesity, eczema, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, and juvenile plantar dermatosis
• Biomechanical elements, including heel spurs, flat feet, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces
• Fungal infections like athlete’s foot
• Wearing ill-fitting or open-heeled shoes
• Exposure to cold, dry weather

These factors collectively contribute to the development of dry, cracked heels.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL CAUSES OF CRACKED HEELS?

Many assume that if they are suffering from cracked or dry heels, they just need to use a bit of lotion. Most often, people aren’t experiencing the factors above but instead are affected by an infection of athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection affecting the feet, is most often seen developing on the soles and between the person’s toes. People affected by athlete’s foot generally experience dry, itchy, scaling skin. For severe cases, patients may experience cracks, blisters and inflammation. It is common for athletes to deal with sweaty feet after intense activities, and the fungus may develop in the facilities they use, hence "athlete’s foot."

The cause of athlete’s foot is a group of fungi with mold-like properties known as dermatophytes. These fungi feed on tissue such as dead nails and skin. Athlete’s foot may be closely linked to further fungal infections, such as jock itch and ringworm. As these types of microscopic organisms are commonly found living in moist, warm, and dark environments, sweaty shoes and socks allow for a welcoming environment for the development of fungal infection and growth.

HOW COMMON IS IT TO EXPERIENCE DRY OR CRACKED HEELS? IS IT IMPORTANT TO TREAT THE CONDITION OR ARE THEY HARMLESS? IS THE CONDITION MORE COMMON AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR?

If the risk factors above are eliminated, cracked heels commonly stem from a fungal infection. Neglecting treatment may lead to the spread of the infection to the nails, causing fungal nail issues and discoloration. The severity of athlete’s foot determines the necessary treatment. Mild cases often respond well to over-the-counter treatments such as antifungal powders, sprays, creams, or lotions. For a case of moderate severity, a prescribed topical medication may be needed. In severe instances, your doctor may recommend oral antifungal medications.

During winter, many tend to experience cracked heels or athlete’s foot more frequently. This is primarily due to wearing thicker boots and shoes, resulting in reduced ventilation and increased exposure to moisture from snow or rain. Nonetheless, these infections remain prevalent in warmer months when people frequent gyms and pools, often walking barefoot in these areas.

What Really Causes Cracked Heels and How to Heal Them (Part 2)

Author

Gotham Footcare founder, Dr. Miguel Cunha, is a leading podiatrist in Manhattan. Board-certified in surgery, he tackles foot and ankle issues with the highest level of expertise. Driven by a genuine passion for helping his patients, Dr. Cunha brings exceptional care and compassion to every case he treats. He brings over a decade of experience in treating a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, from the simplest to the most complex.