Dry, cold winter air brings dry, flaking skin. Low humidity in the colder months strips away skin’s moisture, and the thick skin on your heels is particularly prone. What starts as small cracks can deepen, leading to pain or even infection.
There is, however, a way to avoid dry, cracked heels this winter. Taking preventive measures and knowing when to seek professional help are key to maintaining smooth, healthy feet through winter. Here’s what our team at The Foot & Ankle Specialists recommends.
Your skin is tough, but it needs moisture to stay hydrated, maintain its elasticity, and create a protective barrier that helps prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation. When your skin loses moisture, it gets dry and thickened — a condition known as hyperkeratosis — and it’s common on your heels because they take a lot of wear and tear.
Dry skin often gets worse with exposure to winter weather, because humidity levels drop. Activities that put pressure on your heels, like standing for long periods or wearing non-supportive footwear, can also contribute to the problem, and medical conditions like diabetes or eczema can increase the likelihood of developing cracked heels, too.
Cold, dry air outdoors and heaters indoors can zap moisture from your skin, but it doesn't mean dry, cracked heels are inevitable this winter. Here are a few of our favorite tips to keep your heels soft and comfortable:
One of the best ways to prevent cracked heels is to get in the habit of applying a thick, emollient-rich moisturizer every day. Look for products containing ingredients like glycerin, urea, or shea butter, which help draw moisture into your skin and create a protective barrier. For maximum effect, moisturize right before going to bed or put socks on afterward.
Drinking plenty of water helps maintain your body’s overall hydration level, which supports healthy skin everywhere — including your feet. It’s especially important to make sure you’re staying hydrated during the winter, because you might not feel as thirsty in the cold as you might in the summer.
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can accumulate and contribute to heel cracking. Use a pumice stone or gentle foot scrub to keep your skin smooth, but avoid over-exfoliating or using sharp tools, which can lead to other foot issues.
Your heels bear much of your body weight when you stand and walk, and your footwear could increase your risk of heel cracks. Avoid shoes that put undue pressure on your heels or fail to support your arches. Comfortable, well-cushioned shoes can help distribute weight evenly and reduce your risk of cracked heels.
Most of the time, cracked heels don’t pose a serious risk to your health. But if they’re deep cracks, they can be uncomfortable — and other symptoms like pain, redness, or signs of infection are possible.
If you have pain or other symptoms with cracked heels, it’s time to see a podiatrist. We can provide tailored treatments, like medical-grade moisturizers, debridement, or custom orthotics to better support your foot health.
Going to the podiatrist for dry, cracked heels is particularly important if you have diabetes. Diabetes can impair blood circulation and nerve function, which can increase your risk of infection and complications from even minor foot issues like heel cracks. Professional treatment helps manage these risks to prevent more serious health concerns.
Bothered by dry, cracked heels? They’re preventable. Take a proactive approach to foot care this winter — and when self-care isn't enough, we’re here to help. Call one of our locations in Bay City, Caro, and Lapeer, Michigan, or request an appointment online to get started.
