Foot cream for cracked heels: what to look for and a simple routine
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- Flexitol Heel Balm. Best for: Rough, dry, cracked heels. See options on Amazon
- PediFix Cracks and Calluses Foot Repair Cream. Best for: Thick, callused heel skin with fissures. See options on Amazon
- Plain petroleum jelly. Best for: Overnight use under socks. See options on Amazon
What helps cracked heels
Mayo Clinic says cracked heels, also called fissures, may lead to more serious problems if left untreated, and suggests starting by moisturizing them at least twice a day with a thick moisturizer. It explains that urea, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid are skin-softening agents that may help remove dead skin.
AAD gives a specific target: a cream with 10-25% urea, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. For more on urea strengths, see our urea foot cream guide.
Ingredients to look for
| Ingredient | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Urea, 10-25% | Softens and moisturizes thick, dry skin | Flexitol Heel Balm, 25% urea |
| Salicylic and lactic acids | Gentle exfoliation of thick skin | PediFix Cracks and Calluses Foot Repair Cream |
| Petroleum jelly | Applied before bed, under socks | Plain petroleum jelly |
The 10-25% urea range is from AAD; product details are from Flexitol and PediFix. Mayo Clinic notes acid and urea softeners may cause slight stinging or irritation.
A simple daily routine
- Short baths. AAD suggests keeping baths and showers to 5-10 minutes, using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and patting skin dry.
- Moisturize right away. AAD says to apply the cream within 5 minutes of bathing while skin is still damp, and again whenever heels feel dry.
- Twice a day, no more for actives. Mayo Clinic suggests moisturizing at least twice a day, but applying urea, salicylic or alpha hydroxy acid products no more than twice a day.
- Seal at night. AAD suggests plain petroleum jelly before bed, with socks to keep it off the sheets. Mayo Clinic suggests a heavy, oil-based cream or petroleum jelly on damp skin, then cotton socks.
- Protect cracks by day. AAD says a liquid bandage over cracks forms a protective barrier that can ease pain and help keep out germs.
Two heel cream examples
- Flexitol Heel Balm. Flexitol lists 25% urea with shea butter, lanolin and glycolic acid, and directs applying it sparingly to rough, dry, cracked and thickened skin twice daily, morning and night. It comes in 2oz, 3oz and 4oz sizes.
- PediFix Cracks and Calluses Foot Repair Cream. PediFix says it combines salicylic and lactic acids in an aloe base to gently exfoliate and moisturize rough, cracked and fissured heels. It says the cream is not intended for normal, healthy skin, should be used only on thickened skin, calluses or corns, and should be stopped if skin becomes irritated.
Plain petroleum jelly is a simple overnight option, as both AAD and Mayo Clinic suggest.
Shoes and habits
- Avoid open-heeled shoes. AAD says to avoid flip flops, slingbacks and other open-heeled styles, as well as worn-down or poorly fitting shoes.
- Gentle exfoliation. Mayo Clinic suggests gently rubbing heels with a loofah or foot scrubber after a soak; see our pumice stone guide for safe filing.
Diabetes and when to see a doctor
AAD notes that cracked heels can sometimes be caused by a medical condition such as diabetes, and advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist if heels are severe or do not improve with these tips. Mayo Clinic says to talk with a healthcare professional if self-care does not help.
If you have diabetes, NIDDK advises checking your feet every day, not soaking them because the skin gets too dry, and not putting lotion between your toes. That means the soak in some heel routines is not for you; ask your provider for a routine, and get any crack that bleeds, looks infected or will not close checked promptly. See our diabetic socks guide for protective socks.
What to look for when you buy
Flexitol Heel Balm
Best for: Rough, dry, cracked heels
Flexitol lists 25% urea, within AAD's 10-25% urea range for cracked heels, applied twice daily.
Watch out: Apply sparingly; it may sting on open cracks.
See options on AmazonPediFix Cracks and Calluses Foot Repair Cream
Best for: Thick, callused heel skin with fissures
PediFix lists salicylic and lactic acids in an aloe base for rough, cracked and fissured heels.
Watch out: PediFix says use only on thickened skin and stop if irritated.
See options on AmazonPlain petroleum jelly
Best for: Overnight use under socks
AAD and Mayo Clinic both suggest petroleum jelly on heels before bed.
Watch out: Wear socks to keep it off your sheets.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best ingredient for cracked heels?
- AAD recommends a cream with 10-25% urea, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid.
- How often should I put cream on cracked heels?
- Mayo Clinic says moisturize at least twice a day, but use acid or urea products no more than twice a day.
- Should I wear socks over foot cream at night?
- Yes. AAD and Mayo Clinic suggest petroleum jelly or heavy cream at night, then socks.
- Can I put a liquid bandage on cracked heels?
- AAD says a liquid bandage over cracks forms a protective barrier during the day.
- When should I see a doctor for cracked heels?
- AAD says to see a dermatologist if they are severe or not improving; with diabetes, check with your provider early.
Sources
- How to care for dry, cracked heels (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- What's the best way to treat cracked heels at home? (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
- Heel Balm (flexitol.com), Flexitol
- Cracks & Calluses Foot Repair Cream (#P3305) (pedifix.com), PediFix
- Diabetes & Foot Problems (niddk.nih.gov), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases