If you like to wear open-backed shoes, such as sandals, you are more prone to experiencing heel fissures or calluses. Without the support of the back of your shoes, the heels of your feet are subject to friction from sliding around. In addition, exposure to the open air can cause dry skin around the heel. Dry, cracked skin and calluses can occur on the heels and be not only annoying, but painful as well.

To treat mild to moderately dry heel fissures and calluses, try some of the following:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re dehydrated, you may also notice dry skin on other parts of your body as well.
• Exfoliate: After a warm foot soak, use a pumice stone to scrub off the dry skin cells. Putting Epsom salt and/or honey in your foot soak is helpful for healing. If you happen to be by the beach, a walk in the sand can also help exfoliate dry feet.
• Moisturize: Especially after exfoliating, put on some lotion and let it soak into the heels. Be careful not to slip on non-carpeted floors – wearing socks can help with that.
• Cover Your Heels: If you happen to wear backless shoes, it may be helpful to wear shoes with backs for a while, or at least to wear backless shoes less often.
• Treat Infections: If your skin looks infected, clean it and then treat with antibiotic ointments or creams. Protect the heels by wearing socks to prevent another infection.

Be aware, however, that dry, cracked heels can also be caused by tinea pedis, also known as Athlete’s Foot. Dry skin and fungal infections have similar symptoms, so it could be hard to treat. When your regular moisturizing techniques do not work, it’s safer to assume that you’ve got athlete’s foot and use medication that will treat the fungal infection. You can sanitize everything and use over-the-counter medication to treat the condition.

To properly treat your symptoms, whether it be heel fissures or athlete’s foot, consult our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. This is also important if you have heel fissures or calluses that are extremely painful, bleeding, or are infected. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.