Best Creams and Remedies to Heal Cracked Heels Fast

You may have seen your parents and grandparents soaking their feet in warm water with some salt before bedtime. Ever wondered why they did it? This wasn't just a comforting ritual but a way to prevent and treat cracked heels.

Many people in India suffer from cracked heels and are unsure how to treat them. Some even avoid wearing sandals or open-back shoes and prefer shoes to hide their cracked feet, but this isn't a remedy for cracked feet.

Treating cracked heels is crucial because it can lead to severe problems when left untreated. Walking can become painful, or you may even notice some bleeding through cracked feet. So, how can you heal your cracked heels and feet? There are many options available, with one of the most popular being foot cream for cracked feet.

In this blog, we will discuss cracked heels and the cause of getting cracks on heels, what the symptoms of cracked heels are, early indications, the best cream to treat cracked feet, and more.

Most people take good care of their face but not their heels. Neglecting foot care or a lack of moisturiser is often one of the main causes of cracked heels, a problem faced by many. It is a situation where the skin on the heels thickens and hardens, causing it to split under the pressure of standing or walking.

Cracked heels can result from various factors, including wearing open-back shoes, being overweight, frequent hot showers, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, or other skin diseases.

Other common causes of cracked heels include:

• Prolonged standing on hard floors
• Wearing open-back footwear
• Cold or dry weather conditions
• Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism
• Lack of regular moisturisation

Cracked heels are more than just a cosmetic concern because when left untreated, the cracks can deepen, bleed, or even become infected, making walking painful.

With so many options to choose from, how do you choose the best foot cream for cracked feet? A good foot cream for cracked heels should do more than just moisturise; it should soften the hardened skin, heal fissures, and restore the lost skin barrier.

Here are some things to look for before you make a purchase:

• Urea: Deeply hydrates and exfoliates dead skin.
• Shea butter or cocoa butter: Nourishes and repairs.
• Glycerine: Draws moisture into the skin.
• Lactic acid: Gently exfoliates rough patches.
• Vitamin E: Boosts healing and protects from further damage.

Avoid using fragrant creams for cracked heels, as they can irritate the sensitive or broken skin.

Here are some top-rated options to consider: Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream: Enriched with urea for intensive hydration; visible results in three days.

• Himalaya FootCare Cream: Herbal blend with turmeric and honey, ideal for mild cracks.
• O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Cream: Non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and highly moisturising for very dry feet.
• Cetaphil Foot Cream: Dermatologist-recommended, gentle for sensitive skin.
• Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream: Highly concentrated, offering long-lasting hydration.

When applying the best cracked feet cream, do so after a bath or foot soak for maximum absorption.

For deep fissures, ointment for cracked heels works better than lotions as they create a protective barrier. The best ointment for cracked heels should lock in moisture, prevent infection, and restore the skin barrier.

Here are some of the options:

• Vaseline Petroleum Jelly: An affordable, effective barrier.
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Helps heal open cracks and soothes irritation.
• Boroline Antiseptic Cream: Ideal for nighttime repair.
• Bepanthen Moisturising Ointment: Contains dexpanthenol to accelerate healing.

Whether you are choosing the best cream for cracked heels or the best ointment for cracked heels, it is best to consult your doctor first. This way, you can get the right cream for your skin and avoid any adverse reactions.

Many people rely on home remedies for cracked feet. In mild to moderate cases, natural remedies can be effective. But if you experience redness, swelling, and pus formation in your cracked heels, seek medical help immediately.

Here are some of the home remedies for cracked feet:

• Warm Water and Epsom Salt Soak: Softens skin and improves blood circulation.
• Coconut Oil Massage: Antifungal, antibacterial, and deeply nourishing.
• Honey Foot Mask: Natural humectant that helps skin retain moisture.
• Banana Pulp Pack: Hydrates and smoothens rough heels.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Repairs the skin barrier and soothes irritation.

If home care and over-the-counter products don’t help, a podiatrist may recommend:

• Prescription-strength best cream for cracked feet with a higher urea or lactic acid concentration.
• Antifungal or antibacterial creams for infected heels.
• Debridement to remove thickened skin.
• Specialised heel balms or medicated crack foot medicine.

Individuals with diabetes must be extra cautious, as heel cracks can lead to serious foot complications.

Here comes the million-dollar question: How to care for cracked feet?

Here are some tried and tested steps to heal cracked heels:

• Cleanse: Wash feet gently with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Exfoliate: Use a pumice stone twice a week to remove dead skin.
• Moisturise: Apply the best foot cream for cracked feet after bathing.
• Protect: Wear cushioned socks and closed shoes to reduce pressure.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water for skin health from within.

Many people are unaware of the dos and don'ts for cracked feet. But now that you know the severity of leaving cracked feet untreated, here are some common mistakes to avoid when treating cracked feet:

• Using harsh scrubs on deep cracks can worsen damage.
• Walking barefoot on rough surfaces.
• Ignoring early signs of dryness.
• Wearing ill-fitting or open-back shoes regularly.
• Overusing chemical exfoliants without moisturising.

Healing cracked heels involves a combination of selecting the best cream for cracked heels, following simple home remedies, and practising preventive care consistently.

Here are some easy options for preventing and healing cracked heels:

• Moisturise twice daily.
• Wear socks after applying foot cream overnight.
• Avoid hot water soaks that strip natural oils.
• Treat early signs of dryness before cracks form.

With the right approach, smooth, pain-free feet are achievable through consistent care with the best cracked heel ointment and protective habits.

Q. What is the best cream for cracked heels in 2025?

A. In 2025, top options include Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream, O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet, and Cetaphil Foot Cream. These formulas contain urea, glycerin, and shea butter for deep hydration, skin repair, and quick fissure healing.

Q. How to heal cracked heels overnight?

A. Soak feet in warm water, exfoliate gently, apply a thick layer of cracked heel cream or petroleum jelly, and wear cotton socks overnight. This locks in moisture, softens skin, and speeds healing by morning.

Q. Which home remedy works best for cracked feet?

A. Coconut oil massage after a warm foot soak works best. It nourishes, softens dry skin, and provides antibacterial protection. For faster results, combine with honey or aloe vera and wear socks overnight.

Q. Is Vaseline good for cracked heels?

A. Yes. Vaseline petroleum jelly is an effective occlusive that seals in moisture, prevents further drying, and softens skin. For deep cracks, pair with exfoliation and overnight sock use for better healing results.

Q. How to prevent cracked heels naturally?

A. Moisturise daily, avoid walking barefoot, wear cushioned shoes, exfoliate dead skin regularly, and stay hydrated. Include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin-rich foods in your diet to maintain healthy, supple heel skin.

Q. What is the best ointment for severe cracked heels?

A. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Boroline Antiseptic Cream, and Bepanthen Moisturising Ointment are some of the best foot creams for cracked heels. They form a protective barrier, prevent infection, and deeply nourish damaged skin for quicker healing.

Q. Do cracked heels mean a vitamin deficiency?

A. Sometimes. Vitamin deficiencies can weaken skin structure, leading to dryness and cracking. However, lifestyle factors and skin conditions also play a major role.