Cracked heels: how to fix them at home

10 minutes, then 1 minute each night. Costs a few cents.

Try this first (costs nothing extra): rinse your feet in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, pat them dry and rub a thick cream into the heels. Put on clean socks. Do this every night for two weeks.

Do it in this order

1. Soak the heels for 10 minutes in lukewarm water. Hot water dries the skin.
2. Pat dry, especially between the toes.
3. File the hard skin lightly with a foot file or pumice stone, a few strokes only. Do not try to remove it all in one go.
4. Put on a thick foot cream or ointment. Rub it into the heel.
5. Put on cotton socks and go to bed.

Mistakes to avoid

• Do not cut the skin. Blades, scissors and graters can cause an infection.
• Do not file damp, soft skin hard. It tears.
• Do not skip the cream. Filing alone gives only a short-lived result.
• Do not wear open-backed shoes all day if you can help it. They let the heel spread and dry out.

If that does not work

Cracks that bleed, hurt or look red need more than cream. See a podiatrist, pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation or numb feet. Do not treat these at home.

The NHS says corns and calluses are caused by pressure and friction. If it is a pressure problem, it may be your shoes. Check the fit first, see sore feet after a day standing.

Fix it, replace it or live with it

• Fix it: dry, rough heels with shallow cracks.
• Replace it: worn out shoes that put pressure on the heel.
• Live with it: a little dry skin in summer sandals. Cream on weekends is enough.

Fresh blisters on the heel are a separate problem. See how to treat a blister at home.