Quick answer: Dry Cracked Feet Heels comes up often in our clinics. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Dry Cracked Feet or Dry Cracked Heels? [Causes & Best Treatment]
Do you have dry, cracked feet or dry, cracked heels? We go over the best dry, cracked foot and heel home remedies and BEST treatment options!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh9MNXhptHYWhy Do We Get Dry Cracked Feet?
Usually, if the skin is severely dry and cracked, as seen in the picture, something is causing it.
- The skin on the bottom of our soles is special because it is thicker than the rest of the skin in our body.
- It also relies more on sweat glands than oil glands to keep it moist, so it is more important to keep it moisturized.
- It is important to keep the bottom of the feet moisturized. It is the ultimate cure for any cause!
This thick skin is more susceptible to dehydration to a lack of moisturizing; it is also more prone to inflammatory reactions and fungal irritation.
Dry Cracked Feet Symptoms:
If the dry, cracked feet are very severe, then something else can be causing it. The symptoms will range from the following:
- Itchy skin.
- Red skin.
- Cracks in the skin.
- Bleeding may be associated with cracks.
- Peeling at the bottom of the foot and heel.
- Flakes and flaking.
- Rough, uneven skin.
- Development of a rash.
- Worse after showering or bathing.
Dry Cracked Feet Causes:
- Showering or bathing.
- Inflammatory skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, and many more.
- Contact dermatitis (irritation by a harsh substance- such as a lower quality soap or chlorine).
- Cold weather (causing dehydration).
- Low humidity in your home (causing dehydration).
- Older Age (less blood supply)
- Peripheral vascular disease.
- Smoking.
- Diabetes.
Home Treatment Guide:
Follow this treatment protocol to fix your dry, cracked feet!
Recommended Products:
- These are our favorite products for dry, cracked feet!
- We have looked at the best priced and best-reviewed products for your dry, cracked feet!
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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1)Assume Skin Irritation.
Assume initially it is dryness, dehydration or an inflammatory condition.
- 2/3rds are caused by inflammatory causes: eczema, skin conditions, irritation, dehydration, sweating disorders.
- **Inflammatory Conditions are all treated the same way, but different than fungal conditions**.
- For best results always go see your podiatrist or dermatologist!
The Skin Irritation Treatment Guide!
2)Consider Athlete’s Foot:
If part 1 does not cause your foot to get better after a week, it may be a fungal infection.
- 1/3rd are caused by Fungal Irritation.
- **Fungal conditions are all essentially treated the same way, but different than inflammatory conditions**.
- For best results always go see your podiatrist or dermatologist!
The Complete Foot Fungus Treatment Guide!
The way I would treat this if it was myself:
- 1)Assume inflammatory causes and start treating it that way.
- 2)If it doesn’t start getting better after a week or so, it is most likely fungal irritation.
- 3) Go see your podiatrist since something more complicated may be going on.
Good Luck with your Dry Cracked Feet!
Related Treatment Guides
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot condition, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Painful Dry Cracked Heels?
Deep heel fissures are more than a cosmetic problem — they can cause pain, bleeding, and infection. Our podiatrists provide professional treatment and prevention strategies.
📞 Or call us directly: (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Bristow I. Non-ulcerative skin pathologies of the diabetic foot. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(S1):S84-S89.
- Kamal M, et al. Xerosis and its determinants in diabetes mellitus. Int J Dermatol. 2015;54(5):e162-e166.
- Bus SA, et al. IWGDF guidance on footwear and offloading interventions. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2016;32(S1):25-36.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.