Cracked Heel Care: Causes, Treatments & What Works
Cracked heels: what causes them, and what actually helps
Cracked, rough heels are one of the most common foot complaints in the UK — and one of the most frustrating, because the usual fix (more moisturiser) often changes very little. Here's why that happens, and what to do instead.
Why heels crack in the first place
The skin on your heels is naturally thicker than anywhere else on your body. Under repeated pressure — standing all day, walking on hard floors, open-backed shoes — it thickens further to protect itself. That thickened skin has less flexibility, so as the surrounding skin dries out, it splits rather than stretches.
Common contributors in the UK:
- Standing or walking jobs on hard surfaces
- Open-backed shoes and sandals in summer
- Central heating drying the air through winter
- Hot baths and long showers stripping natural oils
- Skin that naturally runs dry
Why ordinary foot creams often don't fix it
Standard moisturisers are designed to hydrate normal skin. On a thick, built-up layer, they largely sit on the surface — which is why heels can feel rough again within a day. You're moisturising the top of the problem, not softening the build-up underneath.
The options, compared
| Approach | Good for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Standard foot cream | Everyday dryness, maintenance | Struggles with thickened, built-up skin |
| Foot file or grater | Fast visible removal | Messy, abrasive, easy to overdo |
| Urea-based treatment | Softening hard, thickened skin | Needs consistent daily use |
| Podiatrist appointment | Painful cracks, diagnosed conditions | Cost, waiting times |
What urea does
Urea is a humectant and keratolytic — it draws in moisture and helps soften keratin, the protein that makes hard skin hard. Low concentrations mainly hydrate; higher concentrations are used specifically to soften thickened areas. Pairing it with a low dose of salicylic acid helps loosen dead surface skin so it can shed naturally, without scraping.
A simple daily routine
- Wash and fully dry your feet — products work better on clean, dry skin.
- Apply a urea treatment to heels and rough areas.
- Give it a few seconds to absorb, then socks or slippers.
- Repeat daily. Consistency matters more than any single application.
When to see a professional
Book an appointment with a podiatrist or speak to your GP if cracks are deep, bleeding or painful, if there are signs of infection, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Foot care cosmetics aren't a substitute for medical care.
Our approach at DermaPure
We put 60% urea and 2% salicylic acid into a no-mess stick, so the daily step people actually skip — applying it — takes ten seconds.
See the DermaPure Foot Care Stick →
This page is general information, not medical advice. DermaPure products are cosmetics and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition.