Cracked heels: reduce the hard skin so they can heal
Cracked heels hurt and can become infected. Cream alone is not enough when the skin is thick: the hard skin has to be reduced first.
What is it?
When the skin on the heel is both thick and dry, it loses its flexibility and splits. Deep cracks can bleed and become infected.
- How to recognise it
- Hard, yellowish heels with splits; pain when walking, sometimes bleeding.
- Common causes
- Dry skin, untreated hard skin, backless shoes (mules, sandals), standing for long periods, excess weight, diabetes.
- At the practice
- The hard skin around the cracks is reduced so the skin becomes supple again and can heal. The cracks are cleaned and protected.
- Day to day
- Moisturise every evening with a urea-based cream and wear shoes that enclose the heel.
- See a doctor
- If a crack bleeds, turns red or hot — and always if you have diabetes.
Why heels crack
With every step, the heel flattens and spreads. Supple skin follows the movement; thick, dry hard skin cannot stretch and eventually splits. Backless shoes, standing for long periods and dry skin — sandal season, long sightseeing days — make it worse.
Moisturising properly
- Choose a cream rich in urea, available in pharmacies (ask for « crème à l'urée »).
- Apply it in the evening on clean, dry skin, massaging it in.
- Wear cotton socks overnight.
- Keep going once your heels improve: regularity is what counts.
Best avoided
- Metal graters and blades: they injure the skin and make hard skin grow back faster.
- Long foot baths, which dry the skin.
- Walking barefoot or in backless shoes.
Price
€44A pedicure treatment or foot reflexology: the same price at the practice.
Home visits: from €55, depending on the area and travel. The price is confirmed when you book.
Saturday: appointments possible on request — €70. By appointment only.
Frequently asked questions
Which cream should I use?
A cream rich in urea, from a pharmacy. It works better once thick hard skin has been reduced.
Are cracked heels serious?
Usually not, but a deep crack can bleed and become infected. With diabetes, any crack should be watched closely.
How long until my heels are smooth?
With one treatment at the practice followed by daily moisturising, there is usually a clear improvement within a few weeks.
Book an appointment
Dominique Rozan sees patients at 72 avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Call; if she is with a patient, leave your name and number and she will call you back.
06 08 10 86 61From a non-French number: +33 6 08 10 86 61