Seven easy steps to lovely summer feet

As someone who a) is a podiatrist and b) personally suffers dry/cracked heels in the summertime, I've tested a lot of different creams and techniques over the past 20 years!

Here are my top tips for treating your cracked heels at home:

1. Start with a moisturising cream that you already have in the cupboard. Most of us have 101 tubes of (body) moisturising cream at home – they seem to multiply in the vanity! If you follow the next six steps and are still not getting results, you will need to change the type of cream you use. Click here to learn about how to choose the most appropriate foot cream.

2. Take time to apply the moisturising cream. Just slapping the cream on your foot and rubbing it in for 20 seconds will not produce a good result – even if you do it every day. Instead, you should spend 5-10 minutes at a time - just rub, rub, rubbing! If you take this time, you'll find that you only need to apply moisturising cream 2-3 times per week, and the results are fantastic.

3. Select a regular day/time to apply cream – even set the alarm to remind yourself to get in the habit of applying moisturising cream regularly. Choose a time when you have time to stop and sit. I always do it while watching Netflix, and the kids are in bed – so there are no interruptions! I set the timer on my phone for 10 minutes, turn on the TV, and then sit and rub cream into my feet. Time flies as I'm lost in my latest program, and I don't have to think about it. It's a win-win! Another great time to apply cream is as you get into bed at night.

4. Moisturising creams absorb more easily just after a shower, as the skin around your heels is softer. So if you have incredibly dry feet, try applying moisturiser immediately after your shower to see if this helps.

5. Rub the cream all over your feet – except between the toes - and concentrate it around the heels. If you have difficulty reaching your feet, ask someone at home to help you – it's a sneaky way of getting a free foot massage! If you don't have anyone at home, another tip is to apply the moisturising cream to the top of one foot and then use your opposite heel to rub the cream in – no bending required.

6. Please remember that your feet will be slippery after applying moisturising cream to your feet. It's wise to pop on a pair of socks after your moisturising session, especially if you have hard floors such as wood or tiles that might turn into a dangerous slip 'n slide.

7. Callus (thickened skin) build-up around your heels can prevent the moisturising cream from working optimally.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE DIABETES OR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (notice the caps – I can't stress this enough!), then you have my podiatric blessing to use a pumice stone or a chiropody sponge once or twice a week to VERY GENTLY (note caps again!) reduce some of the hard/calloused skin around your heel. Please never use razor blades, graters, peels, or anything remotely dangerous to remove hard skin from your heels.

If you have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, you will need to see your friendly podiatrist to safely reduce the thickened/calloused skin around your heels.

Many factors can cause dry, cracked heels. When I go to the beach or the pool I always need an extra moisturising session that night to compensate for the damage I've done during the day.

So, if you've been in thongs / backless shoes / at the beach / etc., you may have to increase your moisturising sessions.

And lastly, if you are prone to dry, cracked heels in the summer, be aware of the footwear you wear. Try to wear shoes with a closed-in heel as much as possible rather than open-backed footwear (you can get sandals with a closed-in heel).

When should I see a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are your foot care specialists, and we are here to provide support if your dry, cracked heel problems are persistent.  

You should always see your podiatrist for dry, cracked heels if:

1. regular self-care at home does not improve the condition of your heels, or

2. you have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, or

3. the fissures on your heels are painful and/or bleeding, or

4. you have any worries or concerns about your feet.

We will perform a full assessment of your feet to determine the underlying cause of your dry and cracked heels, and then we'll create a management plan to help you manage the issue.

We will also recommend referral to an appropriate health professional if it is determined that a nutritional or other medical disorder is causing your heel issue.

So there you have it - get summer heels like a pro. Enjoy the beach or the pool, but then get home and get moisturising!

Please feel free to share this article with friends and family (particularly those with dry heels!)