Cracked (fissured) heels result from dry skin, standing for long periods, ill-fitting footwear, or health issues like diabetes or psoriasis. The skin loses flexibility and splits under pressure.
DIY repair:
• Apply Kroko Heel Balm (urea-based emollient) to soften and hydrate.
• After a warm soak, exfoliate gently with a pumice stone.
• Dry the area, apply balm twice daily - nighttime use with socks works best.
• Use Kroko HeelFix liquid plaster to seal deeper cracks:
• Clean and dry skin
• Paint a thin layer and let dry
• Reapply over the old layer until healing
⚠️ If deep cracks are inflamed, bleeding, or infected, see a doctor. Severe cases may signal underlying conditions like neuropathy or diabetes.
Prevention Tips:
• Wear well-fitted, closed shoes and clean socks
• Moisturize feet nightly
• Keep weight in check to reduce heel pressure
• Exfoliate lightly when the skin is soft, and avoid cutting or using harsh tools
Losing weight, moisturising your feet or most importantly wearing properly fitting, closed shoes and socks can help prevent heels cracking.
To combat dry skin, moisturise your feet when you moisturise the rest of your skin. This provides a protective barrier over your skin and prevents water from escaping and the skin from drying out. It is best to moisturise feet at night. This means the cream can be absorbed into the skin which will prevent them becoming slippery and sweaty during the day. Wearing a pair of socks after moisturising will help prevent them drying out overnight.
Gently rubbing a pumice stone against the thickened skin on the heel, once the skin is moisturized, may help reduce the thickness of the hard skin and calluses. Be particularly gentle if you suffer from neuropathy or diabetes and avoid foot files or using scissors to cut away dry skin.
Try Kroko Heel Balm, a tried and tested solution for cracked heels in South Africa. For heel fissures, use Kroko HeelFix to paint over and cover the cracks, helping to protect the area while it heals.
Yes! While formulated for feet, Kroko Heel Balm is safe to use on elbows, knees, and very dry hands. Its high urea content helps soften and hydrate thick, rough skin effectively and helps lock in moisture.
