If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.

And once they form, getting rid of them can prove tricky.

Odds are your skin is quite literally cracking under pressure.

How to Treat Dry, Cracked Heels That Just Won’t Go Away

Photo: Getty Images - Design: Alex Sandoval

“When weight and pressure are applied to the heels of our feet, the skin expands outward.

What Causes Cracked Heels and Feet?

There are quite a few factors that could be upping your likelihood of experiencing cracked heels.

Bare 40% Urea Gel with Salicylic Acid

Walmart

Havingflat feet, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and living in dry, cold weather can also play a part.

Dry, fissured feet?

It could also be the result of a fungal infection.

Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Dry Foot File

Amazon

How Can You Treat Cracked Heels?

If the damage has already been done, Cunha recommends a multi-pronged strategy.

Here’s his full rec:

1.

eucerin-advanced-repair-cream

Amazon

Do an overnight treatment.

Bare 40% Urea Gel with Salicylic Acid

2.

Buff off excess skin.

(Wondering how to heal cracked heels but don’t know how to use a foot file?

Here’show to safely use Amope for baby soft feet.)

Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Dry Foot File

3.

While getting rid of cracked, fissured feet can be challenging, it can definitely be done.