Moisturizers

• Moisturizers for cracked heels can be found in any department store or drugstore. Any moisturizing lotion will work, but those that are specially formulated for excessively dry skin will work best. In extreme cases, ask a dermatologist to provide a prescription-strength moisturizer. For best results, soak your feet for 15 minutes in a foot bath to hydrate the skin, then completely dry the feet and apply the moisturizer.
  
  

Warm Water and Pumice Stone

• Believe it or not, the best remedy is warm water. Warm water helps to soften the tough skin on the heels and make the removal a lot easier when a pumice stone is used. If you don't have a pumice stone, sandpaper will work just as well. Try using a small block of wood, sized to fit in the palm of your hand, then wrapping a fine grit sandpaper around it. This creates a tool that is ideal for removing dead skin cells from the heel fissure.
  
  

Shortening

• Apply a generous coating of lard or shortening, as you would moisturizer or lotion. Wear thick socks to prevent the shortening from escaping. Leave on overnight and continue to do this each night until your heels look better. Shortening helps keep the cracked, dry heels moistened.
  
  If you don't have shortening, you can use hydrogenated vegetable oil, which, like shortening, will not dry out. Follow the same procedures as those for shortening and moisturizers.
  
  

Ripe Banana

• Some people use a ripe banana for heel fissures. Smash the ripe banana and apply to the heel. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then wipe off. Repeat if necessary. If you are brave enough, you may leave it on longer or even overnight. Of course you would wear a protective sock over the foot.
  
  

Sudsy Water

• Make a habit of soaking your feet every night for 15 to 20 minutes in warm, sudsy water, and pat dry completely. Apply one of the above remedies to keep feet soft and free of cracks, peelings and calluses.