Dry Skin in Winter and Cracked Heels: A Practical Guide

Dry skin in winter and cracked heels are mainly caused by cold, dry air, long hot baths, harsh soaps and, for heels, walking barefoot or in open footwear on hard floors. Most people improve with shorter lukewarm baths, a gentle cleanser, moisturising within a few minutes of bathing, a thicker cream or petroleum jelly at night and closed, well fitting footwear, while deep, painful or infected cracks and any foot problem in someone with diabetes should be seen by a doctor.

In North India, winter brings cold, dry air and long hours near heaters. In other parts of the country, air conditioning, hard water and daily hot showers can cause similar dryness year round.

Why does skin get dry in winter?

The outer layer of skin acts like a wall, with skin cells as bricks and natural oils as mortar. When this barrier is damaged, water escapes and the skin becomes dry, tight, flaky and itchy. Common triggers include:

• Cold, dry air outdoors and heaters or blowers indoors
• Long, hot baths and showers, a habit many of us enjoy in winter
• Harsh or strongly perfumed soaps and antiseptic liquids added to bath water
• Hard water in many Indian cities
• Age: skin becomes drier as we get older
• Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, hypothyroidism and diabetes
• Some medicines, including certain acne treatments

If dry skin is very itchy, appears in patches on the elbows, knees or face, or runs in the family with asthma or hay fever, it may be eczema. Our guide to eczema in adults and children explains this further.

What daily habits help dry skin?

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests a few simple steps that make a large difference:

1. Keep baths short, around 5 to 10 minutes, and use lukewarm rather than hot water
2. Use a gentle, fragrance free cleanser instead of harsh soap. You do not need to soap every part of the body daily, especially the shins and arms
3. Pat the skin dry gently with a towel instead of rubbing
4. Moisturise within a few minutes of bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp, to lock in water
5. Choose thicker products in winter. Ointments and creams are usually more effective than thin lotions for very dry skin
6. Use a humidifier if you sit near a heater for long hours, if possible
7. Wear soft, breathable fabrics next to the skin. Wool directly on the skin can itch
8. Drink enough water, although moisturising the skin directly matters more for dryness

Which moisturiser should I choose?

You do not need an expensive product. Look for:

• Fragrance free formulas, especially if the skin is itchy or sensitive
• Ingredients that hold water, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and urea
• Ingredients that seal, such as petrolatum (petroleum jelly), shea butter, dimethicone or ceramides
• A cream or ointment rather than a watery lotion for winter

Product type	Feel	Best for
Lotion	Light, spreads easily	Mild dryness, humid weather
Cream	Thicker	Most winter dryness
Ointment or petroleum jelly	Greasy, very protective	Very dry patches, heels, night use

Traditional oils such as coconut oil are widely used in Indian homes. They can help some people, but they do not suit everyone. Mustard oil can irritate sensitive skin, and any oil can feel sticky. If you use one, apply a small amount on damp skin and watch how your skin responds.

Why do heels crack?

The skin on the heels is thick. When it becomes very dry, it loses flexibility and splits under the pressure of walking. Common reasons include:

• Walking barefoot, especially on cold stone or marble floors
• Open backed footwear such as chappals, slippers and slingbacks
• Worn out or poorly fitting shoes
• Standing for long hours
• Long hot baths and very dry air
• Higher body weight, which increases pressure on the heels
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, eczema, psoriasis or fungal infection

Thick, white, scaly skin on the soles, especially with itching between the toes or thick, discoloured nails, may be a fungal infection rather than simple dryness. Our guide to nail fungus and our article on ringworm and tinea in India explain these.

How can I heal cracked heels at home?

Following AAD guidance, these steps help most people:

1. Soak and soften the feet in lukewarm water for a few minutes, then pat dry
2. Apply a thick moisturising cream to the heels straight after, while the skin is still slightly damp. Creams containing urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid can help soften thick skin, but stop if they sting cracks
3. At night, apply petroleum jelly to the heels and wear cotton socks to keep it in place and protect bedding
4. During the day, protect cracks with closed shoes and socks. AAD also mentions a liquid bandage to cover cracks
5. Wear supportive, closed back footwear, at least for part of the day, and avoid walking barefoot on hard floors
6. Be patient. Heels usually take a few weeks of daily care to improve

What to avoid:

• Cutting hard skin with blades, nail cutters or scissors at home
• Aggressive scraping with metal files or rough stones
• Home remedies that sting, such as lemon or undiluted antiseptics on open cracks
• Steroid creams on the feet without medical advice

What if I have diabetes?

People with diabetes need extra care. Reduced sensation and circulation mean that a small crack can become infected without much pain and heal slowly. If you have diabetes:

• Check your feet daily, including between the toes
• Moisturise the heels but not between the toes
• Never cut corns, calluses or hard skin yourself
• See a doctor promptly for any crack, blister, redness, swelling or wound

How can I protect my hands and lips in winter?

Hands and lips often suffer first in the cold.

For hands:

• Moisturise after every hand wash, especially if you wash dishes, clothes or use sanitiser often
• Wear gloves for household chores and cotton gloves under rubber gloves if they make your hands sweat
• Use a thicker cream or petroleum jelly at night, with cotton gloves if possible
• Avoid very hot water for washing

For lips:

• Use a plain, fragrance free lip balm or petroleum jelly through the day
• Stop licking or peeling dry lips, as saliva dries them further
• Avoid flavoured or tingling balms if your lips sting

If your hands crack and bleed despite care, or the rash appears after contact with detergents, cement or other substances, it may be hand eczema or contact dermatitis, which benefits from a dermatologist’s assessment.

When to see a dermatologist

Please see a dermatologist or doctor if:

• Cracks are deep, bleeding or very painful
• There is redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever
• You have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet
• Dry skin is very itchy, keeps you awake, or appears in red or thickened patches
• Thick scaling affects your palms, soles or nails
• Two to three weeks of regular moisturising has not helped

Your dermatologist may check for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection or other causes and may prescribe stronger moisturisers or treatments where needed. If you would like advice without travelling in the cold, Dr. Maria offers online consultations where you can share photos and your current routine.