General practitioner Alina Litvinova has issued guidance for people struggling with persistent dry heels, advising them to undergo blood testing and adjust their daily diets.
Writing on her Telegram channel, the doctor addressed individuals in Russia who cannot get rid of rough and dry skin on their feet. She warned that persistent cracking often stems from internal bodily imbalances rather than superficial cosmetic concerns alone.
According to Litvinova, patients should begin by taking two specific laboratory tests: a blood test for ferritin and a test for total protein. If the laboratory results show any deviation from standard reference ranges, she said patients must work to bring those markers back to normal levels.
Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron, releasing it when the body requires it. Low ferritin levels often point to depleted iron stores or anaemia, which can restrict oxygen delivery to tissues and delay skin repair. Total protein tests measure the total amount of albumin and globulin in the blood, two critical components needed to build healthy cell structures.
Dietary changes and nutritional deficiencies
As a second key measure, Litvinova said people dealing with cracked heels need to eat plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A and E. The doctor assured patients that these nutrients provide the essential support needed for damaged skin on the feet to heal more quickly.
Omega-3 fatty acids help support the natural lipid barrier of the skin, locking in moisture and preventing irritation. Vitamins A and E act as important nutrients for cell regeneration and antioxidant protection, while zinc is required for tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and normal immune function.
Underlying causes of heel damage
Litvinova identified dry indoor air at home, uncomfortable shoes, excess weight, fungal infections, and psoriasis as the most widespread causes of dryness on the heels. She added that incorrect foot hygiene, continuous mechanical trauma to the soles, and nutritional shortages in vitamins and minerals also contribute to the problem.
Dry heels and cracked skin frequently worsen during the autumn and winter months, when household heating systems reduce air humidity indoors. Without adequate moisture, skin around the edges of the heels can become thick, calloused, and prone to painful splits under the pressure of walking.
Her recommendations follow comments from dermatologist Elizaveta Shukhman, who previously outlined foot and skincare routines for the autumn season. Shukhman urged people to apply moisturising products consistently throughout the autumn to prevent seasonal dryness and protect the skin barrier.
