A big crack in the heel: care and warning signs

Heel skin can become dry and thickened, then split when body weight spreads the heel pad during standing or walking. Open-backed footwear, prolonged standing, friction, and very dry skin can add strain. Athlete's foot may present with scaling and cracking, particularly when there is itch or peeling around the sole or between the toes. Eczema and other skin conditions can also weaken the surface barrier.

Clean the area gently and pat it dry. Apply a thick, fragrance-free emollient regularly, especially after washing, and wear enclosed, supportive shoes that reduce heel spreading. Cover an open fissure with a clean dressing suited to the wound and change it if wet or dirty. Do not cut thick skin with a blade, pull at the crack, or use strong exfoliating products on raw tissue. A podiatrist or dermatologist can remove excess hard skin safely and tailor care when home measures are not enough.

Seek prompt assessment for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, worsening pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or red streaking. A deep crack that exposes tissue, makes walking difficult, or does not begin to improve with protection also needs clinical attention. Arrange earlier review if you have diabetes, reduced feeling in the feet, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, because a wound may be harder to notice and heal.

Ask whether the fissure shows infection or a fungal skin pattern, which dressing will stay secure on the heel, and what moisturiser suits the surrounding thick skin. Explain when the crack started, whether it itches or bleeds, what footwear you use, and whether sensation or circulation in that foot has changed.