What should you know about a cracked heel that won't heal?

Heel skin is thick and bears repeated pressure. Open footwear, long periods standing, friction, hot showers, and dry air can repeatedly pull a fissure apart. Peeling, scaling, or itching between the toes can point toward Athlete's Foot, while redness and tenderness may reflect irritation or inflammation. A deep split can hurt when walking and can allow germs into the skin. Persistent cracking is a symptom, not a diagnosis, so its location, appearance, and associated changes matter.

Wash gently with lukewarm water and pat dry, including between the toes. Apply a thick moisturiser to the heel while the skin is slightly damp, then cover it with a clean cotton sock at night. Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes that reduce heel friction and avoid walking barefoot on hard floors. Do not cut the hard rim with a blade or apply strong acids to an open fissure. A clinician can assess whether Emollient Therapy or treatment for a fungal cause is appropriate.

Arrange a medical assessment when a fissure remains open despite consistent care, keeps bleeding, or makes walking difficult. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening pain. People with diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, or immune problems should seek advice early because a small foot wound may need closer monitoring.

Could the scaling suggest Athlete's Foot or another skin condition? Is the split deep enough to need a dressing or prescription treatment? Which moisturiser is suitable for my skin, and how should I protect the area while it closes?