What should you know about cracked heels and feet?

The heel expands under body weight, so a dry callused edge can split when it cannot stretch comfortably. The same process may affect the sides of the feet, especially with hard floors, open-backed shoes, or prolonged standing. Scaling, burning, or itching on the sole and between the toes can suggest Athlete's Foot rather than simple dryness. Redness, tenderness, or a painful fissure may indicate irritation or a secondary problem. Looking at both feet and the spaces between the toes helps distinguish patterns.

Clean the feet gently and dry them well, particularly between the toes. Apply a thick emollient to cracked areas after bathing while the skin still holds some moisture. Cotton socks and cushioned, closed shoes can reduce rubbing and help retain moisture. Avoid picking, shaving, or cutting callused skin, and stop products that sting an open crack. A clinician may recommend Emollient Therapy or another treatment when routine moisturising is not enough.

Arrange a review if cracks do not begin to improve with careful skin protection, or if they repeatedly return. Get prompt medical care for increasing warmth, swelling, spreading redness, pus, fever, or pain that changes how you walk. Foot wounds need earlier attention when diabetes, numbness, or circulation problems are present.

Do the sole changes look like Dry Skin or Athlete's Foot? What type of moisturiser should I use on the heel and sides of the feet? How can I protect a split during work, exercise, or long periods standing?