What should you know about cracked heels and toes?

Heel fissures form where thick skin is repeatedly stretched by walking. Toes can crack when footwear rubs, skin stays damp, or the spaces between toes become irritated. Athlete's Foot may cause scaling, itching, or peeling that extends beyond the heel. Dry Skin can make the outer layer stiff and easier to split. A crack between toes is managed differently from a deep heel fissure, so note exactly where it began and whether the surrounding skin is itchy, white, red, or swollen.

Wash gently and dry every toe space carefully. Use a thick moisturiser on dry heel skin, but avoid trapping heavy ointment between damp toes unless a clinician advises it. Choose breathable, properly fitted footwear and clean socks; reduce rubbing from tight toe boxes and hard heel counters. Do not peel loose skin or cut calluses. If symptoms suggest a fungal condition, ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable treatment rather than sharing creams or towels.

Seek medical advice if a fissure remains open, keeps recurring, bleeds, or affects walking. Prompt assessment is needed for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing pain. People with diabetes, numbness, or poor circulation should have foot cracks checked early, even when the wound looks small.

Is the toe scaling consistent with Athlete's Foot or irritation from footwear? Where should I apply moisturiser, and where should I keep the skin dry? Does the heel need a dressing or Emollient Therapy?