Cracked Heels: Choosing a Pharmacy Product

Look for a rich moisturising or emollient product intended for very dry, thick skin. A balm, cream or ointment can reduce water loss and make the heel surface more flexible. Avoid applying fragranced or strongly exfoliating products to raw, bleeding skin. If the foot is itchy, peeling or scaling, Athlete's Foot may be part of the problem and a moisturiser alone will not address it. A pharmacy adviser can check ingredients, allergies and whether the product is suitable for your skin.

Clean the feet gently, dry them well and apply the product to the heel and sole as directed on its label. Use a clean sock to protect bedding and reduce rubbing. Wear secure shoes rather than loose sandals, and stop a product if it causes burning, swelling or a new rash. Do not use a blade to remove hard skin. A pharmacist can recommend emollient therapy, while a clinician can assess recurrent fissures or a suspected fungal rash.

Ask for medical advice if the crack is deep, painful, bleeding, warm, swollen or draining, or if redness is spreading. Seek assessment when the skin keeps reopening despite consistent care. People with diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation or immune problems should obtain foot-care advice early rather than experimenting with strong exfoliants or unlabelled remedies.

Which type of emollient suits my heel skin? Should I avoid any ingredients because of allergies or other medicines? Does the scaling suggest Athlete's Foot? Is this crack safe for pharmacy self-care, or should it be examined first?