Does emollient therapy help with cracked skin?

Cracks develop when the skin becomes too dry or inflamed to stretch comfortably. Hands, heels, fingers and areas exposed to cold air, water or friction are common places to notice them. An emollient coats the surface, makes hardened skin more supple and helps limit further moisture loss. It may reduce stinging caused by movement, but it cannot close a deep fissure immediately or treat an infection. Cracking that keeps returning can also be linked with eczema, psoriasis, contact irritation or another problem that deserves a closer look.

Apply a thick, fragrance-free emollient after washing and whenever the area feels tight. Press it on gently, especially if a crack is tender. Avoid picking at loose skin, harsh soaps and very hot water. Gloves can protect hands from detergents and cold; breathable footwear may reduce friction around heel cracks. If a fissure is open, keep it clean and covered with a suitable dressing. Read the Cracked Skin page for other signs to watch for.

The Emollient Therapy guide explains how creams, lotions and ointments differ and how to apply them.

Seek medical advice when cracks are deep, repeatedly bleed, interfere with walking or hand use, or fail to improve with protective care. Prompt assessment is needed for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, spreading redness, severe pain or fever, which can indicate infection. Diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation makes foot and hand cracks more important to assess early.

Ask whether the cracks fit eczema, psoriasis or contact irritation, which emollient texture is suitable, whether a dressing is helpful, and how to recognise infection or a need for prescription treatment.