Dry, broken skin on feet: what to know

Heels and soles are exposed to pressure, rubbing, hot water, dry air, and footwear that traps sweat or causes friction. When the outer layer loses moisture, it can become rough, flaky, and split, especially along the heel edge. Itching or redness may accompany eczema, while thick scale on several areas can occur with psoriasis. Asteatotic eczema is another possibility when skin becomes very dry and fissured. Cracks between the toes, odour, or soggy scaling may point toward a different problem than simple dryness.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry rather than rubbing. Apply a rich emollient while the skin is still slightly damp, giving extra attention to the heels and other fissured areas. Wear breathable, well-fitting footwear and change damp socks. Avoid picking at flakes, very hot foot soaks, and aggressive filing over open cracks. A pharmacist or dermatologist can help choose a suitable emollient when home care is not enough.

Arrange medical assessment if cracks are deep, bleeding, increasingly painful, warm, swollen, or draining fluid. Seek prompt care if redness spreads, you develop fever, or walking becomes difficult. Ongoing scaling, repeated fissures, or symptoms that do not settle with consistent barrier care deserve an examination to check for eczema, psoriasis, infection, or another cause.

Could this be eczema, psoriasis, or an infection rather than simple dryness? Which emollient texture suits my skin, and should I avoid any ingredients? How should I protect an open heel crack while it heals?