Dry skin on the heels: possible causes

Heel skin is naturally thick and bears repeated pressure. Open-back footwear, standing for long periods, dry indoor air, and hot bathing can increase roughness. Asteatotic eczema may cause marked dryness and fine cracks; atopic dermatitis can add itch; psoriasis may produce persistent scale on the soles or other sites. Scaling between the toes, burning, or an unpleasant odour can point to a fungal problem rather than simple dryness. The cause is easier to judge when you describe footwear, symptoms, and how long the cracks have been present.

Wash gently, pat dry, and apply a thick fragrance-free emollient while the skin is still slightly damp. Covering moisturised heels with cotton socks overnight can reduce friction and help retain moisture. Wear supportive shoes with a closed heel when possible. Avoid cutting thick skin with blades or aggressive filing, particularly around open cracks. Emollient Therapy can be discussed if regular home care does not control the dryness.

Book an assessment for deep or painful fissures, bleeding, pus, increasing warmth, swelling, or difficulty walking. Prompt medical advice is also sensible when cracks recur despite careful moisturising, affect one foot much more than the other, or occur with widespread scale. Urgent help is needed for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or fever.

Ask whether the pattern is simple xerosis, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infection; which heel moisturiser is appropriate; and how to protect an open fissure while it heals.