Why are my feet and heels cracking?

Heel skin bears repeated load, and a hard rim of dry skin can pull apart when the foot moves. Dry Skin, frequent hot washing, open-backed footwear, and indoor dry air can worsen this process. Athlete's Foot may cause scaling or fissures, often with itch or peeling elsewhere on the foot. Pain, bleeding, redness, or tenderness suggests that the crack needs closer attention rather than simple cosmetic care.

After a brief lukewarm wash, pat dry and apply a thick fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Emollient Therapy can soften the hard rim and support the skin barrier. Wear closed, supportive footwear and soft socks; avoid cutting the thick skin with blades or picking at fissures. Keep open cracks clean and covered, and stop any product that stings or causes a rash.

See a clinician if cracks are deep, bleeding, painful, recurrent, or not improving with regular moisturising. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or difficulty walking. Arrange earlier review if you have diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, or a history of slow-healing foot wounds.

Is this mainly dry thickened skin, or could Athlete's Foot or another condition be contributing? Which moisturiser should I use, and how should I protect an open fissure?