Foot heel cracking: causes and practical care

Heels carry body weight and expand sideways during walking. Dry skin, a hard rim of callus, open-back shoes and long periods on the feet can increase tension at that rim. Dry Skin and general barrier irritation can contribute, while Athlete's Foot may cause scaling or fissures around the heel and other foot areas. Some people also develop cracking with eczema, psoriasis or repeated washing.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry and apply a rich moisturiser soon afterwards. Emollient therapy can soften thick surface skin and improve flexibility when used consistently. Cover an open or painful split with a clean dressing, wear closed supportive shoes and avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces. Do not cut the callus with a blade or apply harsh acids to broken skin.

See a clinician if cracking is deep, painful, bleeding, recurrent or slow to improve, or if scaling suggests a fungal infection. Get prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever or rapidly increasing pain. Assessment is especially useful when moisturising has not helped, because treating an underlying rash may be needed to stop the fissures returning.

Is this ordinary dryness and callus, or could Athlete's Foot or another condition be involved? Which emollient and dressing should I use? How can I safely reduce thick skin? What symptoms would require prompt treatment?