How to get rid of cracked feet

Heel skin is exposed to pressure, friction, dry air, and repeated contact with footwear. When thickened skin becomes less flexible, fissures can form along the heel edge and may sting or bleed. Dry skin is a common contributor, but scaling between the toes or on the sole can point toward athlete's foot. Deep cracks can make walking uncomfortable and provide an opening for germs.

Wash with warm rather than hot water and pat dry, especially between the toes. Within a few minutes, apply an emollient such as a thick cream or ointment to the heels; ingredients such as urea can help soften hard skin. At night, cotton socks can reduce moisture loss. Use a pumice stone lightly only on intact thick skin, never over an open or bleeding fissure. Choose supportive shoes and avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces. Do not cut heel skin with blades.

Have a clinician examine cracks that are deep, bleeding, increasingly painful, swollen, warm, or draining. Prompt advice is especially appropriate if you have diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, or a condition that affects healing. Persistent scaling, burning, or itch may need assessment for athlete's foot rather than moisturiser alone.

Is the cracking caused by dryness, pressure, or athlete's foot? Which emollient and strength of urea should I use? How should I protect an open fissure, and when can I resume gentle filing?