Help for Cracked Heels

Heel skin becomes thick and dry when pressure, open-back footwear, dry air or prolonged standing make it harder to flex. The thickened rim can split into painful fissures, especially around the back and underside of the heel. Dry Skin and repeated friction can worsen the cycle.

Scaling between the toes, peeling, burning or itch may point to Athlete's Foot, which can also affect the heel. Redness, warmth, swelling or drainage suggests inflammation or infection and needs assessment rather than aggressive filing.

After bathing, pat dry and apply a rich moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Emollient Therapy can soften the thick rim and help prevent new splits. Cover a painful crack with a clean dressing, wear supportive closed shoes and avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces.

Do not cut the hard skin with a blade or use strong acids on open fissures. A gentle foot file may be used on intact thickened skin, but stop if it hurts or bleeds. If the cracks recur, a clinician can look for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection or factors that delay healing.

Get prompt medical advice for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, worsening pain or a crack that exposes deeper tissue. Seek earlier review if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation or immune suppression, because a small foot wound may need closer monitoring.

Ask whether the pattern fits dry skin, Athlete's Foot or another condition, which emollient is suitable, how to dress an open fissure and whether your footwear or health history is delaying healing.