Home remedies for cracked heels in summer

Hot weather, sandals, walking barefoot, and dry indoor air can remove protective oils from the thick heel skin. Pressure then makes the hardened edge split. Sweating does not always prevent dryness; moisture trapped around a fissure can also irritate the skin. Scaling between the toes or on the sole may point to Athlete's Foot rather than simple dryness.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, then pat dry, especially between the toes. Apply a rich heel moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp and repeat after bathing. Soft socks over moisturised feet at night can reduce rubbing. Choose supportive, well-fitting footwear and avoid sharp blades, aggressive filing, lemon, and undiluted acids. Do not apply moisturiser into a deep, bleeding, or infected-looking split; cover it with a clean dressing and seek advice. Emollient Therapy can be discussed if routine moisturising is not enough.

Arrange medical care for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, spreading redness, fever, or a crack that keeps reopening. Seek prompt assessment for a deep or bleeding fissure, reduced sensation, poor circulation, diabetes, or immune suppression, because a small break may need specialised protection and treatment.

Could this be Athlete's Foot or another skin condition? Which moisturiser suits my skin, and should the fissure be dressed? What footwear or treatment would reduce pressure while it heals?