Home remedies for painful cracked heels

Heel fissures form when thick, dry skin loses flexibility and splits under pressure. Standing for long periods, open-backed shoes, dry air and friction can make the splits deeper. Athlete's foot may also cause scaling or cracking. Pain often comes from pressure on the open fissure, and small breaks can allow irritants or germs to enter.

After washing, pat the feet dry and apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Cover the heel with cotton socks to reduce rubbing. Once the skin has softened, use a foot file lightly on surface thickening; stop if it stings or bleeds. Choose shoes with a closed, supportive heel and avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces. Do not cut the callus with blades, use strong acids on an open split, or soak for a long time, since excess moisture can weaken surrounding skin. A clinician can recommend emollient therapy when ordinary moisturiser is not enough.

Seek care promptly if redness, warmth, swelling, pus, spreading tenderness or fever develops. Arrange an assessment when cracks are deep, repeatedly bleed, interfere with walking, or fail to improve with consistent protection. People with diabetes, reduced circulation, reduced sensation or immune problems should have a lower threshold for review and should not self-treat an open foot wound.

Could athlete's foot or another skin condition be contributing? Which moisturiser and footwear suit my skin? Is filing appropriate for this fissure? How should I protect a crack that has opened or bled?