What should you know about natural treatment for cracked heels?

Heel fissures form when thick, dry skin loses flexibility and splits under pressure. Open cracks may sting when walking and can bleed when they extend deeper. Dry skin and repeated exposure to water or dry air can contribute. Itching, peeling, or scaling between the toes may point toward Athlete's Foot, which can also affect the heel area.

Wash with lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply a thick fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp. Cover a painful fissure with a clean dressing and wear supportive shoes with a closed heel. Avoid cutting callus with blades, strong acids, or rough scrubbing. A clinician can recommend Emollient Therapy and check whether a fungal infection or another skin condition is contributing.

Arrange an examination if cracks remain open despite regular care, repeatedly bleed, or interfere with walking. Seek prompt help for spreading redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain, fever, or swelling around a fissure. People with diabetes, reduced foot sensation, or circulation problems should obtain advice early because a small break in the skin may be harder to notice and heal.

Ask whether the fissures are due to dryness, fungal infection, eczema, or pressure; which moisturiser is suitable; how to dress an open crack; and whether your footwear or foot-care routine needs changing.