What should you know about Palmer's cracked heel?

Heel fissures develop when thick, dry skin loses flexibility and splits under pressure. Long periods of standing, open-backed footwear, friction and dry environments can make the edge of the heel harder and more likely to split. Cracks may sting during walking and can catch on socks or bedding.

A fungal infection such as [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/) can cause scaling, peeling or cracking, especially between the toes. More general [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/) or [Cracked Skin](/symptoms/skin-cracking/) can affect the heels too, so the pattern and other symptoms matter.

Wash gently, pat dry and apply a thick moisturiser to the heel while the skin is still slightly damp. [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) can help soften the hardened edge; use it regularly as directed. Wear supportive, closed footwear and avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces.

Do not cut fissures with blades or remove large areas of hard skin yourself. Cover a painful split with a clean dressing, and avoid putting moisturiser between the toes if that area stays damp. If scaling persists, a clinician can check for fungal infection and recommend appropriate treatment.

Seek prompt advice for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, red streaking or pain that limits walking. Arrange a review if a crack is deep, bleeding, repeatedly reopening or not improving with consistent care. People with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage or reduced immunity should seek guidance early rather than treating a deep fissure alone.

Ask whether the crack is caused by dryness, pressure, eczema or fungus, which emollient suits you, how to dress a deep fissure, and whether footwear or another condition is slowing healing.