Peeling Skin on the Heels of the Feet

Heel skin carries repeated load and can become thick, dry, and less flexible. Open-back shoes, barefoot walking, long hot showers, and dry air may worsen the problem. Peeling around fissures can appear after a callus softens, while itch and scale extending across the sole may fit [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/). Persistent, sharply bordered scaling on one or both heels can occur with psoriasis. A blister, burn, or irritating product may peel as the surface repairs. Painful cracks are more significant than loose flakes because they can allow germs into deeper skin.

After a short lukewarm wash, pat dry and apply a thick fragrance-free emollient to the heels. At bedtime, a moisturising ointment with socks over it can reduce rubbing and help retain moisture. Choose supportive, closed footwear that does not press on the heel. Avoid blades, aggressive pumice use, and pulling attached flakes, particularly over cracks. Keep any open split clean and covered. If the skin is itchy, widespread, or recurrent, have it assessed before using a steroid cream alone, since fungal and inflammatory conditions need different approaches.

Seek prompt help for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, severe pain, bleeding cracks, or trouble walking. Arrange a routine appointment when moisturising does not help, the peeling returns often, both heels become affected without an obvious trigger, or nails are changing. Foot problems deserve early attention if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or immune suppression.

Is this mainly a dry heel fissure, or could it be [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) or a fungal rash? Which emollient is suitable, and should I use a keratolytic product? How should I protect a crack while continuing to walk?