What causes super dry, cracked heels?

Dry air, hot showers, harsh cleansers, and missed moisturising can weaken the skin barrier. Standing for long periods, hard floors, open-backed shoes, and body weight increase pressure at the heel, encouraging thick skin to split. Athlete's Foot can cause scaling and irritation that extends across the sole. Eczema, psoriasis, or other skin problems may also cause persistent dryness and fissures; the appearance and location help distinguish them.

Start with gentle washing, careful drying, supportive footwear, and regular moisturiser on the heel. Emollient Therapy can help restore flexibility when barrier dryness is the main issue. Do not cut thick skin or use harsh acids without guidance. If there is scaling, itch, or a recurring rash, seek an examination so a fungal or inflammatory cause is not missed. Keep a note of new shoes, products, weather changes, and activities that preceded flare-ups.

See a clinician for cracks that are deep, bleeding, painful, recurrent, or slow to improve despite consistent care. Urgent assessment is appropriate for pus, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or difficulty walking. Seek early advice if diabetes, numbness, poor circulation, or immune problems affect you. These factors can change how a foot fissure should be protected and treated.

Which cause best fits the location and texture of my cracks? Could Athlete's Foot or another rash be contributing? Would Emollient Therapy be enough, or do I need another treatment? What footwear and filing method are safe for me?