Very bad cracked heels: what to know

Heel skin thickens under pressure, and dryness can make that thickened skin split when the foot bears weight. Open fissures may sting, bleed, or catch on fabric. [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/) and [Cracked Skin](/symptoms/skin-cracking/) describe related features. Peeling, burning, or itching between the toes can suggest [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/), which may coexist with heel cracking. Diabetes, reduced circulation, eczema, psoriasis, and some medicines can affect healing, so severe or recurring fissures deserve a proper assessment.

Wash gently, pat dry, and apply a thick emollient soon afterwards and again before bed. Cover painful splits with a clean dressing, wear supportive shoes, and avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Do not cut deep skin with a blade or aggressively file an open fissure. A clinician may recommend structured [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) and check for fungal infection, eczema, or another contributor. Keep footwear dry and avoid sharing towels if fungal symptoms are present.

Arrange prompt care for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, spreading pain, fever, or a wound that is not closing. Seek earlier assessment if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or immune problems. Urgent review is appropriate for rapidly spreading redness, severe swelling, or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask whether the fissures are due to simple dryness, pressure, fungal infection, eczema, or another condition. Discuss the right moisturiser, dressing, footwear, and whether you need testing or treatment for infection.