What should you know about worst cracked heels?

Heel fissures form when thick, dry skin loses flexibility and opens under pressure. A deep split may sting with standing, catch on fabric or leave small spots of blood. [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/) is common, but scaling between the toes or along the sole can also point to [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/).

Cracked skin is an open route for bacteria. Increasing warmth, swelling, pus, spreading redness or worsening tenderness suggests that the fissure needs assessment rather than more filing or scrubbing.

Wash gently, pat dry and apply a thick moisturising ointment while the skin is still slightly damp. Cover a painful fissure with a clean dressing and use supportive footwear that reduces heel pressure. Avoid picking, cutting the hard edges or using harsh exfoliants on broken skin.

A clinician or pharmacist can guide [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) and check for fungal infection, eczema or another cause when home care is not enough. Keep socks and footwear clean and dry if there is scaling.

Arrange prompt medical care for bleeding that does not settle, pus, spreading redness, fever, severe pain, numbness or difficulty walking. Seek earlier advice if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation or a history of slow-healing wounds, because a small fissure can become harder to manage.

Ask what is causing the thickened skin, which moisturiser is suitable, whether a fungal treatment is needed, and how to protect the crack during walking. Mention itching, scaling elsewhere and any condition affecting circulation or sensation.