Cracked heels

What are cracked heels?

The skin around the heel area of the feet can become excessively dry causing it to crack and fissure.

What causes cracked heels?

The skin around the heel is naturally thicker than other areas of the foot and so requires more moisture to keep it supple. If the skin becomes too dry and lacking in moisture, the upper layers start to lose their flexibility causing the skin to split and crack.

Anyone can develop cracked heels though certain factors can make some people more prone to the condition -
  • Increasing age - skin naturally loses moisture as it ages
  • Being overweight
  • Wearing shoes with open backs that expose the heels
  • Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
  • Diabetes can cause dry skin
  • Athlete's foot causes drying of the skin and can affect the heels (see Athlete's foot)
  • Shoes that are too loose or tight around the heel can shear and rub the skin

What are the signs & symptoms of cracked heels?

It is common to experience one or more of these signs and symptoms with cracked heels -
  • Dry, peeling, flaking skin developing around one or both heels
  • Vertical cracks known as fissures. The pressure placed on the heels when walking can cause fissures to split open and bleed. They can become very painful and susceptible to infection
  • Hard skin (see Callus and corns) can develop around the heels and the edges of the fissures preventing the skin from 'knitting' together and healing

Treatment of cracked heels

The skin around the heel is naturally thicker than other areas of the foot and so requires more moisture to keep it supple. If the skin becomes too dry and lacking in moisture, the upper layers start to lose their flexibility causing the skin to split and crack.

Anyone can develop cracked heels though certain factors can make some people more prone to the condition -
  • Remove dry skin safely and gently with a foot file or by using a pumice stone in the bath or shower. Use twice a week
  • Do not attempt to try and remove hard skin with scissors, blades or other sharp instruments
  • Apply moisturising cream daily to the heels. Many pharmacies stock creams and balms developed specifically for dry and cracked heels
  • For a more intense moisturise, apply moisturising cream at bedtime and wear bed socks during the night
  • If the skin is bleeding or infected, cover with a dry dressing and keep dry until healed. See a podiatrist or your GP
  • If open cracks fail to heal, contact a podiatrist. A podiatrist can reduce the build up of hard skin around the edges of the fissure, dress the area and advise on home foot care regimes
  • Treat Athlete's foot as it can contribute to dry and flaking skin (see Athlete's foot)
  • Avoid wearing loose or tight footwear that can rub the heels

What can a Podiatrist do?

  • Reduce dry and flaking skin
  • Reduce hard skin build up, particularly around the edges of a fissure in order to encourage the skin to 'knit' together and heal
  • Check for open wounds and infection and treat accordingly
  • Advise on suitable moisturising products
  • Advise on footwear
  • Check for signs of Athlete's foot and advise on suitable treatment (see Athlete's foot)

Prevention of cracked heels

The two most important steps to follow in order to prevent heels from cracking are -
  • File away dry and flaking skin gently twice a week
  • Moisturise daily (or twice daily if feet are very dry)
Other simple steps to follow are -
  • Wear good shoes that fit properly and don't rub the heel area
  • Treat Athlete's foot (see Athlete's foot)
  • See a podiatrist for regular foot checks and foot care

When should I seek medical care?

If you notice any redness, swelling, bleeding or infection, see a podiatrist or your GP. If bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary.