Conditions / Skin & Nail Conditions
Cracked Heels
Dry, hard skin around the heel that has split can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, a route for infection. Straightforward to treat, with a few simple habits helping prevent it returning.
Cracked heels (heel fissures) develop when a build-up of hard, dry skin around the rim of the heel loses its elasticity and splits under the pressure of standing and walking. Mild cases are largely cosmetic, but deeper fissures can become painful, bleed, and provide an entry point for infection — particularly relevant for anyone with diabetes or reduced circulation.
The heel is under constant pressure during standing and walking, which naturally encourages hard skin to form as a protective response. Problems arise when this hard skin becomes excessive and the underlying skin dries out and loses flexibility, allowing it to crack under the sideways pressure the heel experiences with every step.
Prolonged Standing or Walking
Extended time on your feet, particularly on hard surfaces, encourages a build-up of protective hard skin around the heel rim.
Open-Backed Footwear
Sandals, flip-flops and open-backed shoes allow the fat pad under the heel to spread sideways with each step, increasing pressure at the rim and encouraging splitting.
Dry Skin
Naturally dry skin, or dryness related to climate, ageing or certain skin conditions, reduces the skin's elasticity and increases susceptibility to cracking.
Being Overweight
Additional body weight increases pressure through the heel with every step, which can accelerate hard skin build-up.
Certain Medical Conditions
Diabetes, thyroid conditions and some skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can increase the tendency toward dry, cracking skin.
Visible hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel
Cracks or splits in the skin, ranging from superficial to deep
Pain or discomfort with standing or walking, particularly with deeper fissures
Bleeding from deeper cracks
Redness, swelling or discharge if a fissure has become infected
Treatment involves safely reducing the excess hard skin and supporting the skin's recovery, alongside addressing any factors that contributed to it developing in the first place.
Moisturise the heels daily with a urea-based or emollient cream, ideally after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. Choose supportive, closed-backed footwear where possible, and gentle regular use of a foot file can help manage mild hard skin build-up between professional treatments — though we'd advise against aggressive home removal, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced sensation.
If cracks are deep, painful, bleeding, or showing signs of infection — redness, swelling, warmth or discharge — book an assessment. This is particularly important if you have diabetes or reduced circulation, where even a minor crack carries a higher risk of complication.
Can I treat cracked heels myself?
Mild cases often respond well to regular moisturising and gentle exfoliation at home. Deeper or painful cracks, or those showing signs of infection, are best assessed and treated professionally — particularly if you have diabetes or reduced sensation in your feet.
Why do my heels keep cracking even though I moisturise?
If hard skin build-up isn't also being managed, moisturiser alone may not be enough — the underlying thickened skin still cracks under pressure. Combining professional debridement with a consistent moisturising routine gives the best results.
Is this covered by insurance?
Yes — podiatry consultations are typically covered by most major insurers. We work with Bupa, Aviva, WPA and others. See our
insurance page for full details.
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