If your cracked heels are painful, persistent, or causing concern, My Health Assistant can help you find experienced health professionals near me. Visit www.myha.co.uk to search, compare, and book appointments with podiatrists, GPs, dermatologists, and foot care specialists near you.
Cracked heels—also known as heel fissures—are a common skin condition where the skin around the heels becomes dry, hard, and splits open. While often mild, they can become painful or lead to infection if left untreated. If you're experiencing discomfort or need help managing cracked skin, My Health Assistant makes it easy to find trusted health professionals near me for personalised care and advice.
Cracked heels develop when the skin on the heels becomes too dry or thick, causing it to lose flexibility and split open under pressure. These cracks may appear shallow at first but can deepen and cause pain or bleeding if not properly managed.
Though common, cracked heels can be more than just a cosmetic issue—especially for those with underlying health conditions.
You may experience:
Dry, thickened skin on the heels (calluses)
Visible cracks or fissures in the heel area
Pain when walking or standing
Redness or inflammation around the cracks
Bleeding or discharge (in severe cases)
Itchiness, flakiness, or peeling skin
Infection can occur if bacteria enter through open cracks, so early care is important.
Cracked heels are often caused by a combination of dryness and repeated pressure. Contributing factors include:
Standing for long periods (especially on hard floors)
Open-back shoes or sandals
Lack of moisturising or foot care
Obesity – which increases pressure on the heels
Aging skin – less natural oil production
Medical conditions like diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, or hypothyroidism
Cold or dry weather
The condition can worsen if cracks become deep or infected.
You should seek professional advice if:
Cracks are deep, painful, or bleeding
There's redness, swelling, or discharge
You have diabetes or circulatory issues
Over-the-counter treatments are not effective
You experience difficulty walking due to heel pain
Professional care can help manage the condition safely and prevent infection.
If you’re looking for health professionals near me for cracked heels, you may consult:
Podiatrists (Chiropodists) – for expert foot care and hard skin removal
Dermatologists – if eczema, psoriasis, or skin conditions are involved
General Practitioners (GPs) – for infections or referrals to specialists
Pharmacists – for advice on creams and foot care products
Diabetic care specialists – if you have diabetes and foot complications
These professionals can provide treatment, prevention tips, and ongoing support.
If untreated, cracked heels can lead to:
Infection, especially if cracks bleed or deepen
Painful fissures that make walking or standing difficult
Ulceration in people with diabetes or poor circulation
Ongoing skin damage and thickening
Reduced mobility or quality of life
Early care and prevention can stop small cracks from becoming bigger problems.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but may include:
Soaking feet in warm water and gently exfoliating
Applying thick moisturisers or heel balms (containing urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid)
Wearing socks after moisturising to lock in hydration
Avoiding open-back shoes or walking barefoot
Using pumice stones or foot files gently (avoid over-scrubbing)
Debridement (safe removal of thickened skin) by a podiatrist
Prescription creams for deep cracks or skin conditions
Antibiotics if an infection is present
Custom orthotic insoles to reduce pressure on heels
Consistent care and hydration are key to preventing recurrence.
Cracked heels are a common and treatable condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection if ignored. With proper care—both at home and with professional help—you can restore healthy skin and prevent further issues. Use My Health Assistant to connect with trusted health professionals near me and step confidently into smoother, pain-free feet.
