Dry, hard heel skin
Condition guide
Cracked Heels & Heel Fissures
Dry, split skin around the heel that can become painful and vulnerable to infection.
Deep, bleeding, painful or infected cracks should be assessed, particularly if you have diabetes or circulation concerns.
Understanding the concern
The visible symptom is only part of the clinical picture.
Dry, split skin around the heel that can become painful and vulnerable to infection. Dry skin, pressure, footwear and some health conditions can contribute to heel fissures. The severity and surrounding skin help guide care.
Clinical context
Symptoms and signs
Small changes deserve attention.
Cracks that sting or bleed
Pain on standing
Redness, swelling or discharge around a fissure
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can come together.
Heel fissures develop when dry, thickened skin splits under pressure. Climate, open footwear, long standing, diabetes and skin conditions may all contribute.
Dry skin and repeated heel pressure
Open-back footwear
Diabetes or reduced sensation
Higher body weight or long periods standing
When to seek prompt care
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
Deep, bleeding, painful or infected cracks should be assessed, particularly if you have diabetes or circulation concerns.
MMC evaluation
Assessment follows the whole clinical picture.
Assessment checks the depth of cracks, surrounding skin, infection signs, circulation, sensation and the footwear or pressure factors involved.
Relevant care pathways
Care is matched to the condition and the person.
Restore the skin barrier: Appropriate moisturising and safe reduction of hard skin may be advised.
Reduce heel pressure: Footwear, heel support and activity factors are reviewed.
Protect deeper cracks: Bleeding, painful or infected fissures need prompt clinical care.
Protect your feet between reviews.
Keep changes protected, avoid unadvised self-treatment and seek advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
The next step should be clear.
A timely assessment helps match care to the diagnosis, risk and practical needs of the person.
Common questions
When should I seek urgent care?+
Seek prompt medical advice for spreading redness, a new or worsening wound, discharge, fever, black or blue skin, sudden swelling, or a foot that becomes hot, cold or painful. If you feel very unwell, seek emergency care.
Can I treat this at home?+
Avoid cutting, draining, paring or applying unadvised products. The safest next step depends on your skin health, circulation, sensation and medical history.
What should I bring to my appointment?+
Bring recent reports, your medication list, photographs or details of changes over time, and the footwear you use most often when relevant.
Continue the care journey
The right next step depends on the clinical picture.
Explore the related pathways that may be discussed after assessment.
Make an appointment
A changing cracked heels & heel fissures deserves a careful clinical review.
Our team can help you understand what needs assessment and what information to bring. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an in-person review.
Specialist assessmentClear next stepsIndividual care planning
Dr. A. Nirupan Chakkaravarthy
Consultant Podiatrist · Limb Salvage Specialist
This guide is for general education and does not replace an in-person assessment.