Cracked feet (often called cracked heels) typically start as very dry skin that thickens around the heel edge. With pressure and friction, that hard skin can split into small fissures that may feel sore, snag on socks, or make walking uncomfortable. This WithAid category brings together pharmacy-style foot care for dry, rough and cracked skin, including heel balms, rich salves, and foot soaks from established ranges such as Gehwol and Flexitol.
A simple routine is often easiest to stick to: Soften (a warm foot bath if skin isn’t broken), Moisturise (apply a foot cream or heel balm consistently), then Maintain (gentle hard-skin care only when comfortable). To reduce recurrence, prioritise supportive footwear, avoid prolonged rubbing from open-backed shoes, and consider applying a richer product at night with cotton socks. If cracks are painful, bleeding, or you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge or an unpleasant smell, seek advice promptly. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet, speak to a pharmacist or GP before treating cracked skin yourself.
Shop by Cracked Feet type
Popular types of products
- Cracked heel balms for very dry heels and rough heel edges
- Intensive salves/ointments for thick, brittle, hard skin (often used overnight)
- Foot baths and soaks to soften hard skin before moisturising
- Everyday foot creams for daily moisturising and maintenance
- Hard-skin care accessories (used gently and not on broken skin)
How to choose the right option
- Choose by severity: visible cracking and very dry heels often suit a thicker balm/salve; mild dryness may suit a standard foot cream.
- Pick a texture you’ll use daily: creams can be easier for daytime; richer balms often suit bedtime with socks.
- Consider what’s common in this category: many cracked-heel products include urea alongside moisturising and protective ingredients—check the label for suitability.
- Use exfoliation cautiously: avoid filing or scrubbing if skin is split, bleeding, inflamed or painful.
- Reduce friction: supportive shoes and limiting rubbing can help prevent hard skin building up again.
- Know when to seek advice: worsening pain, spreading redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or feeling unwell needs prompt clinical guidance.
Quick links: common needs
FAQs
What causes cracked feet and cracked heels?
Cracked heels are commonly linked to very dry skin plus pressure and friction on the heel edge. Standing for long periods, open-backed shoes, cold weather and harsh cleansing can all contribute. Some health conditions can increase risk, so get advice if symptoms are severe, recurring or not improving.
Is a heel balm better than a foot cream for cracked heels?
Many people prefer a thicker heel balm or salve for very dry, cracked heels because it can feel more protective, especially overnight. A foot cream can be a good everyday option. Consistent use, as directed on the label, is often the key factor.
What ingredients are common in cracked heel creams?
Many products in this category use urea alongside moisturising and protective ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, check the label (including fragrance) and stop using the product if you develop irritation.
How often should I apply products for cracked heels?
Follow the product directions. Many routines involve daily use, often morning and night, with a richer product at bedtime. Stop using a product and seek advice if you develop burning, stinging, or worsening discomfort.
Can I file hard skin if my heels are cracked?
Avoid filing or scraping if the skin is split, bleeding, inflamed or very sore. If you do use a tool, keep it gentle, don’t overdo it, and moisturise afterwards. If you’re unsure what’s safe for your situation, ask a pharmacist.
When should I speak to a pharmacist or GP?
Seek advice if cracks are painful, bleeding, not improving with appropriate self-care, or if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, an unpleasant smell, or you feel unwell.
What if I have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in my feet?
If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation, it’s best to get professional guidance before treating foot problems yourself. Avoid sharp tools and aggressive hard-skin removal, and get help early for any breaks in the skin.
Important: This content is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read and follow the product label and any patient information leaflet. If symptoms persist, worsen, or you have broken skin with possible infection, or an underlying condition affecting your feet (including diabetes), speak to a pharmacist or GP.
