Cracked heels and calluses: what really helps

Callus is actually protection: the skin thickens where it has to withstand a lot of pressure. But if it becomes too thick and dry, it loses its elasticity – and with every step fine cracks form that can develop into deep, painful fissures (rhagades).

Why do heels crack?

• Dry skin – especially in winter or with age
• Open shoes and walking barefoot, where the heel is not supported
• Excess weight or standing a lot, which increases pressure on the heel
• Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or eczema

What you can do yourself

• Moisturise your feet daily with a urea foot cream (about 10%) – but not between the toes
• Gently care for calluses with a pumice stone or file – only on dry skin and without pressure
• Drink enough and wear shoes with a closed heel

Please don’t: use callus planes or blades – removing too much injures the skin and stimulates even more callus formation.

How we help

We gently remove excess callus, smooth the edges of the cracks and treat deep rhagades professionally so they can heal. We then advise you on suitable care at home. This is especially important with diabetes, as cracks can become inflamed unnoticed – more in our diabetic foot guide.