Dry skin and cracked heels
Dry skin and cracked heels occur when the skin on your feet loses moisture and becomes thickened, rough or split — often forming painful cracks (fissures) around the heel. While common and usually harmless, deep cracks can become uncomfortable and, in some cases, increase the risk of infection.
What Causes Dry Skin and Cracked Heels?
Dry skin on the feet is very common and happens for a number of reasons, including:
- Reduced perspiration (anhidrosis), which leaves skin lacking natural moisture
- Warmer weather and open footwear — a familiar issue here on the Central Coast over summer
- Underlying skin or health conditions such as tinea, psoriasis and diabetes
- Certain medications and hormonal changes
- Age, as skin naturally becomes drier and thinner over time
When the skin around the heel dries out, it loses flexibility. Pressure from walking can then cause the hardened skin to split, forming fissures.
How Does Dry Skin Lead to Callus and Cracks?
Dry skin tends to build up in high-pressure areas of the feet, leading to callus — thickened, hardened skin that can become tender. Around the heel, this thickened skin is more prone to splitting, creating cracks that may be deep, painful and slow to heal. Left untreated, fissures can become an entry point for infection, which is especially important to manage for people living with diabetes.
How Blueprint Podiatry Can Help
Our podiatry team — three university-qualified, registered podiatrists, each holding a Bachelor of Podiatry — provides thorough, gentle care for dry skin, callus and cracked heels. Our approach may include:
- Professional, comfortable removal of callus and hard skin to reduce pressure and ease discomfort
- Care for heel fissures to support healing and lower infection risk
- Tailored moisturiser and skincare advice matched to your skin type and needs
- Assessing underlying causes — including footwear, foot mechanics and contributing health conditions — so we can help manage the problem at its source rather than just the symptoms
For patients with diabetes or other risk factors, we provide attentive diabetic foot care, and where biomechanics or pressure are contributing, we can assess how you walk and stand. The goal is always a holistic plan that keeps your feet comfortable and healthy long term.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Consider booking an appointment if you have:
- Cracks that are deep, painful, bleeding or showing signs of infection
- Persistent dry skin or callus that keeps returning
- Diabetes or reduced circulation/sensation in your feet
- Skin changes you're unsure about
Medically reviewed by Matt Shanahan, registered podiatrist (AHPRA POD0001603396), Blueprint Podiatry.
Last reviewed: 21 June 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Can moisturising creams improve dry skin on my feet?
Yes — a suitable moisturiser is one of the most effective ways to help manage dry skin and prevent cracks. The right product depends on your skin type and the severity of the dryness, so our podiatrists can recommend one that's well suited to your feet and show you how best to use it.
Is it safe to remove cracked heels and callus at home?
We don't recommend cutting or aggressively filing hard skin at home, as this can cause injury or infection — particularly for people with diabetes. Professional removal by our team is comfortable, safe and far more effective.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist for cracked heels?
No referral is needed to book a private appointment. If you're accessing care through a Medicare EPC plan, DVA or NDIS, different requirements may apply — feel free to call our team on (02) 4319 4004 and we'll help guide you.
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