---
title: DermNet — Cracked heels
entity_type: Source
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-cracked-heel
date_modified: 2026-05-21
date_reviewed: 2026-05-21
mcp_eligible: true
summary: DermNet cracked heel guidance supports dry thickened heel skin, callus rim pressure, fissure risk, prevention, safe home-care limits, and podiatry or clinician
source_type: dermatology_reference
original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cracked-heel
evidence_sources: []
product_fact_sources: []
---

# DermNet — Cracked heels

## Quick Summary

Dermatology reference used for cracked-heel mechanism and safety boundaries.

## What Studied

Dermatology reference on cracked heels, also called fissured heels or split heels.

## Main Findings

DermNet describes dry thickened skin around the heel rim as an early step toward cracking and explains that pressure can make callused heel skin split.

## Why It Matters

It anchors the page in heel-specific mechanism rather than treating cracked heels as only general dryness.

## Related Entities

- [Cracked Heels](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/cracked-heels)
- [How do I fix cracked heels?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/questions/how-do-i-fix-cracked-heels)