Repeated cracks on the heels and soles are most commonly due to very dry, thickened skin and pressure on the feet, but they can also be linked to conditions like Plantar keratoderma, Fungal infection, or underlying issues such as diabetes or thyroid imbalance. Effective treatment requires consistent care rather than short-term creams. Apply a thick moisturizer with urea or lactic acid twice daily (especially after bathing), gently remove hard skin with a pumice stone, keep feet clean and dry, and always wear cushioned, closed footwear (avoid walking barefoot). Using heel pads or protective footwear helps reduce pressure and prevents recurrence. If there is itching or scaling, an antifungal cream may be needed, and if cracks are deep, painful, or not improving, consult a doctor for stronger prescription treatment and to rule out underlying conditions.

Deep, long-standing cracks in the feet (heel fissures) that are painful and not improving with regular creams like Moisturex, Krack Cream, and Vaseline need more intensive care, so your mother should keep her feet clean, avoid walking barefoot, and use thick, urea- or salicylic acid?based foot creams regularly (especially at night) followed by wearing socks to lock in moisture, while gently filing thick, hard skin after soaking (but not cutting it), and if cracks are deep, painful, or bleeding, a doctor may prescribe medicated creams, treat any infection, or advise protective dressings. Since this problem has persisted for years with pain, it is best to consult a dermatologist or physician to check for underlying causes like diabetes, fungal infection, or severe dryness and start targeted treatment for proper healing.

Cracked heels can develop when the skin becomes very dry, rough, or repeatedly exposed to cold weather, moisture changes, dust, or friction while walking. Early morning mist and cold ground exposure may dry the skin further and worsen small cracks in the heels. Some people also experience pain, peeling skin, or a burning sensation while walking. Ointments and heel creams containing urea, lactic acid, petroleum jelly, salicylic acid, or thick moisturisers are commonly used to soften dry skin and help heal cracks gradually. Applying the cream at night and wearing soft cotton socks afterwards may improve moisture retention and reduce dryness. Gentle foot soaking and removing dead skin carefully with a foot file may also help, but deep scrubbing should be avoided because it can increase skin injury. People with diabetes should be extra careful with cracked heels because wounds may heal more slowly. Bleeding cracks, swelling, pus, severe pain, or difficulty walking can indicate infection or deeper skin damage and may need proper foot care treatment.