Cracked Hands and Heels: What to Do Differently
Hands face repeated water and chemical exposure; heels face pressure and thickened skin. The protective plan should reflect that difference. Clean gently, pat dry, apply a thick fragrance-free cream or ointment and protect the area from the activity that keeps reopening it. Do not seal visibly infected or deep wounds without professional advice.
Start here.
- Hands face repeated water and chemical exposure; heels face pressure and thickened skin. The protective plan should reflect that difference.
- Avoid picking, blades, aggressive files and strong acids on open cracks. Adhesives and essential oils can also irritate compromised skin.
- Promptly seek care for deep or spreading cracks, redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain, fever, poor circulation or diabetes-related foot damage.
Why this distinction matters
Hands face repeated water and chemical exposure; heels face pressure and thickened skin. The protective plan should reflect that difference.
Cracked skin develops when a dry, thickened or repeatedly stressed surface loses flexibility and splits. Shallow lines can progress to painful fissures that bleed. A crack may come from simple dryness, friction or handwashing, but eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection and pressure-related heel problems can look similar.
Build the practical plan
Clean gently, pat dry, apply a thick fragrance-free cream or ointment and protect the area from the activity that keeps reopening it. Do not seal visibly infected or deep wounds without professional advice.
Cold air, wet work, detergents, walking barefoot, open-backed footwear, friction and a routine that moisturises too lightly can contribute.
- Reduce the exposure or habit that keeps restarting the problem.
- Choose the least complicated suitable texture.
- Change one part of the routine at a time.
Choose products by role
Petrolatum, dimethicone and mineral oil are useful occlusives; glycerin supports hydration. Urea can soften thick heel skin but may sting an open fissure.
A relevant reviewed option is Aquaphor Healing Ointment. A petrolatum-led ointment for sealing small, severely dry areas where an occlusive finish is practical.
Know the stop signs
Avoid picking, blades, aggressive files and strong acids on open cracks. Adhesives and essential oils can also irritate compromised skin.
Promptly seek care for deep or spreading cracks, redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain, fever, poor circulation or diabetes-related foot damage.
Common questions,
carefully answered.
What is the first step for cracked hands and heels: what to do differently?+
Clean gently, pat dry, apply a thick fragrance-free cream or ointment and protect the area from the activity that keeps reopening it. Do not seal visibly infected or deep wounds without professional advice.
Should I add an exfoliant?+
Not automatically. Avoid picking, blades, aggressive files and strong acids on open cracks. Adhesives and essential oils can also irritate compromised skin.
When is professional advice more appropriate?+
Promptly seek care for deep or spreading cracks, redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain, fever, poor circulation or diabetes-related foot damage.
How this guide was prepared
This educational guide uses authoritative dermatology and health information. It does not diagnose a condition or replace personalised medical advice.
Published 17 January 2025. Last updated 21 April 2026. Product recommendations describe moisturising roles, not treatment outcomes.