Dry skin can affect anyone but is more common with ageing, psoriasis, eczema, certain medical conditions, or as a side effect of some medications. Symptoms include skin roughness, itching, tightness, and cracking—particularly around the heel.
Fissures (cracks in the skin) may be superficial, affecting only the outer dead layers, or deep, involving the lower layers of the skin. Deep fissures often bleed and can be painful.
Dry skin and fissures are not routinely treated by NHS podiatry services. However, high-risk patients (see eligibility criteria) and those with deep fissures that are bleeding and not improving with self-help advice may be eligible for treatment.
