Splits in the skin round the heel is usually both embarrassing and painful. This condition is caused by the thick or dry skin, on and around the edges of the heels. The skin on the feet is frequently more dry and dehydrated than the skin elsewhere on the rest of the body probably because there are no sebaceous glands in the thicker skin on the soles of the feet. For that reason, the skin around the heels might lose suppleness and resilience due to that deficiency of moisture. As a result of the loads of being on the feet, that dried-out skin can start to crack and it can result in unattractive, painful cracked heels that may at times bleed. There are a number of things which raise the risk for the cracked heels including higher pressure, increased weight, unsuitable footwear (especially shoes that are open up at the back), genetics, unhygienic problems and inadequate footcare, as well as dietary deficiencies.
In order to avoid cracked heels, always attempt to wear well fitted enclosed footwear that allow your feet to breathe and get away from footwear which are open at the back. It is very important to remain well hydrated by drinking a minimum of two litres of water daily as that will help. Exfoliate the skin regularly and moisturise daily with a decent lotion. Should it be more serious, this probably should be done twice daily at first. There are a few suggestions that omega-3 and zinc supplements can help (but they really do need to be used with the other treatments and not on there own). It would also help to stay away from too much exposure of the foot to water or moist conditions. It is important that you rinse your feet with tepid to warm water as opposed to very hot water. If these types of methods do not help, then visit a experienced podiatrist. They will remove the thicker hard skin and provide further advice on the way to self treat.