Cracked dry heels, also called heel fissures, have many causes. The main sign of dry cracked heels is hard skin over the heel area that has noticeable cracks. The skin color may be darkened or yellowed. Flaky or peeling skin may also be present and pain or itchiness is common. The causes of cracked dry heels include psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot, diabetic neuropathy, air conditioning, open backed shoes, pressure from standing and dry skin.

Dry skin, or xerosis, is the most common cause of dry cracked heels. Some people have naturally dry skin. If the skin isn't moisturized so that it's soft and flexible, it becomes hard, tough and easy to crack. The pressure created by standing only adds to the problem -- especially if a person is overweight or spends a lot of time on his or her feet on hard floors.

Open-backed shoes can lead to cracked dry heels because the heel pad of the foot is allowed to move around and spread out. Plus, if the foot is bare, the heel is exposed to drying environments such as those created by air conditioning systems. Excess heat in a home can also lead to drier skin and cracked heels.

Several medical conditions are also identified causes of cracked heels. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a complication of diabetes that may cause dry cracked heels if the nerves that control the sweat glands are affected. Sweating is absent, so the skin becomes dry and hard. The fungus known as athlete's foot can also dry out the foot and cause fissures, or heel cracking. Chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may also result in cracked dry heels.

Dry cracked heels should be treated as they may bleed or become infected if the dryness is severe. It’s never a good idea to try to cut away the hardened skin on the heel without the advice of a medical professional as this may cause further injury and increase the possibility of infection. Using a pumice stone on the heels and applying moisturizing lotion to the area several times a day is usually recommended. Proper footwear with thick, supportive soles and a good fit that holds the heel in place may help reduce the problem of cracked dry heels. A foot specialist, or podiatrist, may suggest that a device to cup the heel be added to the patient's shoes.