There is a layer of thick, yellow, hard skin on the heel.

A yellow and hard layer of skin on the heel may result from physiological factors or pathological conditions such as calluses and athlete's foot. Treatment should be targeted according to the specific cause. The details are as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

With aging, the skin gradually deteriorates after reaching a certain age. Localized keratinization may occur on the heel, leading to yellowish, hardened skin that feels rough and tough to the touch. This is considered a normal physiological change and typically does not require treatment.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Calluses (Corns/Callosities)

In daily life, poor foot hygiene and inadequate care can lead to thickening and accumulation of the stratum corneum on the heel. Over time, this may develop into hyperplastic tissue presenting as thick, hard, dead skin, usually yellow in color. Under a doctor's guidance, topical treatments such as salicylic acid ointment or tretinoin cream may be used to alleviate symptoms.

2) Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

When the skin on the feet is infected with fungi, prolonged irritation from the infection can cause localized skin thickening and overgrowth. Symptoms may also include rough, dry skin on the heel. With medical advice, topical antifungal medications such as compound clotrimazole cream or ketoconazole cream can be applied for relief.

Besides the above common causes, other conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema, or diabetes may also contribute. If discomfort or unusual symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation and timely treatment are recommended to prevent disease progression.