Seasonal changes and their corresponding effects on our choices of footwear can bring about the dryness and discomfort associated with cracked heels. It’s a vicious cycle, we start to wear more open footwear in summer, the sweat which serves to hydrate and cool our feet evaporates off and takes even more moisture with it. This is perpetuated by the fact we have scalding hot showers in water that perhaps is a bit “hard” (aka full of minerals), and to top it off we don’t MOISTURISE. Our hard working and diligent feet that serve us so well, are often the first to be forgotten, with the face and hair getting their moisturising treatments.
Often haphazard and intermittent attempts to moisturise our feet with something resembling a moisturiser are done but commonly the excuses are many. Either it is “too hard”, “I forget”, “I can’t reach” or “I don’t like the feeling of greasiness or slipperiness that occurs”. I understand, it is all too hard, but let me break it down for you.
1.See a podiatrist
It is fairly simple, if you have deep heel fissures and cracks, even the best pumice stone or moisturiser cannot make up for the necessity to have thick and hardened skin removed from your feet. This can be painlessly and enjoyable performed by a podiatrist, who can also teach you how to maintain this, that great moisturiser will soak right in and leave your feet feeling juicy.
2. Get a good UREA-based moisturiser (5-30% concentration – higher for really dry)
Yes, that stuff that is in fertiliser, probably in urine but rest assured the stuff in moisturisers will not be from these sources. It is a very effective moisturising agent, sorbolene and paraffin based emollients such as vaseline generally only provide a layer over the skin without penetration and effective moisturising. Bonus points for extra additives such as tea tree oil or shea butter, Vitamin E etc.
Restorate Foot Cream or Dermal Therapy Heel Balm Platinum are great options.
3. Get into regular habits
Put the moisturiser next to your bed socks, set an alarm or reminder, write a note on your fridge, get your partner to remind you, send yourself a carrier pigeon! Do what it takes to form a good and regular habit so that it becomes part of your regular routine. The regularity and consistency will pay dividends and painful cracked heels will be a thing of the past.
If you or someone you know needs help with their painful cracked heels click here to book online.
