Cracked feet can be a painful, irritating and unsightly condition. There are a variety of reasons feet may become cracked and dry, including exposure to very cold or very hot weather, taking very hot baths or showers, becoming dehydrated, nerve damage, poorly fitting shoes, menopause, poor blood flow and having diabetes. Whatever the cause, cracked feet can often be remedied with just a little bit of care and regular use of a topical ointment or cream. In some cases, even simple home treatments can be effective in preventing and treating painful cracked feet. Choosing the right remedy can be challenging, however, with a wide variety of creams and ointments to choose from. Below are the top five to consider when trying to treat or prevent cracked feet.
Top 5 Treatment Products for Cracked Feet
- Home Remedies
- Flexitol Heel Balm
- Blue Goo Cracked Heel Softener
- Excipial Urea Intensive Healing Cream
- Kerisal Exfoliating Moisturizing Foot Ointment
Home Remedies
For the home remedy crowd, slathering your heels with Vaseline, Honey and/or Vegetable Oil can have a soothing and moisturizing effect, and can work wonders at preventing or treating cracked feet if used regularly. These treatments work by adding moisture and locking it in, while creating a barrier that protects the skin’s surface. To apply, wash the feet thoroughly, gently scrub the skin’s surface, then liberally apply. For added comfort and less mess, socks can be worn over the product for a few hours. If using honey, be sure to rinse your feet thoroughly after application.
Highlights
- Easily found in the home, so no special purchases are necessary
- Simple to use and all-natural
- Restores moisture and creats a barrier to protec the skin
Flexitol Heel Balm
Flexitol is a doctor-recommended medicated cream that has a 40 percent urea cream content, which is vital to repair painful cracks in the feet. By applying it two-three times a day, while avoiding any open cracks, Flexitol can have dramatic effects in as little as three to four days. Internationally known, Flexitol prides itself on offering a wide range of effective, innovative foot care products.
Highlights
- Doctor recommended
- 40 percent urea cream content
- Results in as few as three to four days
Blue Goo Cracked Heel Softener
Inexpensive and easy to use, Blue Goo Cracked Heel Softener is a soothing balm with a gentle and pleasant scent. It contains the ultra-moisturizing elements that are contained in emu oil. Blue Goo heals cracked heels virtually overnight, leaving your skin softer and smoother by morning. Although it has goo in it’s name, it virtually disappears when applied, making it not only effective but less messy than many other products.
Highlights
- Absorbs quickly for less mess
- Fast results
- Leaves skin soft and smooth
Excipial Urea Intensive Healing Cream
Somewhat expensive in comparison, Excipial was developed by dermatologists to specifically deal with severe cracked heels. With a high urea content, this product targets problem areas by exfoliating, deeply conditioning and hydrating the skin. Excipial also soothes the feet, while promoting healing of extremely dry cracked skin. It has a rich, non-greasy quality that absorbs quickly and is often prescribed by doctors. However, this product can be found over the counter as well. Excipial Urea Intensive Healing Cream is formulated for moderate to severe cracked heels.
Highlights
- Works on moderate to severe cracked heels
- Doctor recommended
- Can be purchased without a prescription
Kerisal Exfoliating Moisturizing Foot Ointment
If you want a one-step exfoliating foot moisturizer and healing cream, Kerasal’s Moisturizing Foot Ointment guarantees its ability to soften even the toughest cracked heels, when used as directed. Kerasal’s Exfoliating Moisturizing Foot Ointment has a highly effective, dual action formula that exfoliates and moisturizes in one step. It begins by rehydrating and exfoliating, then continues by helping to maintain moisture balance. Results can often be seen within two to three days with daily applications, and this product is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Highlights
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Works in as little as two to three days with daily use
- Moisturizes and exfoliates
Conclusion
Whether your feet are dry and threatening to crack or are already dry and cracked, there are a variety of solutions available to help prevent and treat dry, cracked feet. Choosing a cream that suits your lifestyle, your budget and your needs shouldn’t be as tough as your dry skin. Talk to your doctor today about which cracked feet treatment is right for you.