Doctor-Approved Heel Balms for Healing and Preventing Cracked Heels

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. As healthcare professionals, it is essential to guide patients in selecting the most effective treatments for their conditions. One of the primary recommendations for cracked heels is the use of heel balms. This comprehensive guide will explore the top heel balms available in the market, their ingredients, benefits, and how they work to heal and prevent cracked heels.

Understanding Cracked Heels

Before delving into the specifics of heel balms, it's crucial to understand the condition they are meant to treat. Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and callused. The pressure and friction from walking or standing can cause the skin to crack, leading to pain and potential infection. Common causes of cracked heels include:

• Dry skin: Lack of moisture in the skin can lead to dryness and cracking.
• Standing for long periods: Especially on hard surfaces, this can increase pressure on the heels.
• Open-back shoes: Sandals and flip-flops provide no support for the heel, leading to more pressure and potential cracking.
• Obesity: Extra body weight can increase pressure on the heel's fat pad, causing it to expand and crack.
• Skin conditions: Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can contribute to dry, cracked skin.
• Poor foot hygiene: Lack of regular moisturizing and exfoliating can exacerbate the condition.

Key Ingredients in Effective Heel Balms

Effective heel balms contain specific ingredients known for their moisturizing, healing, and protective properties. These ingredients include:

• Urea: A keratolytic agent that softens and breaks down hardened skin.
• Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover.
• Lactic Acid: Hydrates and gently exfoliates the skin.
• Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it deeply moisturizes and soothes the skin.
• Coconut Oil: Provides deep moisture and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe Vera: Soothes and heals irritated skin.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect and repair the skin.
• Tea Tree Oil: Has antiseptic properties that help prevent infection.

Top 20 Heel Balms in the Market

1. Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair: Known for its high urea content, it effectively exfoliates and moisturizes.
2. O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream: Contains allantoin and a high concentration of glycerin for deep hydration.
3. Flexitol Heel Balm: Combines urea with salicylic acid for effective exfoliation and moisture.
4. AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy: Features lactic acid to gently exfoliate and hydrate.
5. Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Foot Cream: Infused with vitamins A, C, and E to nourish and repair skin.
6. Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream: A rich formula with urea and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
7. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream: Known for its concentrated glycerin formula that provides deep moisture.
8. PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream: High urea concentration for intensive treatment of thick, cracked skin.
9. Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream: Uses coconut oil and lanolin for deep hydration and healing.
10. The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue: Contains peppermint oil for a cooling, refreshing sensation.
11. Miracle Foot Repair Cream: Contains 60% pure aloe vera gel to soothe and repair cracked heels.
12. L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream: Rich in shea butter, it deeply moisturizes and nourishes.
13. Zax's Original Heelspur Cream: Formulated with menthol, arnica, and ginger to soothe pain and inflammation.
14. Aveda Foot Relief: Contains fruit acids and plant-derived oils for exfoliation and hydration.
15. Profoot Heel Rescue Superior Moisturizing Foot Cream: Contains argan oil and vitamins for deep hydration.
16. Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream: Uses oat kernel flour to soothe and hydrate.
17. Gehwol Med Callus Cream: Formulated with urea and essential oils to soften and remove calluses.
18. Earth Therapeutics Heel Intensive Cracked Heel Repair: Infused with tea tree oil and peppermint oil for healing and refreshing.
19. CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream: Contains salicylic acid and ceramides for exfoliation and hydration.
20. Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Foot Cream: Uses Dead Sea minerals to nourish and repair dry, cracked skin.

How to Use Heel Balms Effectively

For optimal results, patients should follow these steps when using heel balms:

1. Soak Feet: Soak feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the skin.
2. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the feet using a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin.
3. Apply Balm: Generously apply the heel balm to the affected areas, ensuring it penetrates deeply into the skin.
4. Wear Socks: Covering the feet with cotton socks helps lock in moisture and enhances the balm's effectiveness.
5. Consistent Use: Regular application, at least once daily, is crucial for maintaining soft, healthy skin.

Benefits of Using Heel Balms

Heel balms offer numerous benefits for patients with cracked heels, including:

• Moisturization: Deeply hydrates dry, cracked skin, preventing further damage.
• Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells, promoting the growth of healthy new skin.
• Healing: Soothes and repairs damaged skin, reducing pain and discomfort.
• Protection: Forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
• Prevention: Regular use can prevent the recurrence of cracked heels.

Additional Tips for Preventing Cracked Heels

In addition to using heel balms, healthcare professionals can advise patients on the following preventive measures:

• Hydration: Encourage patients to drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration.
• Proper Footwear: Advise wearing supportive shoes that provide cushioning for the heels.
• Regular Foot Care: Emphasize the importance of regular moisturizing and exfoliating.
• Healthy Diet: Recommend a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin health.
• Avoid Prolonged Standing: Suggest taking breaks and avoiding standing for long periods on hard surfaces.

Conclusion

Heel balms are an essential tool in the treatment and prevention of cracked heels. By understanding the key ingredients and benefits of the top products available, healthcare professionals can make informed recommendations to their patients. Regular use of these balms, combined with proper foot care practices, can lead to significant improvements in skin health and overall comfort.