Are you struggling with cracked, dry, or sore feet? Are you tired of constant aching in your heels? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to take a look at the ins and outs of heel balms, and why you should be using one.

What Makes a Good Heel Balm?

Most heel balms that are available on the market make use of a petrochemical-based formula. Essentially, the formulation is made up of various forms of mineral oils, petroleum, or petroleum waxes, resulting in an occlusive coating that forms over the skin to mitigate moisture loss.

 

That's why most heel balms are thick and feel more like ointments, and is also why they tend to leave a greasy residue on the skin - not super pleasant, but sometimes necessary. There are balms that don’t leave this residue while boosting hydration preventing dryness.

 

Aside from providing some much-needed moisture to the feet, most heel balms don’t do a lot else when it comes to alleviating cracked heels. Many balms are also fragranced, which can irritate sensitive, cracked, and dry skin.

 

So, Are There Any Good Heel Balms?

 

Of course! In fact, there are plenty - you just have to know where to look. Some brands make a great heel balm with plenty of potent active ingredients that are meant to boost hydration in your heels. Certain heel balm foot moisturizers are designed to provide intensive, long-lasting hydration to your feet, soles, and heels to alleviate dry and cracked feet symptoms. We’re particularly fond of those made with 20% UREA volumes, which offers better diffusion after just 15 minutes of being applied to your feet.

 

20% Urea heel balms has facilitated an increase in penetration and efficacy of topical antifungal agents and corticosteroids. What does that mean? Essentially, if you use a urea-based heel balm spray or pump in conjunction with other topical medicines designed to help alleviate foot-related symptoms such tinea or dermatitis, the benefits of those medicines will be boosted.

 

Are Heel Balms Safe?

If you’re worried about whether or not products like these are safe to use, we’re here to put your mind at ease. Most companies are open and honest about any side effects, its products might cause. However, it has been proven that most creams and balms generally offer good clinical benefits with no significant side effects.

 

As for one of their key ingredients, UREA, its efficacy and safety have been largely established over the last century.

 

Treating Diabetes Mellitus

Dry skin is one of the most common skin complications in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. This is why UREA 20% is the most popular and abundant active ingredient in dermal treatments, through skin hydration and xerosis (abnormal dry skin) control to avoid the progression of skin lesions in patients who struggle with diabetes mellitus.

 

What Causes Dry Feet?

When the skin on and around your heels becomes thick and dry, it could indicate the start of cracked heels. Excess pressure on the fat pad on your heels can cause this thick, dry skin to become cracked, which are known as heel fissures.

 

There are a number of things that can cause cracked heels, such as taking very hot showers or baths, wearing open-heeled footwear like sandals, standing for long periods, and using harsh soaps. However, there are also some underlying medical conditions that could be causing your dry and cracked feet, such as the following:

 

• Eczema
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Flat feet
• Athlete’s foot
• Heel spurs

 

One thing we like about a UREA heel balm is that it is specially designed to treat these conditions. If you have trouble reaching under your feet, urea moisturising Sprays might be a better option for you. Urea products are particularly useful for treating tired feet in foot crack patients aged 45 - 65+ who suffer from diabetes or dry feet. It’s also a great solution for anyone who’s feet are too sensitive to have cream rubbed onto them.

Treating Cracked Heels at Home

One of the upsides to cracked feet is that they are quite easy to treat at home. You can use an alternative method like soaking them, but we find that using a penetrative moisturizing cream works wonders. Heel balms work well as a cracked foot treatment, and some come in large volumes such as in 500ml pump that gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

 

If you use a cream like this at least twice a day, you’ll be able to experience healthy, comfortable feet in a matter of weeks.

 

Perhaps the most beneficial thing you can do for your cracked, dry feet is to apply a moisturizing foot balm, since they are specially designed to penetrate deeply into the thick skin on your feet to provide long-lasting hydration.

 

How to Apply a Moisturizing Cream

If you’re still a bit confused as to how to apply a moisturizing cream to your feet, then worry not - the process is quite simple.

 

1. Make sure your feet are clean and dry. Taking a warm bath can help soften up the skin on your feet, which makes the application easier.
2. Once your feet are completely dry, sit down in a comfortable place. With your feet off the floor, gently rub a moisturizing cream on your heels, soles, and pads of your feet.
3. Make sure that you cover the entire surface area of your feet. Once you’re done, try to avoid walking or wearing socks until the cream has been fully absorbed.

 

If you’re looking for a great moisturizing cream to use, then consider one that contains 20% UREA. These can serve as your one-stop solution to dry, cracked heels. They usually come in a compact bottle containing around 100 grams of product, with 20% UREA to provide deep and penetrative moisturization that works wonders for painful feet caused by diabetes and circulation issues.

 

Why You Should Be Using a Foot Cream

 

There are many reasons to be using a foot cream, and not just to alleviate symptoms of diabetes and poor circulation.

 

For starters, they can help prevent athlete’s foot, which is a common skin infection caused in the feet, which generally occurs when the feet become very sweaty or when you wear shoes that are a little too tight for you. The sensations that this infection causes is one of itching and burning, particularly surrounding the toes. If you’re applying a good cream on a daily basis, you’ll prevent this problem from ever occurring.

 

Of course, the obvious benefit is that foot creams are specially designed to offer deep and penetrative hydration to the feet. This means that you’ll be able to prevent cracked and dry heels, which are some of the most common issues that women and diabetes patients face.

 

If your feet are not getting any moisturization, you are at high risk of developing uncomfortable cracked feet that cause pain and discomfort. Applying a cream daily can mitigate this problem and help you feel confident and pain-free throughout the day, no matter how much walking or standing you do.

Final Thoughts

If you struggle with dry, cracked heels, a heel balm with 20% Urea is just what you need. It can help eliminate any dry feet problems you may have and more importantly prevent problems down the track.