Why Urea is the Magic Ingredient for Treating Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a painful, uncomfortable condition that occurs when the skin along the back of your heel becomes dry, hard, and crusty. The dry skin can begin to crack, turning yellow in color. Most cases are mild; however, in some individuals, it can lead to pain, itching, and even bleeding.

Urea enriched creams are ideal for treating  cracked heels, excellent at softening and exfoliating the skin. Given how many of our everyday activities keep us on our feet, such as walking or running, treating cracked heels as early as possible is key to preventing them from worsening and causing discomfort. 

In this article:

• Understanding Cracked Heels
• Urea: A Deep Dive
• Dermal Therapy and Urea
• How to Use Dermal Therapy for Optimal Results

Understanding Cracked Heels

Cracked heels don’t develop overnight. Also known as heel fissures, they’re caused by the gradual accumulation of a thick pad of skin at the heel. The thicker and dryer the skin becomes, the greater the chance that it cracks.

Risk factors for the condition include anything that generates friction against the heel or adds to the pressure, leading it to crack. For example, poorly fitting shoes, obesity, skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis and eczema), and getting older. Dry feet and cracked heels can also be a result of diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Sjogren’s disease.

Symptoms of cracked heels include:

• Dry, thickened skin (calluses)
• Visible cracks or fissures
• Redness and inflammation
• Itchiness
• Pain or discomfort, especially when standing or walking
• Bleeding or infection in severe cases

Urea: A Deep Dive

Urea for cracked heels is a common treatment. You’ll find urea in many skincare products thanks to its excellent repairing properties. However, it is also a naturally occurring compound in the skin, part of the natural moisturising factor (NMF) that helps maintain hydration.

It acts primarily as a humectant, locking in moisture by binding to water molecules thereby, preventing the moisture loss that precedes cracked heels. That’s why you’ll see lots of cracked heel creams with urea.

Another key benefit is its hydrating properties. Urea is a gentle exfoliant, breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. Given the excessive buildup of skin in cracked heels, it’s suitable for treating rough, calloused areas.

Finally, urea also supports the skin’s natural healing processes and improves skin barrier function. In addition to retaining water, it helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing the risk of dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. This dual action of hydration and exfoliation, along with its repairing benefits, makes urea the perfect solution for dry, rough, or damaged skin.

Dermal Therapy and Urea

Dermal Therapy is an industry leader in foot care and other dermatological conditions. Our range of products is specially formulated to tackle the underlying causes, providing immediate benefits and long-term prevention.

Our Heel Balm is a non-greasy, clinically tested formulation proven to soften and repair rough, dry, and cracked heels with visible results from just 3 days. Alongside urea, our formula includes several other hydrating, soothing, and exfoliating ingredients, such as Aloe, vitamin E, shea butter, lanolin, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil. The balm contains 25% urea – the optimal concentration for dealing with cracked heels.

How to Use Dermal Therapy for Optimal Results

Our heel balm is designed to be easy to use. Follow these steps:

1. Apply a thin layer to rough, dry, cracked, and thickened skin on the feet.
2. Use twice daily, in the morning and at night.
3. Once the skin is restored, continue regular use to maintain soft, supple skin.

Suitable for people with diabetes, you’ll see visible results in just 3 days. Once your cracked heels have healed, taking the right precautions can help prevent the issue from recurring. Regular foot care will help prevent future dryness and cracking, ensuring your feet remain smooth and comfortable. We recommend evaluating your footwear for friction, losing excess weight, keeping your diabetes or thyroid condition under control, and routinely exfoliating and moisturising your heels.

Final Thoughts

Cracked heels are a painful and preventable condition. If you’re struggling with cracked heels, looking for a cream that includes urea is key to treatment. With it’s exfoliating and hydrating properties, urea is the best multi-tasking ingredient to tackle stubborn, hardened skin. Plus, it’ll help start the healing process, bolstering the skin barrier.

Dermal Therapy Heel Balm contains all the essential ingredients for tackling stubborn heel fissures. With our cracked heel cream with urea, you’re sure to see immediate results, with clinically backed studies. Try our Heel Balm today.

Learn more about what causes the skin on your feet to crack and split.