How do you get cracked heels and what can you do about them?

Top tips to treat cracked heels:

1. Moisturise – Use an intense moisturiser such as Flexitol Rescue Heel Balm which is designed specifically for dry and cracked heels. This will immediately make the heels feel softer and more supple and prevent further water loss. Apply it 2 – 3 times a day, starting first thing in the morning.
2. Overnight foot treatment – Before you go to bed, apply a very thick layer Flexitol Intense Overnight Foot Treatment to your feet and then put socks on. This will stop you spreading any greasiness on your sheets and will also keep your feet in a moisturising cocoon all night.
3. Soak your feet – Dunking your hardworking heels in a tub of warm water with a few drops of soothing essential oils, such as lavender, is not only a great stress reliever, but will soften hard skin within 10 – 20 minutes. This makes it easier to use a pumice stone to gently exfoliate dryness away. Be sure to add moisturiser afterwards.
4. Add some cushioning – Hard soles in many fashionable shoes can put extra pressure on the feet. Add some extra cushioning with a soft insole or heel pads. Switching to more comfortable shoes such as trainers and wearing slippers indoors may also help while your heels recover.
5. Seek help – If you’re prone to cracked heels or have very deep cracks which are painful, it’s best to speak to your GP to check for a possible underlying medical cause. If you have a medical condition such as eczema, psoriasis or diabetes, it’s best to let the professionals treat your feet, rather than attempt to do it at home.

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