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Ointment for cracked heels

Medical expert of the article

Internist, infectious disease specialist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

Cracked skin on the feet, especially on the heels, brings discomfort and unpleasant sensations. Today, in pharmacies you can find a variety of products that help soften rough skin and improve the condition, but the most effective is still a special ointment for cracked heels.

Indications for the use of ointments for cracked heels

If the skin on your foot first becomes very rough, very dry and constantly peeling, then soon the skin on your heels will begin to crack. Due to the fact that a person spends most of the time on their feet, the heels are constantly under pressure. Even small scratches, cracks and wounds gradually grow, deepen, begin to constantly itch and hurt. Every step causes unpleasant stabbing and cutting sensations. In addition, due to damage, the skin can become inflamed and infected.

Usually cracks in the heels appear in the summer, when the air temperature is too high. The skin gradually dries out, loses its elasticity, becomes less durable, so intense physical activity causes cracks to appear.

There are external and internal factors that cause cracks in the heels. External factors include:

  • Use of chlorinated water.
  • Polluted and dry air.
  • Frequent temperature changes.
  • Features of the work area.
  • Walking barefoot on hot sand.
  • Incorrectly selected shoes.
  • Reaction to household chemicals and soap.

Internal factors are:

  • Diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorder.
  • Improper functioning of the thyroid gland.
  • Diseases caused by nerves.
  • Some chronic diseases.
  • Improper functioning of the digestive system.
  • Worms in the body.
  • Athlete's foot.
  • Dermatitis and other skin diseases.
  • Insufficient amount of vitamins.
  • Pregnancy.

It is in such cases that it is necessary to use an ointment for cracked heels, which will help to significantly moisturize the skin, nourish it and relieve inflammation in the affected area.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of the ointment for cracked heels depends on the main substances used in the product, as well as on some other features. That is why different drugs differ in their properties. We will consider the pharmacodynamics of the ointment "Calendula", which is one of the most effective in the fight against cracks.

The preparation has local antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and reparative effects. The activity of the ointment is due to the combination of its active components. Among them, the most important are flavonoids, essential oils, triterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Thanks to essential oils, the product has an antimicrobial effect against some types of microbes and fungi (including Candida albicans, Candida monosa). Thanks to flavonoids, the ointment has an antioxidant effect, it helps to restore free radicals. Flavonoids also participate in the synthesis of collagen, so the ointment helps to accelerate tissue contraction in the damaged edges of the epithelium.

Microvascular tissue perfusion also improves after using Calendula ointment. Therefore, if the patient suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, the product quickly relieves swelling, pain and cramps.

After applying the ointment to the damaged area, a person immediately begins to feel warmth there, which is associated with the activation of some of its components. After the receptors are irritated, these impulses begin to be transmitted to the spinal cord, which includes reflexes of the nervous system. Due to this, the regeneration of the skin is enhanced. Two hours after application, the anti-inflammatory effect of the ointment begins to manifest itself in the deep layers of the epithelium.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of ointment for cracked heels depends on what substances and active components are included in its composition. We will consider the example of the ointment "Calendula", which effectively fights unpleasant skin diseases.

If the product is applied to intact skin under a special bandage, it is absorbed very slowly. Absorption in this case will not exceed 2%. The components that are part of the calendula plant help to form a kind of layer in the endothelium of skin vessels and other structures.

Names of ointments for cracked heels

Many are in no hurry to show up to see a doctor with such an unpleasant problem, so in order to choose the appropriate treatment yourself, you need to know the names of ointments for cracked heels that are popular today.

  • Radevit. Ointment based on retinol palmitate and vitamin D. This drug is used to improve tissue healing. It has antipruritic, dermatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects. Helps to normalize the process of keratinization of the skin when the body lacks vitamins that are part of the product. Indicated in case of: ichthyosis, cracked heels, erosions, dermatitis, ulcers and wounds without infections, burns, eczema, neurodermatitis, allergic reactions.

It is not recommended to use in case of hypervitaminosis D, A, E, during pregnancy, if you are already taking any medications with retinol. Apply a small amount to the rough skin of the heels. To achieve an effective result, repeat twice a day.

  • Balsamed. Has a moisturizing and nourishing effect. It has a good effect on the skin, making it more elastic and soft. Helps prevent cracks in the heels. It is also used to relieve redness, irritation, and allergies. Contains vitamins E and A, which help increase the resistance of the epidermis to infections. Apply effortlessly, with light movements to the heel twice a day after taking a bath.

There are no contraindications or side effects.

  • Lamisil. Actively fights various infections, helps to destroy foot fungus. Thanks to the active components of the ointment, cracks and other wounds on the heels heal very quickly, the skin becomes soft, moisturized and elastic. Restores damaged tissue. Use once a day, applying only to the heels. Before use, the affected area should be washed with warm water and wiped dry. There are no contraindications. No side effects were observed.
  • BioAstin antifungal. It has an antifungal effect, so it is often used if cracks in the heels were caused by fungi. It creates a protective layer on the skin from pathogenic microflora and infections. The ointment contains essential oils of sage, cloves, mint, tea tree, which help soften the skin. Cracks heal faster thanks to plant extracts. Can be used throughout the day until complete healing. Apply with gentle massaging movements. There are no contraindications.
  • Zazhivin. Consists of natural components (tea tree oil, vitamin F, milk thistle, sage), therefore it helps to quickly and effectively regenerate damaged tissues. It has wound-healing and bactericidal effects. Apply once a day (best before bedtime) in a small amount, with massaging movements.

Calendula Ointment for Cracked Heels

Today, you can find many different reviews on the Internet about various products that help soften the rough skin of the feet and heels. Calendula ointment for cracked heels is one of them. This is a homeopathic remedy that copes well with skin regeneration, heals wounds and scratches. It has a bactericidal, wound-healing, disinfectant, softening and anti-inflammatory effect. It is indicated for acne, inflammatory processes on the skin, cracks and wounds on the heels, burns, to narrow pores, to give the skin elasticity, for pain relief after bites.

As the name suggests, the main component of the ointment is calendula tincture. It has a slightly greenish tint and a characteristic herbal smell. Apply only to clean and dry skin. Use a small amount of ointment, which is applied to the damaged area with massaging movements. Repeat up to three times a day. Among the side effects, only possible allergic reactions are distinguished. Calendula ointment for cracked heels is contraindicated for children and pregnant women.

Gevol

German ointment for cracked heels "Gehwol" helps to solve this unpleasant problem once and for all, which can affect each of us. It quickly and effectively heals cracked, rough, dry, hard skin of the feet and heels, helps to destroy infections that could get into the cracks during physical activity. The ointment contains natural substances (essential plant oils), as well as other active components (bisabolol, panthenol, calcium ricinoleate, nutritious fat), so it is safe for your health.

Gevol ointment can be used daily as a remedy for cracked heels, as well as for preventing their occurrence. Thanks to the components of the drug, the skin of the feet will soon become elastic, soft and moisturized. If there are cracks and wounds on the heels, the ointment will help disinfect them, quickly relieve all discomfort and pain.

Apply once or twice daily, rubbing thoroughly but gently into the skin. If you need to quickly solve the problem, you can use Gevol immediately after a warm foot bath. There are no contraindications to the drug.

Zinc ointment

Zinc ointment for cracked heels is a simple, inexpensive and effective remedy for healing the skin, which can be easily purchased at any pharmacy. The active substance of the drug is zinc oxide, which helps to create a protective barrier on the heels and prevent further damage. Thanks to this, healing occurs several times faster, inflammation passes, and the skin becomes soft and pleasant to the touch.

The ointment has antiseptic properties, although they are quite weak and only help prevent infection of the wound. It also has a regenerating and healing effect. Zinc ointment is actively used for various dermatitis, scratches, diaper rash, cracked heels, hemorrhoids, acne.

Most patients tolerate the ointment well. However, if you suffer from hypersensitivity to any of its components, you should use the product with extreme caution. The most common side effects include: burning, itching, redness, allergic reaction.

Ointments for deep cracks in the heels

If for some reason you were unable to treat cracked heels in time, then small, at first glance, problems can turn against you. Soon the cracks will become too deep, will begin to cause constant pain when walking and will become infected more often. In this case, ointments for deep cracked heels based on Vaseline will bring you significant relief.

  • Bepanten. Protective and healing line for skin care from early childhood. The ointment copes well even with very deep wounds that appear on the heels in the summer. This is a universal and proven remedy that has no contraindications and side effects. Apply a small amount of ointment twice a day to previously cleaned and dried skin of the heels.
  • Vaseline. This drug is considered the most effective in combating deep cracks. Apply several times a day to the damaged area. Patients noted that immediately after application, the skin becomes more elastic, moisturized and soft. The feeling of burning, itching, pain passes. There are no contraindications.

Chinese ointment for cracked heels

A proven and quite effective remedy that helps not only with cracked heels, but also with dermatitis and eczema. It heals all wounds, even very deep ones, perfectly and quickly. Unpleasant sensations, itching, burning, pain, dryness, redness and infection disappear immediately after the first application of the ointment. The skin of the heels becomes more elastic, soft and moisturized. For a faster effect, apply after a warm foot bath.

Chinese ointment for cracked heels is used only on clean and dry skin. To help the product absorb better, you can wrap your feet in plastic wrap and put on warm socks on top.

Method of administration and dosage

For cracked heels, ointments are applied to the affected areas of the skin until the main symptoms disappear completely. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about any standard course of treatment. Everything depends on the severity of the disease, the size of the affected area and the individual characteristics of the body. As a rule, ointment for cracked heels is applied to clean and dry skin before going to bed.

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Recipe for ointment for cracked heels

An effective remedy that will help you forget about dry skin and cracked heels can be created at home. The recipe for ointment for cracked heels is as follows:

Melt one teaspoon of regular beeswax in a water bath. Add one teaspoon of cocoa butter and shea butter to the resulting base. Then add the same amount of any vegetable oil of your choice. Pour the resulting mixture into a small jar and place it on the window so that the ointment cools down.

This ointment based on wax and oils will help effectively combat cracked heels.

Using Ointments for Cracked Heels During Pregnancy

Cracked heels irritate everyone, and for a woman during pregnancy they can cause a lot of problems and inconvenience.

Most ointments that manufacturers suggest using to combat cracked and dry heels are completely safe for the health and development of the fetus, so you can apply them to the skin without any worries. But before using, we still recommend that you consult a dermatologist who will recommend the safest and most effective remedy, or carefully read the instructions.

Contraindications for use

Most ointments for cracked heels are based on natural ingredients, so they are completely safe for human health. Usually, such products do not have any special contraindications for use, except for special sensitivity to their active ingredients.

To learn more about contraindications, we recommend that you carefully read the instructions before using any ointment.

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Side effects of ointments for cracked heels

Ointments for cracked heels usually do not have any side effects, except for local ones: allergies, itching, burning, redness at the site of application. If you notice any negative consequences after applying the product to your skin, you must immediately wash it under warm running water, wipe it dry and consult a doctor who will prescribe you another medicine.

Overdose of ointments for cracked heels

There were no reviews of cases of overdose of most of the known ointments for cracked heels. Usually, such products consist of natural components, so overdose is impossible.

Interactions with other drugs

There have been no reports of negative interactions with other drugs to date.

You can use various powders, creams, gels to improve your condition and heal quickly along with ointments for cracked heels.

Storage conditions

To obtain information about the storage conditions of ointments for cracked heels, you must carefully read the instructions for the drug. Remember that improper storage can lead to the components of the product having a negative effect on the human body.

Best before date

As a rule, the shelf life of the ointment for cracked heels is about two years. You can find more information in the package insert. Remember that you cannot use the ointment after its expiration date.

Effective ointment for cracked heels

It is quite difficult to recommend an effective ointment for cracked heels that will suit everyone without exception. The fact is that wounds can appear due to various reasons, including fungus. Therefore, in various cases, a variety of products that can be found in modern pharmacies help. If cracks in the heels appear in the summer due to dry air, then the most effective ointment for this problem is Gevol, which is based on natural ingredients and is produced to combat this problem. In addition, it has no contraindications or side effects, and can also be used for preventive purposes.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ointment for cracked heels" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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