Cracked heels may occur when the stratum corneum, or the dead and dying outer-layer cells of the epidermis on the heels, loses its protective oil, water escapes, the stratum corneum shrinks, the skin becomes thick, rough, dry and then cracks, according to the University of Iowa. Products, such as petroleum jelly, oils and vegetable shortening work to treat cracked heels by hydrating and locking in moisture in the skin. To prevent an infection, cracked heels should be treated under the advice and supervision of a dermatologist.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has been around since 1870, when Robert A. Chesebrough created this product and launched his factory in New York. Petroleum jelly may be used for household, medicinal and skin care purposes. According to the University of Iowa Health Care, or UIHC, petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer for dry skin; the key is to apply small amounts and massage it well into the skin. Petroleum jelly will soften, heal and retain moisture in the skin of cracked heels. Petroleum jelly should be applied when the skin is damp to trap moisture in the skin, according to Healthy Aging Advance website.
Oils
Oils are also effective in softening, smoothing, lubricating and reducing the discomfort experienced with cracked heels. According to the UIHC, vegetable, bath, baby and mineral oils may be applied directly to the heels to smooth, soften, moisturize and lock in moisture to help reduce cracking. Like petroleum jelly, oils are most effective when applied to damp skin. It's ideal to apply oils after a shower and a light toweling off. This allows the oil to build a skin barrier and be most effective.
Vegetable Shortening
According to Theresa J. Kelechi, clinical nurse specialist, and Sally Stroud, nurse practitioner, in "The Four 'Vs' of Footcare," posted August 2010 on the Healthy Aging Advance website, there is little scientific evidence to substantiate the effects of vegetable shortening for dry skin, but data does suggests that vegetable fats from palm, palm kernel, sunflower, rapeseed, coconut and soy may protect the skin from irritants, moisturize, soften and relieve cracked heels. The high melting points of both palm and rapeseed oils makes them effective skin barriers to shield the epidermis. Coconut and sunflower seed oil have lower melting points; they provide less protection and melt from the warmth of the skin. According to Kelechi and Stroud, be cautious when using vegetable shortening products, particularly on impaired skin. Wash hands before application. Handle open lid containers carefully to avoid contamination, label the container "skincare," and keep it away from other cooking products.
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