Foot Care

Practical Foot Care for Everyday Comfort

Cracked heels are one of the most common foot complaints and are caused by a combination of dry skin, pressure and lack of moisture. The skin on the heels is thicker than elsewhere on the body and has no sebaceous glands, making it prone to drying out. Left untreated, cracks can deepen and become painful or prone to infection. Regular application of a urea-based heel cream is the most effective way to soften and repair cracked heels, as urea both draws moisture into the skin and gently dissolves thickened skin cells.

Athlete's Foot and Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal infections of the feet and nails are common in New Zealand, particularly among people who use communal showers, swimming pools or wear enclosed footwear for long periods. Tea tree oil has well-documented antifungal properties and is a popular natural option for mild athlete's foot. For nail infections, dedicated antifungal nail treatments are more effective as they are formulated to penetrate the nail plate. Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks daily and wearing breathable footwear all help prevent recurrence.

Common Questions

For cracked heels, formulas containing 20 to 40% urea are most effective. Lower concentrations of 5 to 10% are better suited to general dry skin maintenance. Apply a high-urea cream to clean, dry heels at night and cover with socks to maximise absorption while you sleep.

Consistency is key. Apply a moisturising foot cream daily, particularly after showering when the skin is still slightly damp. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods, wear well-fitting footwear with adequate cushioning, and use a pumice stone or foot file weekly to prevent callus buildup before it becomes a problem.

Yes. A warm foot soak with Epsom salts or essential oils can relieve muscle fatigue, reduce swelling and soften skin before exfoliation or cream application. Limit soaks to 10 to 15 minutes as prolonged soaking can actually dry out the skin by stripping natural oils. Follow with a rich foot cream immediately after patting dry.