Cracked heels and foot calluses

Cracked heels, thickened skin, and hard, rough areas under the feet: cracks and calluses are two common problems that affect millions of people. While calluses correspond to a localized thickening of the skin, particularly under the heel, on the sole, or on the toes, cracks are deeper fissures, often painful, that weaken the skin barrier. Without appropriate treatment, these two conditions can worsen and impact your daily quality of life. Discover our podiatry-inspired treatments formulated to repair, nourish, and smooth the skin of the feet.

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What is a callus and how can you recognize it?

A callus is a localized thickening of the outermost layer of skin, caused by repeated friction or pressure. It appears as a hard, yellowish or whitish area, most often under the heel, on the sole of the foot, or on the toes. Initially painless, it can become painful if left untreated. Calluses are also called corns or calluses depending on their location and depth.

What is the difference between a crack, a callus, and a corn?

These three conditions are linked to dryness and thickening of the skin, but they differ in their form and stage of development. A callus is an area of ​​thickened, hard skin. A corn (or callus) is a more localized callus, sometimes with a painful central core. A fissure is a crack in the dry skin, of varying depth, which can bleed and become infected. Early treatment is essential to prevent progression to more severe forms.

What are the causes of calluses and cracks on the feet?

The main causes are repeated pressure and friction (ill-fitting shoes, intense sports, prolonged standing), chronic dry skin, skin aging, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or foot posture disorders. Heels are the area most frequently affected by cracks, while calluses appear primarily on the soles of the feet or on the toes.

How to treat calluses on the feet?

Treating calluses relies on two complementary actions: softening the accumulated hardened skin and intensely rehydrating it. Our Cracked Skin and Callus Serum contains emollient active ingredients that gradually soften thickened areas, combined with nourishing agents that restore skin elasticity.

Applied morning and evening to clean, dry skin, it visibly smooths calluses in 7 days. Its 0% water formula guarantees optimal concentration of active ingredients while reducing the risk of skin irritation.

How to quickly treat a cracked foot?

To treat a cracked foot, clean the area with warm water and mild soap, gently dry your feet, then apply Poderm Cracks and Calluses Serum, paying particular attention to the cracks.

Put on the gel socks to maximize the serum's effect. Repeat morning and evening until completely healed. Cracks are visibly repaired in just 7 days. If you experience persistent pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, consult a podiatrist or other healthcare professional.

Can bicarbonate or natural remedies be used against calluses?

Baking soda is often used in foot soaks to soften calluses: diluted in warm water, it helps exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface. These approaches may have a temporary effect on mild calluses, but they don't penetrate the thickened stratum corneum. For lasting results, our Cracked and Callus Serum remains more effective than a home remedy alone.

How to prevent the return of cracks and calluses?

Prevention relies on regularly moisturizing your feet, ideally after every shower, and wearing shoes that fit the shape of your feet. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and monitor your skin's condition at the first signs of dryness or thickening. For maintenance, applying Poderm foot serum once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain skin suppleness and prevent calluses from recurring.

Is this treatment suitable for people with diabetes or sensitive skin?

People with diabetes are particularly prone to calluses and cracks due to impaired microcirculation and reduced foot sensitivity. We highly recommend our Very Dry and Damaged Foot Serum, specially formulated with gentle active ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. In all cases, it is strongly advised to consult a podiatrist or doctor before starting any foot treatment to rule out any risk of complications.

Why choose Poderm?

Poderm is a Swiss brand specializing in foot care, founded by a podiatrist who personally developed our formulas. Drawing on this practical expertise, our products combine natural active ingredients selected for their clinical efficacy with textures suitable for daily home use. The Cracks and Calluses Serum is designed to deliver fast, visible results while respecting the delicate skin of the feet.

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Treatment for foot cracks is crucial to heal and prevent painful cracks that can form on your feet. Foot cracks are often caused by dryness or excessive pressure. For effective treatment of foot cracks, use products specifically designed to hydrate and repair damaged skin. A good treatment for foot cracks helps relieve pain and accelerate the healing process. Using a foot crack treatment in your care routine helps you quickly regain hydrated feet and prevents the recurrence of these unpleasant cracks.