Treating Cracked Heels with Toothpaste: Is It Possible?
There are no studies that support using toothpaste to alleviate cracked heels, but it is believed to help improve foot health for the following reasons:
1. Soothing Irritated Skin
The soothing ingredients in toothpaste, such as peppermint, clove, or cinnamon extract, may help relieve irritation on the feet. However, if the cracks are deep, it may worsen the irritation and cause inflammation.
2. Exfoliating and Brightening the Skin
Toothpaste can help get rid of dry skin and dead skin cells, contributing to softer, brighter feet.
3. Eliminating Unpleasant Odors
Since toothpaste contains menthol, it may help eliminate unpleasant foot odors by absorbing them immediately upon application.
Treating Cracked Heels with Toothpaste: How to Use It
Before trying any toothpaste treatment for cracked heels, it's recommended to test the mixture on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions. Here are some methods you can try:
Toothpaste and Tomato
You can follow these steps:
Cut a tomato in half, then scoop out the pulp from one half with a spoon and place it in a bowl.
Add a suitable amount of white toothpaste and stir to obtain a smooth mixture.
Dip the remaining half of the tomato in the mixture, then massage it onto your cracked heels in circular motions for 30 minutes.
Rinse your feet with water, then dry them and moisturize them with any oil or moisturizer you prefer.
Toothpaste and Vitamin E
You can follow these steps:
Take a clean bowl and put in 1/2 tablespoon of white toothpaste and one 600 mg vitamin E capsule. Mix the ingredients well, then apply the cream to your cracked feet and cover them with a plastic bag and clean socks.
Leave the cream on your cracked feet overnight and rinse it off in the morning. It is recommended to use this treatment every 3-4 consecutive days until you start to see results.
Treating Cracked Feet with Toothpaste: Potential Drawbacks
The potential drawbacks of applying toothpaste to the skin in general may include the following:
Most toothpastes contain a chemical called triclosan, which has antibacterial properties, but can cause skin problems if used for extended periods or excessively.
Toothpaste contains several ingredients that can dry out the skin, such as alcohol, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
The menthol in toothpaste can cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary swelling. Tips for Treating Cracked Heels
Here are some tips to help treat cracked heels:
Moisturize your feet at least twice a day using thick moisturizers, especially those containing urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid.
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, then dry them and use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Afterward, moisturize with oil or petroleum jelly and wear cotton socks.