Why do I, or any other human, get sore and cracked heels? I understand it鈥檚 less common in men than women 鈥� presumably this is down to footwear choices? The cream product I use to cure it works very well, but its active ingredient appears to be urea. How does this react with my skin to cure the problem? (continued)
鈥� One cause can be sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) which is an ionic surfactant used in many cleaning and hygiene products. It is considered safe to use, but, as with any detergent, it removes oils from the skin and can be a source of irritation.
I suffered from dry heels for a few years and tried switching from shower gel to normal bar soap without SLS. There was a noticeable difference to my heels within a week and they have continued to improve.
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Most shampoos and conditioners also contain SLS and this could contribute to cracked heels in those who stand in the shower while washing their hair.
Sarah Harbour,
Cambridge, UK
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