Salicylic acid-based products: Salicylic acid is keratolytic (skin exfoliant) and has been shown to reduce hyperkeratosis, fissures and pain when applied to heels as a 6% cream.
There is a wide range of proprietary “cracked heel” products that contain salicylic acid available for purchase in New Zealand,usually together with urea.
Salicylic acid is subsidised if prescribed in a dermatological base, e.g. white soft paraffin,
urea cream 10% (HealthE cream).
The salicylic acid product should be applied to the thickened, dry heel skin; it may cause
a stinging sensation if applied to fissures or other broken skin if the dermal layer is exposed.