Quick Take
A social media post claims that a DIY mixture can permanently treat cracked heels in 2 days. We examined the claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram post suggests that you can treat cracked heels in just 2 days by using a homemade mixture of sugar, toothpaste and coconut oil.
Fact Check
Can cracked heels heal completely in just 2 days?
No, cracked heels cannot heal permanently in just 2 days. The skin on the heels is much thicker than other areas and takes longer to repair. While mild dryness and surface cracks may improve slightly with exfoliation and moisturisation, deeper fissures take weeks to heal. Factors like prolonged dryness, excessive standing, ill-fitting footwear, and conditions such as diabetes and eczema contribute to the problem, making quick fixes ineffective.
A 2016 study highlighted that thickened, dry skin on the heels can lead to painful cracks and increase the risk of infection. Effective healing requires reducing pressure, removing calluses, and maintaining proper hydration to prevent future fissures.
Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant based in Lucknow, explains, “Cracked heels take time to heal, especially if the skin is deeply damaged. While mild dryness may improve with moisturisers, deep cracks need consistent care over weeks. A two-day treatment is not enough for complete healing.”
In some cases, dietary deficiencies can contribute to cracked heels.
Does the combination of sugar, toothpaste, and coconut oil work?
Not effectively. Sugar is a natural exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells, while coconut oil provides moisture and has mild antibacterial properties. However, toothpaste is not meant for skincare—it contains abrasives, menthol, and fluoride, which can irritate or dry out the skin rather than healing cracks. Using this mixture may provide temporary softness, but it does not address the underlying cause of cracked heels or offer a lasting solution.
What actually helps in treating cracked heels?
Effective treatment involves multiple steps, including exfoliation, hydration, and protection. Here are some proven methods:
- Exfoliation: Regularly using a pumice stone or foot scrub removes dead skin, preventing further cracking.
- Hydration: Applying thick moisturisers containing urea, glycerin, or lactic acid helps retain moisture and promotes skin repair.
- Foot soaks: Soaking feet in warm water with Epsom salt softens the skin, making exfoliation more effective.
- Wearing socks overnight: Cotton socks worn after applying a thick foot cream help lock in moisture, speeding up healing.
- Avoiding harsh products: Ingredients like toothpaste may worsen dryness and irritation, making cracks more severe.
For severe cracks, medical treatment may be required. Dermatologists can recommend prescription creams or professional foot care to prevent infections and complications.
Are there risks in using toothpaste on cracked heels?
Yes, toothpaste can contain harsh chemicals that may cause irritation, burning, or further dryness. Some formulations also contain whitening agents, which can be too strong for sensitive or damaged skin. Instead of healing the skin, toothpaste may make it more prone to peeling or worsening cracks. Dermatologists do not recommend using toothpaste as a skincare remedy.
We connected with Dr Iram Qazi, MD (Dermatology), to find out whether applying toothpaste on the skin is advisable. She explains, “Toothpaste is meant for teeth, not skin. Its strong ingredients can cause irritation, burning, and dryness. Using it on cracked heels may worsen the problem rather than help, as it does not provide the necessary hydration or healing properties needed for skin repair.”
We spoke with Dr Joyeeta Chowdhury, MD (Dermatology), to understand whether toothpaste is safe for skin. She explained, “Toothpaste contains detergents and abrasives that are not meant for skin. Regular use can strip away natural moisture, weaken the skin barrier, and worsen dryness and cracks instead of healing them.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that a DIY mixture can permanently treat cracked heels in 2 days is false. Healing cracked heels requires time, proper moisturisation, and skin care. Quick-fix solutions like this lack scientific backing and can even cause irritation. For effective treatment, follow dermatologist-approved remedies rather than relying on unproven social media trends.
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