If you've developed cracks, or heel fissures, on the bottoms and backs of your feet, it may be a result of wearing the wrong shoes, says Houston podiatrist William Van Pelt, D.P.M. in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Cracked feet may occur due to wearing open-backed shoes or sandals, and may become infected if bacteria enters the fissures. If your doctor approves, you can use home remedies and at-home care to treat your cracked heels.
Step 1
Soak your feet in warm water for 20 minutes every night to help them absorb moisture, says Dr. Van Pelt. After soaking, pat your feet with a towel until they are just slightly damp.
Step 2
Slather a moisturizing cream or oil on your feet to help your dry skin retain moisture, says MayoClinic.com. Oil, like baby oil, will stay on the skin longer than cream or moisturizer, and does not need to be applied as often.
Step 3
Put on a pair of cotton socks before going to bed, recommends Victoria Rentel, M.D., as cited by the Ohio State Student Health Services website. Cotton socks will protect your feet overnight, and allow them to absorb all of the moisture from both the water soak and the moisturizer or oil.
Step 4
Wash your feet with a gentle skin cleaner instead of a harsh soap. Harsh soaps dry out the skin, making heel cracks even worse. Instead, use an unscented soap with added fats and oils.
Step 5
Sleep with a humidifier to restore moisture to your dry, cracked skin, recommends MayoClinic.com. Fill the humidifier with water and turn it on. The humidifier will release water vapor into the air, which will be absorbed into the skin's cells.
Tips and Warnings
- Clean your humidifier at least twice a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
- Consult a doctor for further foot treatment if you are a diabetic.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Moisturizing cream
- Baby oil
- Cotton socks
- Gentle skin cleanser
- Humidifier
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