Dry and cracked feet usually affects people during colder times of the year, when the feet dry out and the skin contracts from with the temperature. Generally, these cracks are not dangerous, unless the cracks become too deep, which can cause bleeding. While this condition can be painful, there are several remedies you can try at home to cure the problem and alleviate your pain.
Soaks
One of the symptoms of dry and cracked feet is a hardening of the skin around the heel and arches of the feet. To keep the feet from continuing dryness, try using a soak to keep the skin soft. There are several different soaks you can try. Try dissolving some Epsom salt in a lukewarm water and soaking you feet in the solution for 20 minutes to soften up the skin. You can also soak feet in a solution containing 1 cup of vinegar, a drop of dish soap and 1 gallon of warm water. Try this vinegar soak for 30 minutes, once a week. Finally, dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda to 1 gallon of warm water and soak for 30 minutes. Once done, rinse your feet with warm water and pat dry.
Moisturize
A leading reason for dry feet is dehydration. When your body begins to get dehydrated, it begins to take water from the extremities, causing dry feet. Make sure you are getting enough water each day to prevent this. Also, make sure your diet includes vitamin E. This vitamin is good for the skin and keeps it hydrated. Finally, use a moisturizer on your feet nightly. Apply the moisturizer before bed and put cotton socks on over the lotion.
Exfoliate
A buildup of dead cells on the foot will also lead to dry and cracked feet. Exfoliate your feet regularly to keep the healthiest skin closest to the top. Exfoliation is a simple process. Using a foot file or pumice stone, gently move across the bottom of your feet once or twice a week to keep the dead cells from accumulating.
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