Flaking dry skin on your feet can be itchy and painful. Extreme dryness can result in cracks or fissures on the feet. Dry cracking heels are common, but the entire rim of the foot and the interior area can be affected as well. Although this condition is generally a cosmetic problem, cracked skin can provide an opening for an infection that could potentially become serious, especially for diabetics and others with chronic conditions. Learn how to restore moisture to your feel to leave them smooth, supple and healthy.
Step 1
Identify the reason for dry, cracking skin. There are many causes of dryness, including dehydration, diabetes, side effects of certain medications, exposure from open-back shoes, obesity and aging. Once you pinpoint the reason why your feet are dry and cracking, you can determine the best way to effectively treat the condition.
Step 2
Remove dead skin by gently rubbing your feet with a pumice stone. A pumice stone can be purchased at a beauty shop or drug store. Be cautious to remove only the skin that is already flaking. If you rub too hard, you might cause your feet to bleed and leave openings for infection to set in.
Step 3
Soak your feet in warm water on a daily basis. Use a mild soap to clean them, and then pat them dry with a soft white absorbent cloth. Take care to completely dry the skin between the toes, as this is a prime area for bacteria to gather.
Step 4
Moisturize your feet with a healing product. Look for an item containing aloe and vitamin E to nourish the skin. You may need to try several products before you find the one that works best for you.
Step 5
Put on soft white cotton socks after applying a moisturizer. This helps to keep the product on your skin. Elevate your feet and relax. Wear your socks overnight to get the best benefit of the moisturizer.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to keep yourself hydrated and help your skin stay supple. If you are heavier than your optimal healthy weight, lose a few pounds to help take pressure off your feet, which will help them not to crack. Wear a heel cup in your shoes to keep the foot pad from expanding under your weight, which can lead to cracking skin.
- Check your feet daily for blisters and inflammation. This is especially important for seniors and people with diabetes, for whom an infection can prove particularly serious. See a physician any time there is a sign of infection or if the fissures become deep and do not respond to home treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Moisturizer
- White cotton socks
Member Comments