How to Heal Dry & Cracked Feet

How to Heal Dry & Cracked Feet
Photo Credit feet and flower image by Hao Wang from Fotolia.com

Dry skin can occur anywhere on your body, but when it happens to your feet, it can cause a great deal more problems by affecting mobility and even your ability to stand in one place without pain. Dry skin on your feet, commonly referred to as heel fissures, can affect anyone of any age. If you're looking to alleviate this uncomfortable and even painful problem, there are several things you can do to return your feet to their normal healthy state.

Step 1

Unpeel a banana and mash the pulp into a paste. Apply the paste to your feet making sure to cover the affected area completely. Allow the banana to sit on the area for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it away with a soft, clean, damp cloth. Do this as often as you would like to help soothe the pain and soften the skin on the area.

Step 2

Rub a pumice stone gently over the area to remove excess dead skin. Removing the dead skin makes it easier to reach the living skin cells when you go to moisturize. If you experience any pain while using the pumice stone, stop immediately.

Step 3

Moisturize your feet often. As often as you can throughout the day, apply a moisturizing cream to your feet and cover them with soft cotton socks. Make sure to do this every night before you go to bed. You can also use hydrogenated vegetable oil for the same results.

Step 4

Wash your feet with an antibacterial soap daily. If your feet are so dry that they are cracking, that means there are plenty of places for bacteria to get in and cause infections. Rinse your feet well and pat them dry with a soft, clean, dry towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing with the towel as this may irritate them further.

Step 5

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body flushed and hydrated. Six to eight glasses a day should be enough. Avoid things that may contribute to dehydration such as caffeine and alcohol. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating things such as flax seeds and salmon. Vitamin A, C and B5 can also help to keep your skin healthy.

Tips and Warnings

  • Talk to a doctor or podiatrist if your dry skin won't get better with home remedies. They may be able to help determine a cause and help you find a treatment.
  • Wash your feet with warm, not hot, water. Hot water can dry your skin out more and make the condition worse.

Things You'll Need

  • Banana
  • Clean cloth
  • Pumice stone
  • Moisturizing cream
  • Hydrogenated vegetable oil
  • Soft cotton socks
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Soft clean dry towel

References

Article reviewed by Sue Last updated on: Aug 24, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments