If winter has wreaked havoc on your feet and made them dry and cracked, you can rejuvenate them by hydrating them and locking in the moisture. Dry, cracked feet can be caused by skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, or from dry, cold conditions. Even if you do not have the money to spend on weekly pedicures, you can keep your feet soft and moisturized with items you may already have around the house.
Step 1
Scrub your feet once a week in the shower with a pumice stone, suggests Jennifer Tung on the website for "Real Simple" magazine. Using a pumice stone will help slough off dead skin cells that have accumulated on your feet.
Step 2
Soak your feet in a lukewarm bath, recommends podiatrist William Van Pelt, D.P.M., a former president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. As you soak your feet, your skin will absorb moisture from the water.
Step 3
Apply moisturizer to your feet before bed. Put cotton socks on your feet before the moisturizer is completely absorbed to keep your feet moisturized all night.
Step 4
Use a humidifier. If your house has particularly dry air, fill a humidifier with water to send water vapor into the air. The moisture will help keep your feet soft and smooth.
Step 5
See a professional if your cracked feet are not remedied by over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and home remedies. Your doctor can give you a prescription-strength lotion to help reduce the symptoms of dry, cracked feet.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't have moisturizer, use petroleum jelly to keep your feet moisturized.
- Consult a doctor if you are a diabetic and notice any cuts or sores on your feet.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Moisturizer
- Cotton socks
- Humidifier
- Prescription moisturizer
