If your skin is normally dry or if you run around in ill-fitting shoes, you may develop cracks in your feet, especially in the heel area. Called "fissures" these cracks are unsightly and painful if they are deep. In severe cases, the cracks may bleed or they may become infected. Home remedies for dry and cracked feet focus on removing the hard, calloused skin and softening the underlying skin.
Callous Removal
EPodiatry.com recommends using a pumice stone made for the feet to gradually rub away the dead, calloused skin. Used dry or wet, the porous surface of the stone rubs away the hard dry skin. Alternately, you may try a medium-grit sandpaper to sand away the top layer of hard skin. By using the pumice stone or sandpaper once or twice a week, you can gradually remove most of the callous.
Avoid cutting away callouses with scissors or a razor blade. It is important to see a doctor for treatment if a crack becomes infected or if your feet are so sore that you can't stand and walk comfortably.
Clean and Moisturize
Part of the reason feet crack is due to dryness. After sanding away the top layer of the callous, ePodiatry suggests applying a thick, oil-base moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer liberally on the feet before bedtime and wear a clean pair of cotton socks to bed. After bathing or showering is another important time for moisturizing. Using gentle soap and wearing clean, non-synthetic socks daily should help with this issue.
Protect
Switch your shoes if you continue to get callouses that lead to cracking, advises ePodiatry. Sandals and open-back shoes offer no side support for your heel, allowing the thick skin on the bottom of your foot to slide to the side, forming a ridge of skin that gradually thickens and may crack.
Wear shoes that fit well to prevent your heel from sliding. In addition, if you spend a lot of time on your feet at work or at home, stand on cushioned rugs or rubber floor mats, if possible.
Massage your feet vigorously, especially the portions of the sole and heel that tend to crack. You'll increase the circulation and you may prevent new callouses from forming.
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