how to repair dry cracked feet

How to Heal Dry, Cracked Feet

1. Exfoliate. First, Dr. Brenner recommends exfoliating your feet two to three times a week. She suggests using an...
2. Use a Foot Peel. If you’ve ever seen or used a foot peel before, you know how oddly satisfying it is to witness...
3. Soak Your Feet. Dr. Brenner recommends another pro tip to fix cracked feet: Soaking them two to three...

Full Answer

What is the best remedy for dry cracked feet?

For a foot soak:

• Keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
• Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin.
• Gently pat your feet dry.
• Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area.
• Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture. Put on socks to avoid spreading any grease around.

How to get rid of dry cracked feet! [guide]?

How to Get Rid of Dry Cracked Feet/ Heels At Home?

1. Lime Juice. How to fix cracked heels faster? ...
2. Sea Salt or Epsom Salt. You can get a super clean foot with the help of salt. ...
3. Olive Oil. ...
4. Petroleum jelly or Vaseline. ...
5. Heal your Heels with Baking Powder. ...
6. Heal your Dry Cracked Feet with Vinegar Soaking. ...
7. Mentholated Rub. ...
8. Paraffin Wax Baths. ...
9. Overripe Banana Pulp Feet Pack. ...

More items...

What is the best medicine for cracked feet?

• Nourishes dehydrated skin
• Works all over the body
• Great scent

What causes extremely dry cracked feet?

There are several common factors that can lead to dry feet, including:

• Excessively hot showers or baths
• A skin condition that dries the skin (eczema, psoriasis, etc.)
• Soaps that are non-moisturizing
• Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease
• Cold weather
• Low humidity levels in home, office, etc. ...
• Aging (we naturally lose moisture in our skin as we age)
• Long periods spent in the sun

What causes extremely dry cracked feet?

Heels can crack when the skin around the rim of your heel becomes dry and thick, and increased pressure on the fat pad under the heel causes the skin to split. A number of factors can raise the risk of developing cracked heels, including obesity, wearing open-heel footwear such as sandals, and having cold, dry skin.

How do you treat severely dry cracked feet?

Treat them by giving your feet a little more attention, beginning with moisturizing them at least twice a day. Look for thick moisturizers (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others). Some moisturizers contain skin-softening agents, such as urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid, which may help remove dead skin.

Why is the bottom of my foot dry and cracked?

A crack in the callus can be tender, itchy or even downright painful. Obesity and medical conditions which affect the feet like diabetes, eczema and psoriasis can also contribute to cracked calluses. Those who often go barefoot or walk on jagged or rough surfaces can also cause cracked feet.

Is Cracked heels a vitamin deficiency?

Cracked heels are a common condition that usually aren't a cause for concern. Vitamin C, vitamin B-3, and vitamin E deficiencies may contribute to dry, cracked heels. However, these vitamin deficiencies are rare in developed countries. Other conditions like athlete's foot or eczema may also lead to cracked heels.

Is Vaseline good for dry cracked feet?

Use an Overnight Treatment – Vaseline® Jelly can be used as an effective overnight cosmetic treatment for dry, cracked feet and heels as it helps create a sealing barrier, locking in the essential moisture your feet need to repair themselves .

Which cream is best for foot cracks?

8 Best Foot Creams for Dry Cracked Heels in IndiaHimalaya Herbals Foot Care Cream: ... Biotique Bio Costus Stress Relief Foot Cream: ... Aroma Magic Camphor Ice Foot Cream: ... Fabindia Avocado Foot Cream: ... Kaya Foot Care Cream: ... Revayur Foot Cream: ... Vaadi Herbals Foot Cream: ... Khadi Jasmine Green Tea Foot Crack Cream:

Is Vaseline good for cracked heels?

Use an Overnight Treatment – Vaseline® Jelly can be used as an effective overnight cosmetic treatment for dry, cracked feet and heels as it helps create a sealing barrier, locking in the essential moisture your feet need to repair themselves .

How can I soften my feet overnight?

Put on a pair of socks and go to sleep. When you wake up, take a pumice stone or foot file and scale off the dead skin, buffing your heels until they are smooth and soft. This will ensure that you have softer and smoother feet the next morning.

How to heal a cracked foot?

How to Heal Dry, Cracked Feet. Now, for the good part: Here are the best ways to heal dry feet. 1. Exfoliate. First, Dr. Brenner recommends exfoliating your feet two to three times a week.

What causes dry feet?

Dr. Brenner adds that other causes of dry feet include: 1 poor circulation 2 a lack of hydration 3 blood sugar imbalances 4 vitamin deficiencies 5 certain medications

What is the best lotion for feet?

Since the skin on your feet is much thicker than that on your body or face, a targeted foot lotion is your best bet. Dr. Shainhouse and Dr. Splichal both recommend products that contain urea, which has water-binding properties to hydrate and soften skin.

Why do my feet get dry after menopause?

a lack of hydration. blood sugar imbalances. vitamin deficiencies. certain medications. Plus, “Dry, cracked heels can also be more prevalent after menopause, when skin naturally becomes drier due to estrogen loss ,” Dr. Shainhouse mentions.

What is the best foot scrub for fungus?

She suggests using an exfoliating foot scrub rather than a pumice stone since fungus can potentially grow in a dark, moist environment. Dr. Splichal particularly recommends finding scrubs that pack exfoliating acids—including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid—or papaya enzymes.

How to keep your feet moist after showering?

Then, to go the extra mile, both doctors also recommend wrapping your feet in plastic wrap and wearing socks overnight to seriously lock in moisture.

How long does it take for a plastic bootie to get softer?

Just know that it can take up to a week or two for softer skin to reveal itself.

How to get rid of cracks on feet?

Combine a spoonful of olive oil and a few drops of lemon or lavender oil to create a moisturizing cracked-heel cream. Shake the ingredients until they form a thick, milky solution and use when needed. Shake before each use. Apply vegetable oil to your feet after bathing, especially in the area of the cracks.

How to treat dry feet?

Using mild moisturizing soaps for skin. Staying hydrated. Talk with your doctor about home remedies. Spearmint, eucalyptus oil, and pumice stones can be used, but only under the guidance of your physician. Treatment for your dry feet may be as simple as treating an underlying medical condition such as thyroid disease.

Why Are My Feet Dry?

Dry feet are caused by a lack of moisture in the skin. There are several common factors that can lead to dry feet, including:

How Are Dry Feet Diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose dry feet with a physical exam and by asking about your symptoms. Your doctor may also want to test you for skin conditions and disorders.

How to prevent dry skin on feet?

Many of the treatment methods mentioned above can also be used to prevent dry skin on your feet. Here are some tips to help you avoid this condition: Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter lotions, creams, and moisturizers to help you manage the dryness. Do not rub or scratch the affected area.

What is the best treatment for dry feet?

The most common solution for dry feet is a therapeutic oil, ointment, or cream.

How to get rid of a swollen foot?

Combine one teaspoon of Vaseline and juice from one whole lemon. Wash your feet and pat them dry before applying. Apply to the dry areas and heels of your feet until you’ve used the entire batch. You should do this just before bed and wear wool socks to lock in the moisture. The wool will also prevent your sheets from becoming stained. The oils in the mixture will soften the dry areas. Exfoliate in the morning. Do this as recommended by your doctor.

What Causes Heels to Crack?

Your heels don’t crack out of the blue one day. It takes quite a bit of time for them to crack. What comes first is calluses forming. These are areas of dry thick skin that build up around your heel. As you walk, the pad of fat under your heel expands, which pressures the callus, causing them to crack.

How to care for cracked heels and prevent them

Keeping your heels from cracking involves watching for callus build up, preventing your feet from being too dry, and properly supporting your heels so that the pressure doesn’t crack the callus. The following are easy steps through which you can address cracked heels and prevent them from ever happening.

1. Moisturize Your Feet

The first and foremost thing you need to do is keep your heels moisturized. Cracked heels get worse with dryness, so apply some moisturizer to the affected area. There are also specially made heel balms that exfoliate dead skin and moisturize your heels.

2. Exfoliate Your Feet

The reason why calluses form is because of a build up of dead skin cells due to repeated pressure and friction. To prevent calluses, it’s essential to get rid of the dead skin cells to prevent further build-up and cracking. That’s where exfoliating comes in.

3. Wear the Right Footwear

If your heels are prone to cracking, you might want to change up your shoes in order to properly support them. Shoes with a durable and wide heel will be the best at cushioning your heels enough so that your calluses won’t break apart.

4. Protect Your Feet From Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures, either being too hot, or too cold, result in dryness. So it’s very important that you protect your feet from being exposed to such drastic conditions at all times. If you’re at the beach during a blazing summer day then wear shoes, because the hot sand is terrible for dryness.

5. Wear the Right Socks

Lastly, socks play a big role in warding off cracked heels. First, a sock’s material is quintessential to how much moisture you retain on your feet. Fabrics like cotton lock moisture in unlike wool, which is moisture wicking and moves moisture through the fabric.

How to treat cracked heels?

Treat them by giving your feet a little more attention, beginning with moisturizing them at least twice a day. Look for thick moisturizers (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others).

How to get rid of a stinging heel?

Give your heels extra attention before going to bed: Soak your feet for about 10 minutes in plain or soapy water and pat dry. Then gently rub your heels with a loofah or foot scrubber to help remove dead skin.

How to prevent dry cracked feet?

Many people have dry skin but ignore the problem. Routine application of a podiatrist-recommended moisturizer is a great first step to prevent the development of dry cracked feet. A regimen including a scrub and moisturizer is ideal.

How to cure cracked feet?

What’s the doctor-recommended cure? The easiest way to cure dry cracked feet and to prevent their return is by using my Soleus Foot Care Collection. The Skin and Nail Kit includes: a softening cream that dissolves dead dry skin cells from the soles, heels and sides of the feet, activator cream that kills fungus, leaves skin smooth and protected , and a nail rejuvenation elixir to restore the natural shine and healthy appearance of the nails.

What is the treatment for tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis is usually the result of fungus and is most often treated with a medication such as tolnaftate that’s used in over the counter medications. It’s important to note that treating the rash on severely cracked feet without addressing the cracks themselves is ineffective- the rash will return. 6.

How to remove dead skin from dry feet?

To remove dead skin from dry feet many people will go purchase what’s called a pumice stone. These bits of lava rock can make a decent foot scrubbing tool, but there are a couple of drawbacks. The fact these stones are a natural product can mean the little pores that perform the work can have a great deal of variability in size- some coarse, others very fine. This makes it difficult to predict how any given pumice will perform. Another drawback is their perceived durability and expense. Since the pumice is often sold attached to a fancy handle (and the fact it’s “a rock”) people think they last forever. Over time, the little pores can become clogged which lessens their usefulness. It’s for these reasons I recommend a quality disposable synthetic scrubbing sponge like the one included in the Soleus Skin and nail kit. These sponges provide a predictable scrubbing action, are easily rinsed clean and can be responsibly disposed of on a routine basis.

What is the best treatment for cracked feet?

Products like honey, coconut oil, vegetable oil, menthol-containing petrolatum rubs and even milk have been touted by many as a cure for cracked feet. These remedies are purported to add moisture and often seek to “lock in” this moisture. These home remedies can be of some benefit, but you need to make sure you don’t skip the first and most important step of preparing the feet. If you don’t adequately remove the dead skin, you are just making a greasy layer of dry cracked skin. Routine care is the only lasting solution.

How to tell if your feet are cracked?

Flaking Feet. A second warning sign of cracked dry feet is skin flaking from the feet and the heels (especially around the edges). When you see this symptom, it’s certain some serious foot care is in order. If ignored and left untouched, the flaking feet will next develop cracks.

What are the cracks on my feet?

1. Rough, Coarse Texture. One of the first manifestations are these changes in the skin’s surface and usually the big cracks on the feet and heels have not become visible. It is in this stage the feet are easiest to treat before deeper layers of the skin have become affected.

How to get rid of dry feet?

Foot soaks: Soaking the foot in warm, plain, or soapy water for about 20 minutes. Next, exfoliate with a foot scrubber and apply Vaseline or Aquaphor immediately after drying. Slipping on a pair of socks over your moisturized feet may lock in moisture.

How to fix cracked heels?

Simple home remedies that may be effective to treat cracked heels include: Heel balms: Use a heel balm or thick moisturizer twice daily to increase the elasticity of the skin on the heels . The main ingredients of heel balm that help to retain moisture in the skin include: Urea. Alpha hydroxy acid. Humectant.

Why do my heels crack?

Cracked heels are splitting or cracking of the heels due to dryness or thickening of the skin ( callus ). Callus around the circumference of the heel is the beginning process of cracking. Increased pressure on the fat cushion beneath the heel causes it to expand sideways, leading to cracking of the callus.

What causes cracked heels?

Medical conditions that may cause cracked heels to include: 1 Diabetic neuropathy (people lose the ability to perspire) 2 Sjogren ’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes skin dryness) 3 Psoriasis 4 Eczema 5 Fungal infections 6 Hypothyroidism 7 Juvenile plantar dermatosis (a common and chronic dry skin condition of the feet) 8 Palmoplantar keratoderma (a group of skin conditions characterized by thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) 9 Pregnancy 10 Kidney disease or diuretics 11 Lymphoma 12 Venous stasis dermatitis ( skin inflammation in the lower legs caused by fluid buildup) 13 Down syndrome

How to keep your feet moisturized?

Diet: The inclusion of essential fatty acids in the diet may help to moisturize the feet. Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Protection: For cracks that seem to be worse, wear a silicone heel cup inside the shoes to get extra protection and moisture lock.

How to reduce calluses on feet?

Lose weight: Losing weight and trying to stay healthy would help to relieve pressure on the feet. Exfoliate: Rubbing a pumice stone may help to reduce the thickness of calluses.

What causes dry skin on the feet?

Sjogren ’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes skin dryness) Psoriasis. Eczema. Fungal infections. Hypothyroidism. Juvenile plantar dermatosis (a common and chronic dry skin condition of the feet) Palmoplantar keratoderma (a group of skin conditions characterized by thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) ...

What is the best treatment for cracked feet?

Glycerine is an excellent hydrating and moisture-binding agent that can also stimulate the repair of the skin barrier. (1) Since cracked feet are often caused by a lack of moisture and compromised skin barrier function, the use of glycerine may help improve the condition.

Why do my feet crack?

Cracked feet are chiefly caused by a lack of moisture in the feet that can compromise the skin’s protective barrier and can lead to skin dryness and thickening, increasing the risk of cracking and calluses.

How to make foot scrubs at home?

You can easily make foot scrubs at home from natural ingredients that exfoliate the skin, thus preventing chemical irritation. You can use coarse grains such as masoor dal and sugar and a base such as honey to make DIY foot scrubs. Honey provides the added benefit of moisturizing your feet.

What is a cracked foot?

Cracked feet, medically known as heel fissures, refer to the formation of calluses and cracks in the heel of the feet, often accompanied by thickening of the skin. Cracked feet are a common problem that affects people of all ages.

What is a foot scrub?

A foot scrub can be highly useful in the removal of flaky, dry, rough skin from the feet. While various foot scrubs are commercially available, they may contain high amounts of chemicals that may irritate cracked skin.

Why do diabetics have cracks in their feet?

It is especially vital to consult a doctor for cracked feet if you have diabetes as there is an increased risk of infection, loss of sensation, and ulceration with the condition .

How to keep your feet moisturized?

Stay hydrated. While the use of creams and lotions keeps your feet moisturized from the outside, optimum intake of water throughout the day is essential to keep your skin hydrated from within. Consume 7–8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and to avoid the problem of cracked, dry skin.

How to keep your feet moisturized?

Solomon says diligence in keeping your feet clean and moisturized will keep you on the good foot. “Wash feet with non-foaming hydrating cleanser (typically in a cream or milk form) to keep foot skin from drying further and moisturize still-damp feet after every bath or shower,” she recommends. “That's when it’s time to apply products with petrolatum, glycerin, shea butter, vitamin E or jojoba. These ingredients are very effective at preventing moisture loss.” She also recommends a kitchen cabinet remedy to try — honey. “Honey is full of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties great for cleansing and healing wounds, particularly Manuka honey,” she says, saying you can create your own honey foot mask by combining it with a drop of almond oil and slathering it on your heels.

How to prevent heel cracks?

Both experts extol the virtues of moisturizers with exfoliants like urea (not urine, but a similar compound that has been shown to help moisture seep into skin), and salicylic acid, to help prevent heel cracks with regular use. Solomon also recommends using a “safe foot file that doesn’t look like a cheese grater” to remove dead skin. “Using a foot file on your feet after a shower or bath can be a great way to avoid thick calluses or cracks,” she says. “However, if the file has sharp teeth, it is putting you at risk for cuts or scrapes. The goal is to remove the old, dead skin but leave the healthy layer intact to protect [against] infection.”

Why are my heels so dry?

A long winter and spring stuck inside in the dry air may have made the skin on your feet, especially your heels, super dry — dry enough to crack like a fault line. And while COVID-related self-isolation may tempt you to keep your feet hidden, cracks in your heels can fracture into deep cuts, or fissures, that can be pretty painful and even get infected. We asked board certified dermatologists Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, founder of Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery in North Carolina and Samer Jaber, MD, founder of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City, what causes dry, cracked heels and the best treatment for dry heels.

Can you use liquid bandages on torn heels?

Both experts say liquid bandages are an extremely effective way of sealing up cracks to ease the pain of walking on torn skin while keeping the wounds clean.

How to fix dry feet?

Lock moisture inside of dry, damaged feet with a foot mask. Use petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, beeswax, or even lanolin for this. Just apply the substance of your choice to your feet, then gently massage it into cracks, peeling areas. and in-between toes. Then, cover your feet with thick, clean socks.

How to get rid of dry feet naturally?

Here are 10 natural remedies for dry feet – that actually work! 1. Foot Soak. Immerse your feet in lukewarm water and 5-10 drops of tea tree essential oil. This is a great way to clean feet and apply the medicated power of the essential oil of Melaleuca (tea tree) to hard-to-reach areas of your dry feet.

How to remove dead skin from callouses?

The rough surface of a pumice stone is the most common way to remove accumulated dead skin of callouses, corns, and heel fissure cracks. For people with these types of dry skin, simply rub the pumice stone across trouble areas, until the skin is resurfaced.

What is the best vinegar to use on feet?

Then, gently scrub your feet with a coarse rag to remove lingering dead skin, revealing softer, smoother feet. NOTE: Apple cider vinegar is the best type of vinegar to use, as it is the only type that contains Mother of Vinegar. 3.

What is the best way to remove dead skin cells on your feet?

Citrus fruits are one of Mother Nature’s best sources of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA). These compounds are also used in luxurious spas for chemical peels, but you can use them at home to remove old, dead skin cells on your dry feet. Simply cut a lemon, orange, or grapefruit in half and rub the juices on the driest areas.

Why do you put Epsom salts in your foot bath?

Just pour in ¼ of the salts into your next footbath to relax painful feet while also cleaning deep into cracks. The antibacterial power of Epsom salts also helps to reduce the risk of common infections that can worsen dry skin.

How to restore dry skin?

Today, you can use whole milk and a dab of honey to restore your dry skin to the touchable softness you’ve been wanting. Simply let your feet soak in nutrient-rich whole milk to rebuild new, stronger skin cells. The added humectant properties of honey lock in natural oils, preventing evaporative moisture loss. 5.