What Are the Treatments for Dry, Cracked Feet?
Feet take a lot of abuse. We stand on them all day at work, run, walk and stuff them in strappy sandals, yet somehow we manage to forget about them until they start to shoot warning pains at us, because we let them get all dry and cracked. We should not despair. Some of the treatments for dry, cracked feet are simple and have been used for ages.
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Soak
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Soaking feet in lukewarm water, and adding a mild soap or foot skin conditioner to the water, is a widely known treatment for healing dry, cracked feet. Soaking your feet each day after using them for long periods of time not only cleanses and moisturizes, but it also helps you to unwind and relax.
Moisturize
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Moisturizing your feet with oatmeal, cocoa butter, shea butter and other moisturizers twice or more a day helps heal dry, cracked feet. The skin on our feet is sensitive, and when it becomes dry and callused, it becomes painful. Moisturize the entire foot, but do not apply a good amount of moisturizer between the toes, as this permits bacteria growth and may cause other problems.
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Keep Feet Clean
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Bathing our skin helps keep pores clear of bacteria that could eventually make our skin dry and sore or lead to unwanted rashes. Keeping your feet clean helps keep them healthy and not cracked. Dry your feet afterward, especially between your toes.
Use Clean Socks
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Using clean, cotton socks will protect your feet against becoming dry and cracking. If you wear socks all day long, change them after you have bathed or soaked your feet. At night, wear clean socks to help the skin on your feet retain moisture throughout the night.
Eat Right
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Our skin utilizes the nutrients we receive from the food we eat. Eat healthy and ingest food rich in quality vitamins and calcium. The right food can bring you a step closer to having silky, touchable skin around your heels and toes. If you are not eating correctly or have diabetes, your feet will show it. Diabetes can have a huge effect on your feet.
Drink Water
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Our bodies are made up of a good amount of water, and our skin likes to soak it up. No matter what season you are in, drinking water helps your skin maintain elasticity and will keep you from having dry skin and painfully cracked feet. Yellow urine, exhaustion and nausea are signs you need to step up your water intake.
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- Photo Credit Photograph by Hannah Leigh Scott