How to Soothe Dry Cracked Feet

Dry cracked feet can be painful and difficult to heal. There are many home remedies out there that claim to quickly heal your feet. It seems everyone has an opinion. Below are some tips that will help you to keep your feet healthy and pain free.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Moisturizer free of dyes and perfumes
• White socks
• Mineral oils
• Epsom Salt
• Pumice Stone

1. 
   Avoid walking barefoot

   Avoid walking around barefoot. Resist the temptation to always walk barefoot on the beach or at home. It does do a considerable amount of damage to your feet. Always use white socks or slippers when walking in your home.

2. 
   Lotion free of dyes and perfume

   You must apply moisturizer to your heels at least twice a day but most especially after you bathe. A good heavy moisturizer, free of dyes and perfumes, is essential. However, this by itself won't be enough.

3. If you are able to take baths rather than showers, add some oil to your bath. It will help to soothe the skin over your whole body and it will help your feet to lock in some of the moisture that it loses throughout the day.

4. 

   Try soaking your feet each evening in a basin of water mixed with mineral oil or salts. Do not use hot water as this will further dry your skin. Lukewarm water is preferable.

5. Consider adding peppermint oil to your foot soak. It is said to aid in relieving muscle tension and has a cooling effect on the skin.

6. 

   Exfoliate the skin. After soaking your feet in a bath or basin use a foot scrub or pumice stone. There are many types sold in retail stores that you can use to help remove the dead skin cells.

Tips & Warnings

• White cotton socks are preferable when trying to heal your feet of dry skin. This is because it is free of most of the dyes that can irritate cracked skin. You don't want to cause open wounds to become infected.
• Emu oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil and aloe vera are all said to be helpful to dry feet. But read the product labels and test on your skin, before using large amounts, to ensure that you do not have an allergy to the product.
• The special oils can be found at health food stores in small bottles.
• Some people find vaseline works on their feet while others say that it doesn't help. It is worth a try, if you have some at home, to apply a thin layer to your feet before you go to bed and then place some socks on.
• If you are experiencing pain or have open wounds on your feet, consult a doctor immediately.
• Use pumice stones gently so that you don't irritate or cut your feet. A few soft and short strokes against your foot while in the shower each evening will be enough to slowly heal your feet.

[newfeet]

on 10/15/2009 You should read this article.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5528120_rid-dry-skin-feet.html

[Oktobers]

on 12/4/2008 My feet always get dry and cracked in the summer due to the fact I just can't wear shoes! But thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to try all of this!

[JL1543]

on 11/18/2008 Really great article. Thanks for sharing!

[mojoworkin]

on 11/18/2008 I like your article. I thought it wasn't helping me to walk around bare footed and seeing this in your article reassures me that I need to put on some socks. Thanks.

[Susanh]

on 11/18/2008 My feet always seem to have difficulty healing. But then, I'm a barefoot gal. I guess I'll have to get some more socks. :) Great job on your article!