Painfully Cracked Heels...?

Question

I have really dry feet. Can anyone recommend a cure.

Answer 1

I can sympathize - I struggle with very dry, cracked heels. There are several things you need to do - first, you need to remove as much dead skin as you can comfortably. The easiest way to do this is to soak your feet in warm water for 15 - 20 minutes, then gently but firmly rub with a porous pumice stone. If you don't have a stone, even a rough towel will remove some dead skin. Do this every day after you shower.

Next, you need to apply a lotion that is made specifically for this problem. There are several out there - look for something that contains "chemically synthesized urea." This helps your skin to retain moisture. Use it generously every day, morning and night. If possible, wear cotton socks after applying it (I hate sleeping with socks on, but it really helps.) If you can find one that also contains an alpha or beta hydroxy acid (lactic acid, salicylic acid, etc.) that will help slough off the dead skin cells.

The key here is consistency. If you scrub off the dead skin and apply the lotion every day, you'll have smooth, comfortable heels within a few weeks. You have to keep up with it, though, or the dry skin will come back.

You could also see a doctor. They may cut off the skin for you. My aunt does that, but it sounds kind of disgusting to me, so I haven't.

Finally, although the cracked heels sounds like good old fashioned dry skin, it's possible that it's a fungal infection like athlete's foot. Try using an antifungal spray.

Answer 2

I do this several times throughout the summer. First, I soak my feet in a warm soapy bath. Then I use an exfoliating scrub and srub it in real good with some type of pedicure brush. Before I go to bed that night, I slather a good amount of vaseline on my heels and then cover them with a pair of socks while I sleep. It feels really weird, but it has really helped with my cracked heels.

Answer 3

At night, shower/bath, dry your feet, put moisturizer on your feet and then put on a pair of socks, then go to sleep. Doing this every night will help keep your feet night and smooth. Also, are you going barefoot in your house a lot? That can make feet exceedingly dry, especially if you have a lot of tile.

Answer 4

Try a lotion with 99% of aloe Vera. Deep your feet in warm water for 15 minutes then shave of the extra dry skin.

Answer 5

The best stuff is this lotion called Vaseline intensive care with aloe, it softens and soothes your feet. and if they hurt the most when you've been walking around or after work, try soaking them in warm water with epsom salt for 30 minutes.Take Care.

Oh and if that doesnt help talk to your doctor they can give you a prescription creme that will help.

Answer 6

Lachydrin lotion or Amlactin lotion over the counter. I work for a foot doctor. I'm not quite sure of the spelling but you're pharmacist would know. Use a pumice stone and use a good lotion, not the cheap stuff. The cheap stuff is just waxy, you need something to penatrate through the skin.

Answer 7

My daughter sells items from the Body Shop and there is a tube of this great stuff called Hemp Hand Protector that will take complete care of your heels. Hope this helps you. CG

Answer 8

If over the counter foot creams do not work then I would recommend contacting your Dr. So you don't end up with and infected foot

Answer 9

Get a pedicure (or do it yourself), and everyday put either Vitamin E, or African (from Africa, not America)Shea Butter on them. This should clear right up if not go to the doctor.

Answer 10

The acidic property in lemons can be very effective in softening rough skin that leads to cracking.