Dry Cracked Feet

So your feet are hurting and you do not know why. Have you considered the daily abuse your feet have to endure? From stilettos to running shoes, your feet are screaming to be nurtured or they will become dry and cracked. If your feet are dry, cracked or painful, this article is for you.

Causes of Dry Cracked Feet

There are many factors that can cause dry cracked feet. The following are some common causes that you can check with:

  • Major contributors of dry cracked feet involve cold weather, low humidity, aging and long-term sun exposure.
  • You can also get dry cracked feet because your feet are not able to hold on to moisture. Another factor that reduces moisture in your feet is physical stress which increases the temperature of the feet thus resulting in loss of water in the skin.
  • Water deficiency in your skin produces dry cracked feet as well. Some factors increase this deficiency such as taking too hot of baths or showers. Harsh soaps can also dry out your feet.
  • If you have a medical or skin disorders such as thyroid, diabetes, or eczema, it can cause you to have dry cracked feet.

Home Remedies for Dry Cracked Feet

Here are some home remedies for healthy happy feet.

Home Remedy

How It Helps

Banana Paste

You can use ripe banana and put on cracked and dry parts of your feet and leave it on for ten minutes then wash. You can also blend the following ingredients and spread the paste over dry parts to make a mask for your feet: ripe banana, half of an avocado, or half of a green coconut.

Lemon Juice and Vaseline

Before bedtime you want to wash your feet and place them in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking feet, rinse and dry. Mix 1 tablespoon of Vaseline and some lemon juice, and gently rub into dry parts of your feet. Cover feet overnight to increase effectiveness. In the morning wash the mixture off your feet.

Oil and Wax

 

In a saucepan heat paraffin wax with mustard or coconut oil until wax melts completely. Remove mixture from stove and allow it to cool at room temperature. Apply cooled mixture liberally over feet and heels. Cover with socks and leave on all night. In the morning wash the mixture from your feet.

Honey

 

Honey has natural moisturizing and antimicrobial qualities. To bath your feet, you want to dissolve one cup of honey in half a bucket of warm water. Immerse your feet for approximately 15-20 minutes. Scrub your feet with a gentle abrasive, wash off access skin and enjoy your new smooth and silky feet.

Lemon or Lavender Oil Rub

Use a cotton ball to apply olive oil to you dry cracked feet and massage feet for 10-15 minutes. Apply old socks and leave them on for an hour and then wash your feet. Next, combine 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil in a small container with lemon or lavender oil, add equal parts water and mix until thick. Apply cream regularly.

Jojoba and Oatmeal

 

Blend 1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal and some jojoba oil to make a paste. Apply over your heels and feet and leave on for roughly 30 minutes. Rinse your feet with cold water and pat them dry. Continue this routine every other day to eliminate all cracks.

Stone Scrub

 

Scrubbing is effective for removing dead skin and cracks. Before you go to bed, soak your feet in liquid soap and warm water for 20 minutes. You can use a pumice stone to gently remove dead skin cells. Rinse and pat feet dry. Massage in moisturizer and cover feet with socks overnight. Continue routine until the desired results have been achieved.

Epsom Salt

 

Mix ½ a cup of Epsom salt with warm water and soak for 10 minutes. Gently rub your feet with a pumice stone and replace them in the water to soak for another 10 minutes. Wash and dry cracked feet and then rub with moisturizer or petroleum jelly. Repeat for two or three days. 

Sugar Scrub

 

Mix equal parts of brown sugar and olive oil to make an exfoliating scrub, and rub all over feet especially the dry cracked areas. Rub in for 10-15 minutes and rinse feet with cold water to remove any debris, and gently dry cracked feet with a clean towel.

Mentholated Rub

 

Mentholated rub not only moisturizes your feet, but it is also effective in removing toenail fungus. Apply mentholated rub before bed and cover with socks, leave on overnight. In the morning remove socks and wash feet. Repeat until necessary dry skin is removed and toe nail fungus is healed.

Dos and Don’ts for Dry Cracked Feet  

1. Dos for Dry Cracked Feet

  • Do use a pumice stone or file during bathing to prevent buildup of calluses and use a daily moisturizer to prevent dryness.
  • Do include products such as flaxseed oil, walnuts and canola oil to reduce skin water loss. Borage oil and evening primrose oil are also effective in retaining moisture.
  • Do use overnight treatments when needed. Use home treatment remedies listed above to heal dry skin. 
  • Do wash feet in warm water instead of hot to keep them from drying out.
  • Do soak feet regularly.

2. Don’ts for Dry Cracked Feet

  • Don’t wear shoes that are too big because it creates callouses on your feet and heals, or leave on wet shoes or socks.
  • Don’t neglect daily care of your feel, which includes scrubbing, soaking and moisturizing.
  • Don’t use harsh soaps without moisturizers that can cause itching and dryness.
  • Don’t stand for long periods of time to avoid overheating your feet and moisture loss.
  • Do not neglect medical conditions that contribute to dry cracked feet.

Here is a brief tutorial on how to resolve dry cracked feet. Check it out: