Dry and Cracked Feet and Heels

• Why Do I Get Dry And Cracked Feet And Heels?

Treatments for dry and cracked feet and heels:

Although there are many products and several procedures available for everyone to try, nothing delivers instant solution to problem feet. The healing process may take time. But you can minimize the issue by doing some of the steps below.

• Use a pumice to scrub off the dry and flaky areas of your feet while having a shower. Do not put so much force on your feet as it might break your skin and might result to bleeding. Do it gently. Do not expect to have immediate results after doing this routine the first day. Continuous application of this step will lead to smoother and healthier skin. Apply your favorite moisturizing lotion or cream after.

• Foot bath with liquid moisturizing soap atleast once a week is a great way in dealing with dry and cracked feet. You do not need to have an expensive foot bath device for this. All you have to have enough amount of warm water in a pail or basin, drop in a tablespoon of rock salt and 20 to 30 ml of your favorite liquid moisturizing soap. Mix them together until the mixture becomes somewhat a bubble bath. Soak your feet for atleast 3o minutes. Then scrub your feet gently using either a pumice or a brush. Apply your favorite moisturizing cream or lotion after the procedure. (The warm water relaxes the skin and opens the pores allowing toxins to be released from the body while salt exfoliates the dry skin and the moisturizing soap keeps the skin hydrated and soft.)

• Try soaking your feet once a week with vinegar-warm water-dishwashing liquid mixture. Add a cup of white vinegar and a drop of dishwashing liquid to a basin of warm water. Then soak your feet for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly then dry them with a towel. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to keep it soft and smooth. (The vinegar softens the skin while the dishwashing liquid keeps the skin soft.)

• In a gallon of warm water, dissolve half a cup of baking soda. Soak your feet for 30 minutes. Rinse your feet and pat them dry. Apply a general amount of moisturizing cream or lotion. (The baking soda makes your feet clean and very soft as it gently exfoliates dry skin cells.)

If you do not have the time to do some of the steps above, you can also try some skin care products such as:

• Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which scrubs off dry flaky skin. It is best to apply this cream before going to bed. Wash your feet first, pat them dry and then put a generous amount of the cream. Cover your feet with cotton socks to allow AHA to penetrate the skin for better results.

• Using meneral oil or castor oil before going to bed is also useful as it prevents the moisture from escaping. It keeps the skin softer and smoother.

• You can also mix 50 ml of any baby lotion (perfume dye and perfume free) with 1 ml of sprearmint oil and 1 ml of eucalyptus oil. Apply the mixture onto your feet before going to bed. Remember not to use this on the face or other parts of the body as the skin might result negatively to the concoction. (The baby oil keeps your skin soft and supple while the oils help in sealing in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth.)

• Flexitol Heel Balm is another preparation which helps in treating dry and cracked feet. It contains Urea (removes dead skin cells), emollients (penetrate and smoothen hard, rough skin), occlusive (keeps in moisture) and moisturizers (to keep the skin soft and supple). This product is recommended to be used twice a day for the first seven days and atleast once each day after the first week. It is also safe for diabetic patients.

• Dr. Scholl's Cracked Heel Relief Cream contains antiseptic and anesthetic properties which prevent skin infection. It is a rich, non-greasy formula that restores moisture therefore relieving excessively dry and cracked skin. This product is not recommended for people with diabetes, circulation problems (heart, liver or kidney problems) and to women who are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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Baking Soda As An Exfoliant