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Tips on Very Dry Cracked Feet With Thick Dry Skin Around the Crack

Dry skin on the bottoms of the feet, resulting in cracked heels, is a common problem. The condition is not usually serious but can be uncomfortable and unsightly, especially for women who wear shoes that expose the heels. Causes of dry, cracked feet range from eczema to wearing backless shoes, and remedies depend on the cause. If left untreated or treated improperly, the condition can become serious and require medical attention.

  1. Causes

    • There are several causes of dry cracked heels. Diseases and disorders such diabetes, thyroid conditions, eczema, psoriasis and athlete's foot all may cause this condition. Other causes include vitamin deficiency, ill-fitting shoes, unhygienic conditions and age. As people age, skin loses elasticity and moisture. Continuous exposure to water or damp conditions can rob the feet of moisture by breaking down natural skin barriers and can lead to dry skin. There are also people who are naturally prone to dry skin.

    Self-Treatments

    • Daily cleaning and moisturizing of the feet is one of the best ways to combat the problem. Other remedies include adding oil to your bath or applying a thick coat of vegetable shortening to the feet and covering with socks. Avoid rayon and nylon socks because they exacerbate the problem. Soaking the feet in a mixture of half lukewarm water and half oil or Epsom salts before bed can help; follow directions on the container for Epsom salts. Use pumice stone to exfoliate the area.

    Prevention

    • To help prevent cracked heels, keep the feet clean, apply moisturizer after a shower or bath, exfoliate the area and avoid going barefoot. Avoiding exposing feet to prolonged damp conditions. Soaking your feet in warm water once a week will help improve blood flow to the area. Make sure your shoes fit correctly. Sandals and backless shoes increase the risk of dry cracked heels because they cause excessive friction and pressure on the heel pad.

    Precautions

    • Never cut away thick dry skin with a razor blade or any other cutting instrument. Cutting the skin leads to infections as well as soreness and irritation. If the cracks deepen and bleed, consult a family doctor or a dermatologist. Once the heels become prone to deep cracks, home remedies are less likely to give any relief. Never apply lotions to deeply cracked or bleeding heels, which may aggravate the condition.

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