Dry Foot Treatments

Dealing with dry feet can be painful and irritating. When your feet don't get enough moisture it causes the skin to dry and this can lead to cracked heels, dry skin patches, calluses and other uncomfortable conditions. If not treated properly dry feet can worsen and the cracks in the skin can deepen and pose a risk for infection from bacteria. In addition to being unhealthy, dry feet are also unsightly and women who suffer from dry feet are reluctant to wear flip flops and strappy shoes out of embarrassment. If you are concerned about the dryness of the skin on your feet consider some easy tips for keeping feet properly moisturized to reduce the chances of cracked heels and calluses.

A lack of moisture can be due to dehydration. One way to combat dry feet and cracked heels is to drink plenty of water so your body stays well hydrated. However, moisturizing skin doesn't mean soaking in water. In fact, the more you expose your feet to warm or hot water in a bath tub or shower the more likely you are to dry the skin. Try to keep your bath and shower time to a minimum and avoid water that is too hot. If you do want to soak your feet use warm water and add honey or baby oil to it for a soothing remedy that can help heal cracked skin.

You should moisturize your feet at least twice day with a hypoallergenic lotion. Gently rub the lotion over your feet and make sure you apply a liberal amount to dry patch areas and cracks. You can also use petroleum jelly and lotions that contain vitamin E, shea butter and aloe to help soothe the irritation caused by dry, cracked skin. In addition to moisturizing your feet daily you also need to keep the soles clean. Dirt and bacteria will worsen any dry skin condition and the more you cleanse your feet the better since the skin will be healthier and smoother making it more comfortable to walk.

Exfoliating your feet is also recommended for healing dry skin and cracked heels. By removing dead skin cells you revitalize the feet and rejuvenate the skin by revealing new skin layers. All parts of the body shed dead skin but people often overlook the feet and this can lead to an accumulation of dead skin that will only worsen conditions of dry feet and cracked heels. By taking careful steps to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize the skin on your feet you can alleviate dry skin.