Your feet are one of the most hard-working parts of your body. Perhaps you stick them in heels all day and pound them on pavements for your evening run. Or you stand on them all day for work, giving them no rest. If you have excessively dry skin or suffer from a medical condition such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or diabetes, these issues, plus simple neglect of your feet can lead to dry, cracked heels.
So whether you’ve had your feet wrapped up in woolly socks all winter, or you’ve been outdoors for hours in the summer sun, you are susceptible to this horrid affliction. Here’s how to fix it, once and for all…
No more cracks
Before you can start to take care of your feet, you need to get rid of the thick, cracked skin around the rim of your heels. Most normal moisturisers won’t be able to penetrate this hard, dry skin so greater action must be taken. Medi-Heel offers a retail pack for R300 which includes callus remover tonic, neutraliser, a pumice stone, a scraper and a dropper. This chemical peel will soften the hard skin, making it easier to remove. Once you’ve managed to get rid of the offending matter, use a moisturising cream to soothe and repair the skin and keep it soft. Try Sh’Zen Overnight Balm for Feet, R169. The Medi-Heel treatment is also used at many beauty salons if you’d rather someone did it for you.
Daily care
Avoid overly hot baths or showers – if you have dry skin, this will just make it worse. Find a moisturising soap or shower gel, and avoid products that will dry out your skin. During the winter months, apply moisturiser to your feet every morning and evening. In summer, avoid moisturising your feet in the mornings – the heat of the day will cause your feet to become sweaty, and moisturiser will make them slippery which may be hazardous if you’re wearing heels! A great moisturiser to try is Avon Foot Works Double Action Intensive Callus Cream.
Home remedies
Soak your feet in lemon juice for about 10-15 minutes. The acidity will dissolve dead skin, making it easier for you to scrub it off with a loofah. Avoid this remedy if you have any deep cuts.
Just before bedtime, lather your heels in Vaseline and pull on some woollen socks. In the morning, your skin will feel softer. If you do this for a few days, you’ll see a marked difference.
If all else fails, consult a doctor
If the problem is very bad and you are suffering from a medical condition like the ones mentioned above, it’s often a good idea to get advice from your doctor first. A podiatrist is your best bet.
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41 Responses
Buy a small bottle of bio oil and mix it with your body lotion and apply on cracked heels, knees and elbows. It works like a bomb!
Winter is a kind time to my feet. I wear open shoes mainly in summer and they take a beating. I am currently using a product called Pedi-Ease recommended by my beautician and used by diabetics for their cracked heels.
I am already pampering my feet for the upcoming summer time. I find that the Vaseline works very well.
Vaseline doesbit for me and its very economical too!
I have tried the pumice stone, applying Vaseline, wearing socks and even the foot file but my heels stay cracked and I end up peeling the skin off which leaves it looking ugly and feeling pokey…
i have creaked heals and i find the pumice stone works best, use it everyday when you are in the shower then wash wipe and add lots of moisturizer put on socks and you will start seeing results
Always massage vasaline on ur heals and wear socks. Makes ur feet soft n smooth without cracks
I wash my feet, moisturize them using Vaseline, and wear socks.
I’ll try the vasiline method so my feet may remain soft and free of cracks. Thanks, nice article.
I’ve been neglecting my feet terribly lately! I will definitely be trying these tips.