Dry and cracked feet are not only unsightly, but they can be uncomfortable. You may be experiencing this condition for any number of reasons. Maybe you stand on hard surfaces all day. Perhaps you are a bit overweight. You might even fail to moisturize your feet like you do the rest of your body.
No matter the cause, you want to return your feet to their smooth beauty. It’s an easy thing to accomplish at home, though it may take a few treatments. Take a look in your cupboards. Chances are you have at least one of these home remedies lurking behind closed doors.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has become all the rage in recent years and is used for different purposes. One such purpose is healing dry and cracked feet. Wash your feet well before going to bed. Slather on coconut oil and put on a pair of clean, cotton socks. Wash your feet in the morning and dry them well. You can do this for several days or until you are happy with the way your feet look. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can do the same thing with olive oil.
2. Mentholated Rub
Clean and dry your feet before you go to bed. Apply mentholated rub to your feet and put on clean socks. Take your socks off when you wake up and wash your feet in warm water. You will repeat this for several days and the dry, rough skin will eventually peel away.
3. Rough Scrub
Treat yourself to a foot scrub or, better yet, get your partner to do it for you while you sit back and relax. Fill a foot tub with warm water and a bit of liquid soap. Soak your feet for 20 minutes and then scrub the dry areas with a pumice stone. Rinse your feet, pat them dry and apply your favorite moisturizer. Put on socks and go to bed. Do this every night until your feet are baby soft.
4. Paraffin Wax
Heat paraffin wax in the microwave. Mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply the paste to the cracks in your feet. Put on a pair of socks and go to bed. When you wake up, wash and dry your feet. You will need to do this daily for as many as two weeks for the best results.
5. Epsom Salt
Fill a foot tub with warm water and add a 1/2 cup of epsom salt. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. Scrub the dry areas of your feet with a pumice stone and then soak in epsom salt and water for another 10 minutes. Dry your feet. Repeat this every day for up to three days for incredibly soft feet.
If home remedies don’t mend your feet, you may need to visit an experienced podiatrist. Dr. Elizabeth Auger is accepting new patients in Salt Lake City and would be happy to diagnose and treat your condition.
