6 Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Feet

6 Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Feet

• A pumice stone or foot scrub. Exfoliation gets rid of dry, dead skin, revealing the softer, smoother skin underneath. …
• A foot file or rasp. …
• Foot cream or heel balm. …
• Moisturizing gel socks or heel socks. …
• Foot peel masks. …
• Liquid bandage.

1. A pumice stone or foot scrub

Exfoliation gets rid of dry, dead skin, revealing the softer, smoother skin underneath. You can exfoliate using a pumice stone or an over-the-counter foot scrub, preferably after a shower, bath or foot soak in warm water (add a little Epsom salt for good measure), when the skin is soft. If you use a pumice stone, don’t be overly aggressive. Apply a moisturizing cream when you’re done.

Do not exfoliate your feet if you have sores or open wounds.

2. A foot file or rasp

A foot file is a tool with a handle and an abrasive metal surface that mechanically exfoliates the skin. Some foot files look like cheese graters. These may be too rough on the feet and in most cases should only be used on calloused heels, if at all.

Like pumice stones, foot files are best used after a bath, shower, or foot soak, when the skin has been softened. An electronic foot file with a head that spins is another option, especially for removing hard, dead skin from the heels. These are typically used on your feet when they are dry, but some waterproof models can be used in the shower.

3. Pumice stone or foot file

People can use a pumice stone or metal foot file to remove dry skin and calluses from the feet.

They can do this by following the steps below:

People can buy pumice stones in drug stores or choose between brands online.

Regularly moisturizing the feet will help reduce existing dry skin and prevent new dry skin from accumulating. Moisturizing the feet after using an exfoliator or a pumice stone will help the skin lock in moisture.

It is best to avoid lotions, creams, and moisturizers that contain alcohol, added fragrances, and artificial colors as these ingredients can worsen dry skin.

Instead, a person should look for products that contain:

humectants, such as urea, aloe, and hyaluronic acid

emollients, which include plant-based butter and oil

occlusives, such as petrolatum, lanolin, and coconut oil

5. Wear moisturizing socks to bed

For extra hydration, a person can try using moisturizing gel-lined socks. These are available to purchase online, or people can create their own.

Gel-lined socks contain natural oils and vitamins that help hydrate and repair dry skin on the feet. The individual just needs to slip on a pair and wear them around the house for a few hours. Afterward, they can place the socks in the washing machine and let them air-dry.

People can get similar results using their usual moisturizer and a good pair of cotton socks. At bedtime, they can apply a generous amount of moisturizer to the feet before slipping on a pair of breathable, cotton socks. In the morning, they should remove the socks and rinse the feet.

People can use the following tips to help prevent dry skin on their feet:

practicing proper foot hygiene, which includes thoroughly cleaning the feet, removing dead skin, and keeping the skin hydrated with a good moisturizer

avoiding lotions, soaps, and body washes that contain alcohol, added fragrances and colors, and other potential irritants

using warm, rather than hot, water for showers, baths, and foot soaks

wearing shoes that fit correctly

instead of vigorously rubbing the feet after a shower, gently patting them dry with a clean towel

Wearing the wrong shoes or spending too much time standing can result in dry, itchy feet and areas of irritated or scaly skin. Without treatment, dry skin can thicken and crack open, leaving the feet vulnerable to infection.

People can use pumice stones, exfoliators, and foot soaks to remove dry skin from their feet at home. Regularly applying moisturizer and removing dead skin will help keep the feet healthy and hydrated.

Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, hypothyroidism, and diabetes, can cause very dry skin on the feet.

People who have severely dry skin on their feet might want to consider contacting a specialist foot doctor called a podiatrist or another healthcare professional to discuss possible treatment options.

Last medically reviewed on April 8, 2019

Cracked Heels and Dry Skin on Feet: Treatments and More

If you want to tackle the symptoms of dry feet and cracked heels at home before seeing a doctor, here are some things you can try.

If the skin is itchy, dry, and with scratching becomes flaky or begins to peel, you could be experiencing eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition that can affect anyone at any age. Your doctor can properly diagnose you. If it is eczema, they can suggest over-the-counter solutions such as creams and lotions. If these products don’t work for you, your doctor can prescribe stronger creams and lotions.

If you would rather try other ways to manage the symptoms of your cracked heels and dry feet, you can simply visit the skin care aisle and grab a hydrating cream or lotion with shea butter or aloe. Other lotion ingredients like salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, saccharide isomerate, and urea can all ease symptoms of dry feet. These products vary in price and last for an undetermined amount of time.

For cracked heels and dry skin, try your best not to expose your feet to really hot water when bathing. Also, review the type of soap you are using to clean your body. It may be drying out your skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial fragrances are the main ingredients to avoid when you have dry skin and are choosing a soap.

The good news is that you can manage your dry feet and cracked heels with very simple remedies. While your feet may never resemble those of a baby, with the right care they will always be presentable. You’ll be able to put your best foot forward in any situation.

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