PHOTO VIA WISEGEEK
If you suffer from dry cracked feet, you may have noticed the tell-tale signs: red, itchy and flaky skin with noticeable cracks on the heels or in-between the toes. Dry feet are a common problem that many people experience to some degree. This common problem is due to the fact that unlike other body skin, the feet contain no oil glands. Instead, hundred of thousands of sweat glands are used as the primary source of moisture.
Unfortunately, these sweat glands are often not enough to keep your feet properly moisturized. According to Foot Vitals, common causes of dry, cracked feet include cold weather, using non-moisturizing soaps, extensive sun exposure, low humidity, hot showers, aging and medical conditions, such as diabetes and athlete’s foot. Dry feet can make daily tasks downright miserable. Don’t let your dry, cracked feet go untreated. Instead, try these eight simple home remedies to moisturize and heal your feet.
Dry Cracked Feet Remedies
1.) Milk
The lactic acid and vitamin A in milk can both help your feet shed their dead skin and promote the growth of healthy, new skin. Rapid Home Remedies recommends combining one cup of milk with five to seven cups of warm water. Soak your feet and gently pat dry afterward.
2.) Honey
Another common sweet pantry ingredient, honey contains natural enzymes that can help lock in moisture and speed healing. Livestrong recommends soaking your feet in warm water that has been mixed with honey. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes and pat dry for noticeably softer feet.
3.) Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used for thousands of years to moisturize skin, which makes it a great solution for your sore feet. Per Foot Vitals, a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oils added to the olive oil can further boost its healing effects. To make a batch of this natural moisturizer, simply combine the olive oil and essential oil of your choice in a jar and shake until the solution looks thick and creamy. Apply to your dried heels as often as desired.
4.) Vaseline
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is a commonly used moisturizer. Livestrong recommends massaging a small amount of petroleum jelly onto the tops of your feet, in-between and under the toes and onto the heels. To wake up to softer feet, simply apply the Vaseline at night before bedtime, cover with a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. In the morning, the Vaseline can be easily wiped away.
5.) Listerine
As, Yahoo explains to git rid of calloused and cracked feet you need to add 1 cup of Listerine (or any antiseptic mouthwash) to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups warm water. Soak your dry cracked feet in this tingling mixture for 1 solid hour then prepare to go to work using a solid pumice stone to early remove the dry skin. The benzoic acid encourages sloughing and the ethanol kills bacteria, fungi, and germs that can lead to athlete’s foot. These many ingenious uses for Listerine makes it a must have for your medicine cabinet!
6.) Turmeric
This bright, yellow spice will not only make your feet temporarily glow, but will help to kill any fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, that are making your feet miserable. Rapid Home Remedies recommends mixing three tablespoons of turmeric powder with a few drops of coconut oil until it forms a paste. Rub into the feet and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, wash the mixture off of your feet and pat dry. Most people don’t realize there are many more powerful turmeric health benefits other than just helping with dry cracked feet.
7.) Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a common ingredient in Asian cooking that contains skin-healing vitamin E and three different types of acids that help to remove dead skin from the feet. According to Rapid Home Remedies, sesame oil can be used to treat dry skin by first soaking the feet in a warm water bath for 10 minutes, patting dry and then rubbing the sesame oil all over the feet before going to bed.
8.) Sugar Scrub
According to Livestrong, a simple sugar exfoliating scrub can be made by combining equal parts of brown sugar and olive oil in a bowl. Rub the solution into your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, paying special attention to the heels. Rinse the solution (and dead skin cells) away and pat dry.
9.) Baking Soda
Health Awareness Community recommends using a 20-minute baking soda soak before bed time to help you easily scrub off the excess dead skin. Simply add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 4-5 liters of warm water and soak. Once finished, take a scrub mitt or pumice stone and carefully rub your cracked areas. Then apply a generous layer of coconut oil or vaseline and slip on your socks to help seal in the moisture. Never underestimate the power and many alternative uses for baking soda!
10.) Lemon Juice
It may seem that an acidic food is the last thing you would want to put onto your painful feet, but the acid in lemon juice makes it the perfect solution for ridding your feet of dead skin. According to Foot Vitals, the high acidity level in the lemons dissolves the dead skin, allowing new skin to emerge. To try this remedy, soak your feet in lemon juice for 10 minutes. Use a loofah to gently scrub the dead skin off of your feet to remove the dry skin. There are many incredible health benefits of lemons because this tiny sour-power is loaded with vitamins A, B6, C, E, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc!
Don’t let your dry cracked feet make your miserable. Try one of these cost effective, simple home remedies today for soft, healthy skin.
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