I was wondering if anyone had any clue as to what to do about extremely dry, cracked feet. It is mainly on my heals but is starting to move up to my ankles and bottom of my toes. It is not painful at all but very ugly looking when I am barefoot. I am not an athlete and don't wear sneakers often. I have been to a foot specialist and he told me that it was due to my pregnancy, that the baby took all my water? He also recommended vasoline with water as the main ingredient. Well, my baby is now 2 and I still have the same problem and the vaseline didn't do much but soften the skin's top layer. I am talking there are layers of cracked skin and even after scraping them myself with a tool I bought (for this reason) there are still more cracks and layers. I have pedicures regularly, both professionally and at home, I've used pumice stones, exfoliaters, scrapers, creams, etc...Please help, it is very frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way... I do drink plenty of water and it is not callousy. Just dry like sandpaper and cracked.

Get a pair of clean athletic socks White, and a bottle of your favorite olive oil extra virgin. (the expensive stuff, will make you feel rich and special). Put the olive oil in the palm of your hands (lots) and put it all over your feet, get them nice and wet. Then put on the socks and go to bed. In about 15 minutes the olive oil will have soaked in. You can either repeat once or twice a day, until your skin is back to the way you like it.

Want to take advantage of the oil on your hands. Buy a pair of white gloves and rub the olive oil all over your hands, then wear the gloves to bed.

Stay away from scrapers, knives and sharp objects that will break the surface of the skin. Stay away from solvents, alcohol or soaps that will erode the oils in your skin. Take a look at what type of hosiery you are wearing you could be allergic or it could be irritating your skin.

Take vitamin E., drink water, and make sure you have an appropriate amount of fat in your diet.

It should take a couple of weeks to see a difference that will last more than a couple of days.

Good luck

Thanks, that's one thing I haven't tried - olive oil! I've done the vaseline, rudders cream and a bunch of expensive and non-expesive creams and lotions that promised results but nothing changed. I will let you know how the olive oil turns out because I have lots of that!

I really appreciate this posting, I also have very dry and cracked feet. I am going to try the olive oil and the vitamin E. My heels get so dry and cracked that it is very painful. It is not just my heels that are dry and cracked it is my whole foot. I will let everyone know if this also helps me.

One more thing you guys need to consider. Could it be you guys have developed an allergy to the stockings or sock, or the detergent used to wash these?

For me, I don't think it's an allergy because I have been using the same detergents etc... and mine it mainly my heel and my ankles, so wouldn;t it be on the whole foot if it were an allergy? It doesn't itch or hurt me - just very aggravating to me because I take care of them regularly.I am beginning to think that it may be the water in our house? It seems as though ever since I moved here, it has happened? Maybe hard water ie: the chemicals in it? But still doctor claimed it was from pregnancy - baby absorbed all my water? (like I said it will be 2 years in March) I did try the olive oil - WOW did it absorb in there quick. But I haven't done it consistantly like I should, but I will. I will keep you updated. I'm glad to know also that I am not the only one!

Well?? did the Olive oil work?

Moon,

My mother has had dry feet for many years (10 years or more).

She tried many things (cutting, messaging, water, moisturizers, cream, skin oil, ... etc.). It appears nothing has worked.

And doctors did not help. [Personally in my life time doctors have not helped me much, but I have to say that doctors did help some people I know sometimes, and may have saves some people's lives who I know.]

Thanks to the INTERNET AND THANKS TO PEOPLE LIKE YOUR SELF AND WEB PAGES LIKE HEALTHBOARDS.COM, people have more power to become healthy again by themselves without paying a lot of money. (I have noticed, generally speaking and in many instances, that going to doctors and paying a lot of money has no results).

In June of 2001, when I was visiting my mother, my mother asked me if there is something that can alleviate the dry skin in her feet. She mentioned this several times in the past, but I did not find information that treats this condition, until I searched the internet and visited several health related web pages, and visited the Healthboards.com web page, and search oon "dry feet" and came across your posting.

After reading the posting I told my mother the following.

1. Get Oliver oil
1.5 Get two loose rubber bands
2. Put some Olive oil in two plastic bags
3. Put feets in the plastic bags
4. Tie the plastic bags with the feets inside with the rubber bands.
5. Put on socks.
6. And sleep this way.

Last time I spoke to my mother, she said when doing the above it helps and was good.

When I talk to my mother again, I will ask her about her feet, and let you know the status.

Thank you, Healthboards.com, the Internet and God.

[This message has been edited by shs (edited 11-17-2002).]

I too had this problem. I bought a soft file. You can get it at Wal Marts. It has two different pink colors on one side and on the other side there is two different colors of blue. Have feet very dry and file with blue side then change over to the pink side. Watch carefully and don't overdo on the filing. This is not a harsh file. After doing this wash feet. My foot doctor prescribed CARMOL 40 it has 40% urea cream. You apply this 4 times a day. It really does help me. My feet now are nice and soft. Good luck.......
Dgrams949 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hi Paula,
I would suggest you see a Podiatrist to properly have the layers of dry skin removed,then you will be able to use the lotions to prevent it from recurring.Ive had a problem with dry cracked heels before and noticed a big diff in seeing a Podiatrist first then taking care of it on my own..I would of been forever if I didnt go first..

All the best!
Jas

Once you rule out a fungal infection which can cause painful cracks (better see the doctor to make sure), you might consider purchasing a paraffin bath. I have a contact dermatitis condition on my hands that's irritated by paper that I work with at my job. The paraffin has really helped! I would suggest buying unscented or menthol wax, though. Some of the scented and colored waxes can irritate sensitive skin. Dip your feet several time to build up a nice layer of wax and wrap them in a plastic bag and a towel. Experiment with how long you should leave the wax on. Try doing this several times a day. This should help moisturize her feet, and the menthol/mint wax has antibacterial and healing properties as well (I think- better look it up).
Be careful not to leave the paraffin bath plugged in 24/7, supervise children, and take all the ordinary precautions that you take regarding electrical appliances that get hot (I'm sure you knew all that!).

I have noticed that several stores like Walmart, Target, and Penney's carry paraffin baths for $29-$65. I'm sure a health care store would have them too, but they might be more expensive. Maybe this would be a good Christmas present to ask for if you have continuing trouble with dry feet or hands!

Good luck!

I asked my mother on the status of the use of olive oil and plastic bags in her dry cracked feet. (This is after eight months). She said that the use of olive oil and plastic bags in her dry cracked feet is helpful. That it is better than not using the olive oil and plastic bags.

shs