How to Treat Dry Skin and Cracked Heels at Home
In Texas, dry skin can be a year-round problem. However, did you know that lemons can be used to make your feet beautiful and healthy? When you seek a remedy for dry skin, citrus fruits are probably not going to be high up on the list, but add lemon juice to warm water and soak your feet for about ten minutes. Wash them, dry completely, and then apply moisturizer. Repeat a couple of times a week and prepare for smooth, healthy skin.
Beyond lemons, there are a variety of other nontraditional remedies to help prevent, or even cure, cracked heels and excessively dry feet. Coconut oil, paraffin wax, vinegar, and even bananas can all be used to either moisturize or eliminate dead skin cells. Of course, there are also topical creams that can be picked up at the store, if you would prefer to go that route.
The use of moisturizers, even the unconventional ones, is an essential component to smart foot care, but so is exfoliating. When you are preparing to scrub away dead, dry skin, make sure to adequately soak your feet first (for about twenty minutes). Follow this with the gentle use of a pumice stone that will eliminate the loosened dead skin cells. Rinse, dry, and moisturize your feet. Experts recommend putting on clean, cotton socks to wear overnight afterwards.
Keep in mind that cracked, dry heels might be symptomatic of other medical issues (diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency), so should not be taken lightly. It is important to note that individuals with diabetes should never try to scrub or treat cracked heels at home. Doing so can lead to abrasions which might result in serious infections. It is best to leave this treatment in the hands of a professional from Dallas Podiatry Works.
If cracked heels are a chronic condition and you live in the Dallas or Plano areas, make an appointment with Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin. Call 972.853.7100 for the Dallas office or (972) 943-3323 for the Plano location.
Remember…when life gives you lemons, use them to treat your feet!