Dry Cracked Heels?
March 28, 2009 by Colleen Coplick
Sandal season is coming soon (and for me, I’m already rocking
the flip flops, even if it is raining and still chilly out!), but
if you have dry, cracked heels, sandals might not be in your
closet. That doesn’t mean if has to stay that way though!
Dry, cracked heels can be painful, as well as unattractive! But,
all is not lost - dry cracked heels can be repaired with a few
simple steps and some diligence.
Your best option is to get a good foot file like a microplane, or a callus remover like
Dr. Scholl’s. There are
several options out there, with varying price points. Just know
that these tools are not recommended for people with diabetes or circulation problems.
Soak your feet first in a solution of warm water and tea tree
oil which is an antiseptic will soften the rough skin and clean
your feet at the same time. Stay in the foot soak for at least 20
or 30 minutes, until your skin softens up. Pat your feet dry and
then start filing. File in one direction, and keep at it until you
can’t feel the rough skin anymore. You may still see cracks, but
you’ll be well on your way to smooth heels again.
Once you’ve filed your heels down, apply an intense moisturizer,
such as TriDerma Extreme Dryness
Plus or Nouriva
Repair. Both products are intended for extremely dry
skin, which is what you’re dealing with when you start talking
about cracked heels. Both products are available onlune from
Amazon or DermStore.com. I personally prefer the
TriDerma Extreme Dryness Creak as it’s a little easier to smooth
onto skin than the Nouriva, which is quite thick.
Don’t be stingy with the cream - slather it on nice and thick,
and then put on socks right away. It’s going to feel kind of weird
at first, but remember, beauty knows no pain (or discomfort!). If you can, sleep
in your socks, and in the morning you should be well on your way to
repairing those cracks.
Repeat this process once a day or once every two days until
you’ve got gorgeous, soft heels and then flaunt those sexy
sandals!