How To Get Rid Of Dead Skin On Your Feet
Many people suffer from hard, dry, and cracked skin under their feet. In comparison to the rest of your body, your feet contain less oil glands. As a result, they are subjected to regular wear and strain, which results in the accumulation of dead skin.
It’s also possible that dead skin on the soles of the feet may become an embarrassment. But don’t worry: with the correct treatment, you can get rid of the dead skin and restore the softer texture of your feet. To learn how to remove dead skin from your foot, keep reading.
Methods for Removing Dead Skin From Your Feet that You Can Try
Hard Skin of Various Types Under The Feet
Due to persistent pressure and friction, many forms of hard skin develop beneath your feet. Following are some of them:
Corns
Corns are tiny, spherical buildups of thick skin on the tops or sides of your toes that are most usually noticed. Corns come in a variety of varieties, as follows:
Corn that is very hard
They are little regions of thicker skin that are rigid and dense. They develop on the tops of the toes or in locations where the skin is subjected to severe bone pressure .
Corn that is not too hard
Soft corns have a softer, rubbery feel and are often white or gray in color. Between the toes is where they usually emerge (1).
Cornseeds
Seed corns are significantly smaller than regular corns, and they develop near the bottom of the foot.
Calluses
Calluses are thick, hard patches of skin, unlike corns. These are bigger than corns and have a more uneven or spread-out form than corns (2). They’re most noticeable near the bottom of your foot, on the bony parts that support your weight (such as the big toe, heel, ball of the foot, or along the side of the foot).
Hands may get calluses as well, particularly if there is a lot of rubbing or contact. Calluses form on the hands and fingers of weight lifters, craftspeople, and guitar (or any other stringed musical instrument) players.
Knowing the signs of corns and calluses is the best method to determine whether you have them. In the next part, we’ll go over the same topic.
Corns And Calluses Symptoms
Corns and calluses cause the following symptoms and signs:
Skin that is flaky, dry, and thick.
Structures on the foot skin that are rounded or conical in form.
Walking or other physical activities may be hampered by foot discomfort.
If you have calluses or corns, these signs might help you recognize them. But, first and foremost, what causes them? Understanding the causes of dry, cracked feet and heels will aid in selecting the best treatment option.
What Causes Cracked And Dry Heels And Feet?
Moisture deficiency
Because the heels and soles of the feet have the fewest oil glands, hard, dry, cracked, and peeling skin is the most prevalent. The moisture in these locations is insufficient.
Heat and humidity are two of the most important factors to consider.
Closed shoes, such as boots and sneakers, may create a damp environment around your feet if you wear them often. Heat and humidity may dehydrate the skin, causing it to thicken, dry, and crack.
3. Anger
Constant pressure on your feet may also be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes for lengthy periods of time or standing for too long. Excessive rubbing against the skin may also cause it to become dry, hard, or calloused.
4. The process of maturation
Our skin loses its capacity to hold water as we age, and it thins and becomes less plump. This is one of the reasons why dry and hard skin is more common in elderly persons who are going through the natural aging process.
Obesity is the fifth factor.
Obesity is another factor that contributes to dry skin on the feet, since the feet bear more weight than they should. This extra weight might obstruct blood flow and induce hardening of the foot.
6. Medical Conditions of Particular Interest
Psoriasis, athlete’s foot, eczema, and cancer may all lead to rough, scaly, and dry skin beneath the feet. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are two examples of systemic medical problems that might exacerbate the issue (3).
7. Soap Abuse
Excessive use of harsh chemicals or irritants in soaps and body washes may dehydrate and harden the skin. Dryness might result even if you don’t wash the soap off your feet.
Yes, achy, dry feet may be a real pain. However, as we already noted, the appropriate therapy approaches may be beneficial. To learn more, go to the next section.
Methods for Removing Dead Skin From Your Feet that You Can Try
1. Get Your Feet Exfoliated
Exfoliation is a process that includes using a manual or chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin from the surface of the foot.
The following are some examples of physical exfoliants:
Electronic callus removers (you may purchase them or create your own at home by combining fruits, honey, sugar, and warm water)
Brushing your body
Lotions and thin liquids are chemical exfoliators. They often include alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid), which dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin . Chemical exfoliators such as foot peels are also available.
Warning: Make sure to read the ingredient list carefully since some foot peels include artificial scents and alcohols that may irritate delicate skin.
2. Make a habit of moisturizing your feet.
Moisturizing your feet on a regular basis may help to relieve dry skin and prevent new dry skin from forming under the surface. After using an exfoliant, remember to hydrate your feet. To assist the skin lock the moisture, you may use a pumice stone (more on this later).
Look for hydrating creams that include the following ingredients:
Plant-based butters and oils are examples of emollients.
Aloe, urea, and hyaluronic acid are all humectants.
Lanolin, petrolatum, and coconut oil are examples of occlusive materials (5)
Avoid moisturizing creams, lotions, and creams that include alcohol, artificial colors, or additional scents. Dry skin may be exacerbated by them.
3. Use a pumice stone or a foot file to remove the dead skin.
Foot calluses and dry, rough skin may be removed with pumice stones or metal foot files. A pumice stone is a natural lava stone that may be used to exfoliate calluses and dead skin off your foot. Here’s how to put one to work for you:
To soften the dead skin, soak the feet in warm water for a while.
Using warm water, dampen a pumice stone or a foot file.
In a circular motion, gently rub it over the callous or dead skin.
Rinse away the dead skin from the foot and repeat if required.
After drying the feet, use a high-quality lotion, cream, or oil to keep them moisturized.
Use a pumice stone sparingly on wounded or painful regions, since it may exacerbate skin dryness and potentially cause injury.
4. Warm Water Soak Feet
Soaking your feet in warm water may help relieve pain and release calloused skin. It also promotes blood circulation in the foot, which may prevent the skin from drying out.
In the foot soak, add a few drops of vinegar. Vinegar may aid in the disinfection and odor removal of your feet. You may also make your foot soak with any of the following ingredients:
Juice from a lemon
Lemons are said to break down tough dead skin and calluses on the feet thanks to their citric acid. In this aspect, however, research is sparse. Lemon juice may aid in skin smoothing .
2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp sugar Scrub the mixture gently into the tough regions, then rinse with warm water.
If you have any damage, cracks, or open sores on your feet, avoid applying lemon on them. Lemons’ natural acidity might make you feel like you’re burning.
Epsom Salt is a kind of mineral salt that is used
Epsom salt is a mineral component known as magnesium sulfate in crystal form. Soak your feet for 20 minutes in Epsom salt-water solution. Exfoliate your dry and cracked feet using a pumice stone or a foot brush. This may assist in the removal of dead skin from your feet as well as hydration .
Scrub with oats
Combine equal parts oatmeal and rose water. Scrub your feet lightly with this mixture. After 20 to 30 minutes, exfoliate your feet with a foot brush, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
5. Paraffin Wax is a good option.
Paraffin wax is a soft wax that melts at 125° F (51°C) at a medium temperature. It may aid in the removal of dead skin and softening of your feet’s skin. More study is needed, however, to fully comprehend this paraffin wax feature.
A paraffin wax treatment may be done at home with an at-home paraffin wax bath or in a salon that provides a paraffin wax pedicure.
Warning: Do not use paraffin wax treatment if you have any of the following conditions:
On your feet, you have an open wound or rash.
Your blood circulation is clogged.
Your feet have become numb.
Aspirin should be used.
To make powder, crush 4 to 6 aspirin tablets. A teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of water should be added to the powder. Apply the paste to the afflicted areas gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Warm water is used to rinse the region. This strategy is widely accepted, despite the fact that it lacks scientific proof.
7. When going to bed, wear moisturizing socks.
Use good-quality moisturizing gel-lined socks to provide additional moisture to your feet. Natural oils and vitamins in these socks assist to moisturise and restore dry skin on your feet. A excellent pair of cotton socks and a moisturizer can give you comparable effects.
Wear a pair of nice cotton socks and a substantial quantity of moisturizer on your feet. The following day, take off your socks and thoroughly rinse your feet.
Lastly,
Dry, rough, itchy feet with scaly or dead skin may come from spending too much time standing or wearing tight shoes for lengthy periods of time. If the dry skin isn’t treated properly, it might thicken even more, cracking and exposing the foot to infection.
Follow the advice and treatments in this article on a regular basis, and your feet will be grateful. If your symptoms do not improve, consult a podiatrist to discuss different treatment options.
F.A.Q.
Why is it so important to exfoliate your feet?
The large collection of dead skin beneath your feet, if left untreated, may cause a variety of problems, including making skin less elastic and even reducing skin sensitivity. Skin dryness, fissures, and edema may result from dead skin beneath your feet. If left untreated, it may result in severe discomfort and bleeding.
Is it possible to eliminate dead skin with a professional pedicure?
Pedicures use the same bath soaks and moisturization techniques as the bath soaks and moisturization procedures described in this article. However, since these treatments must be done on a regular basis, many salon visits may be costly. Alternatively, you may use the DIY methods described in this article.
20 Home Treatments For Cracked Heels + Prevention Tips
The problem of cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, is a prevalent one among those who have flat feet. The NPD group performed a poll and found that 20% of persons in the United States aged 21 and above suffer from cracked heels, according to the survey results (1). Women seem to be more severely affected than males, despite the fact that it occurs in both adult and kid populations.
Although cracked heels are a minor inconvenience for most individuals, severe cracks may cause significant discomfort. These fissures may sometimes result in bleeding as a result of the trauma. To get rid of cracked heels, you should experiment with the home treatments suggested in this article. More information may be found further down this page.
What Causes Cracked, Dry Feet?
Because there are no oil glands on the foot, the skin tends to grow drier. The skin cracks as a result of the dryness. Dry and cracked feet are caused by a lack of moisturization, pollution exposure, and medical disorders such as eczema, diabetes, thyroid, and psoriasis. Continue reading to discover more about home remedies for cracked heels.
How to Get Rid of Cracked Heels with Homemade Remedies
1. Foot Mask with Salt, Glycerine, and Rose Water
Antioxidants in rose water protect cells from harm. It also possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, which may aid in the relief of dry, irritated skin.
Glycerine is a humectant that aids in the preservation of your skin’s natural moisture levels. These qualities may aid in the healing of cracked heels.
You’ll Require
salt (1 tablespoon)
glycerine, 2 tblsp.
2 tblsp rosewater
a bath in warm water
Foot scrubber/pumice stone
What You Should Do
In a basin filled with warm water, combine raw salt, one tablespoon glycerine, and one teaspoon rosewater. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in this mixture.
Using a pumice stone or a foot scrubber, clean your heels and sides of your feet.
(Or)
Apply a mixture of one teaspoon glycerine and one teaspoon rosewater on your cracked heels. Wear a pair of socks and keep them on overnight since this will be a sticky concoction.
In the morning, wash off with lukewarm water.
How Often Should You Do This?
Rep this process for a few days.
Oil from Vegetables
Vegetable oils have emollient characteristics, as well as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing capabilities, according to studies. They serve as nutritional building elements for skin that is healthy. Vegetable oils have medicinal properties that may aid in the treatment of cracked heels (5).
You’ll Require
2 tblsp. oil (vegetable)
What You Should Do
Wash and dry your feet with a clean towel. On the afflicted region, apply a coating of vegetable oil.
Wear a thick pair of socks and keep them on all night.
In the morning, wash your feet.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this every night before you go to bed.
3. Foot Mask with Banana and Avocado
Avocados are high in vitamins A, E, omega fatty acids, and other elements that help wounds heal faster (6). Banana is a natural moisturizer. These characteristics might aid in the treatment of cracked heels.
You’ll Require
1 banana, ripe
a half avocado
What You Should Do
Half an avocado and a ripe banana are blended together.
This thick, creamy paste should be applied on your heels and feet.
Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this on a daily basis.
4. Jelly made with petroleum
Petroleum jelly aids in the rehydration of dry, cracked heels. It prevents water loss via the skin’s outer layer. This helps to keep your skin supple and nourished (4). Woolen socks help the combination work better by trapping the body’s heat.
You’ll Require
Pumice stone 1 teaspoon Vaseline Moisturizer
What you must do is use lukewarm water.
Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in warm water.
Scrub any rough or dry skin with the pumice stone. Dry your feet with a towel.
Using a moisturizer, apply it to the afflicted region.
Vaseline may be used to seal in moisture.
Put on some woollen socks. Wear them all night and then wash your feet in the morning.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this every night before you go to bed.
5. Natural Remedy using Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax softens your skin by acting as a natural emollient. It’s a good therapy for cracked and aching heels (7).
You’ll Require
a tblsp. of paraffin wax
1-2 teaspoons mustard/coconut oil
What You Should Do
Combine paraffin wax with mustard oil or coconut oil to make a paste.
In a pan, heat the mixture until the wax melts completely.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before using. Before going to bed, apply it to your feet and don a pair of socks.
In the morning, wash it off.
How Often Should You Do This?
1-2 times each week, just before bedtime.
Caution: When the wax is hot, do not immerse your feet in it. This therapy should not be used if you have diabetes.
6. Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial that aids in the healing of cracked feet and has calming characteristics that help the skin rejuvenate.
You’ll Require
1 cup honey 1 cup hot water
What You Should Do
In a half-bucket of warm water, dissolve one cup of honey.
Soak your feet in the water-honey combination for around 15-20 minutes.
Gently scrub away.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this on a daily basis to keep your feet nice and supple.
7. Flour made from rice
Rice flour exfoliates, purifies, and remineralizes the skin, leaving it silky smooth and supple (9).
You’ll Require
2-3 teaspoons rice flour
honey (1 teaspoon)
apple cider vinegar, 3–4 drops
What You Should Do
To form a thick paste, combine two to three tablespoons ground rice, a few drops of honey, and apple cider vinegar.
You may add a teaspoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil to the mixture if your heels are really dry and cracked.
To eliminate dead skin cells from your feet, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and gently scrub them with the paste.
How Often Should You Do This?
This foot scrub should be used twice a week.
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil provides healing characteristics that soften and moisturize your skin (10). It is not, however, suited for all skin types. As a result, test it on a small patch of skin before applying it to the afflicted region.
You’ll Require
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
What You Should Do
Use a cotton ball to apply olive oil to your feet and gently massage them in a circular manner for 10-15 minutes.
Wear a pair of thick cotton socks for an hour and then wash them off.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this on a daily basis.
9. Ayurvedic Ayurvedic Ayurvedic Ayurvedic Ay
Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory and hydrating characteristics aid in the removal of dead skin cells while also softening the skin (11).
You’ll Require
1 tablespoon oats (powdered)
4-5 drops of extra virgin olive oil
What You Should Do
To form a thick paste, combine the powdered oatmeal and olive oil.
This paste should be applied to your feet, particularly the heels and any cracked areas. Leave it on for around 30 minutes.
After rinsing with cold water, pat dry.
How Often Should You Do This?
This should be done every other day.
Sesame Oil is number ten on the list.
Sesame oil is nutritious, hydrating, and helps to rebuild the skin barrier . This aids in the softening and soothing of dry, cracked feet.
You’ll Require
4 to 5 drops sesame oil
What You Should Do
Sesame oil should be applied to your heels and any other cracked areas.
Massage in a circular motion until the oil is completely absorbed into the skin.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this every night before you go to bed.
11.Coconut Oil
Coconut oil hydrates dry skin and aids in the removal of dead skin cells (13). It has the ability to enter the skin’s inner layers and nourish them (14).
You’ll Require
2 tblsp. coconut oil
An extra pair of socks
What You Should Do
Apply a generous amount of coconut oil on your feet.
Put on your socks and retire to your bed.
In the morning, shower as normal.
How Often Should You Do This?
Rep this process for a few days.
12.Listerine Soak
Soaking your feet with Listerine softens the hardened dead skin, making it simpler to remove. Because it contains phytochemicals like menthol and thymol, Listerine is also an antibacterial and soothes the skin. There is, however, no scientific evidence to support these claims.
You’ll Require
1 tablespoon Listerine
1 cup vinegar (white)
2 quarts water
A pumice stone or a basin foot file
What You Should Do
Soak your feet in the liquid mixture containing the components listed above for 10-15 minutes.
Remove your shoes and clean your feet with a foot file or pumice stone to remove dead skin.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water, pat dry, and apply moisturizer.
How Often Should You Do This?
Rep this process every day for 3-4 days, or until the dead skin is gone.
13.Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known exfoliator (15). It eliminates dead skin cells while also calming the skin.
You’ll Require
3 tbsp. bicarbonate of soda
a bath in warm water
Pumice stone in a bucket
What You Should Do
Fill the bucket two-thirds full of warm water and add the baking soda. Mix well until the baking soda is completely dissolved in the water.
Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes in this mixture.
Remove your feet from the bath and use the pumice stone to gently scrub them.
Rinse well with fresh water.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this at least twice a week.
14.Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV contains mild acids that function as chemical exfoliators (16). They assist in softening dry, dead skin and revealing new, healthy skin.
You’ll Require
1 apple cider vinegar cup
a bath in warm water
a bowl
What You Should Do
Fill the basin with three to four glasses of water, enough to immerse your feet.
Mix in the apple cider vinegar well.
To eliminate dead skin from your feet, soak them in water for 15 minutes then scrub them.
How Often Should You Do This?
If necessary, repeat the procedure the following day or after a day’s break.
15.Epsom Salt
Epsom salt soothes and softens the skin, as well as fatigued feet (17). It also strengthens the skin’s barrier, relieves inflammation, and keeps the skin moisturized .
You’ll Require
Epsom salt (1/2 cup)
a bath in warm water
a basin for your feet
What You Should Do
Fill the foot bowl halfway with water, then add the Epsom salt.
Soak your cracked feet for 15 minutes with this. Remove dead skin with a scrub.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this a couple of times a week.
Aloe Vera is a plant that is used to treat a variety of ailments
Aloe vera moisturizes and heals dry, flaky skin. It increases collagen production, which repairs the ridges and fractures that have occurred. It contains amino acids that soften the skin (19).
You’ll Require
Aloe vera gel is a kind of aloe vera that is used
Water that is lukewarm
Basin for feet
An extra pair of socks
What You Should Do
Soak your feet for a few minutes in lukewarm water.
After patting your feet dry, generously apply aloe vera gel.
Wear socks and soak your feet in the gel overnight.
How Often Should You Do This?
Repeat this process every night for the next 4-5 days.
Tea Tree Oil, No. 17
Tea tree oil aids in the reduction of inflammation (20). It also contains wound-healing qualities, which aid in crack mending. Coconut oil (sometimes known as “love oil”) hydrates and restores dry skin.
You’ll Require
Tea tree oil, 5-6 drops
1 tblsp olive oil or coconut oil
An extra pair of socks
What You Should Do
Tea tree oil and coconut oil should be mixed together (or olive oil).
Massage the mixture into the cracked foot for a minute or two.
Overnight, put socks on your feet.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this before going to bed every night.
Tea tree oil should not be used directly to the skin since it might cause rashes.
Pumice Stone, Number 18
The pumice stone’s rough surface may easily scrape away dead skin, revealing healthy, soft skin underneath.
You’ll Require
Warm water with pumice stone
What You Must Do With A Basin/Tub
Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes in warm water.
To exfoliate dead skin cells, gently scrub your feet with the pumice stone.
After rinsing with water, pat dry. Remember to hydrate your feet.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this at least once a day.
Caution: Scrubbing too hard with the pumice stone might cause harm to the skin’s healthy layers.
Vitamin E Oil (19.)
Vitamin E oil hydrates and nourishes the skin, making your heels soft and smooth .
You’ll Require
pills of vitamin E
What You Should Do
Making a hole in three to four capsules and collecting the oil inside in a basin
This oil should be applied to the afflicted region and massaged in for a minute.
How Often Should You Do This?
Apply vitamin E oil to your skin at least twice a day.
Shea Butter (number 20)
Shea butter moisturizes, hydrates, and nourishes the skin (22). Because of its vitamin A and vitamin E content, it also has healing effects and treats many skin diseases connected to dryness.
Ingredients
1-2 tablespoons shea butter (organic)
An extra pair of socks
How to Go About It
Shea butter should be applied to your feet and massaged in for a minute or two to allow it to absorb freely.
Put your socks on and apply the shea butter overnight.
How Often Should This Be Done?
For soft heels, repeat this process for a few evenings.
It takes around 7-14 days for the first symptoms of recovery to appear with adequate treatment. This is dependent on the severity of your cracked heels. If you have skin disorders such as psoriasis or eczema, or medical conditions such as diabetes or hormone imbalance, see your doctor right once to prevent negative consequences.
Below are some of the reasons of cracked heels.
Cracked Heels: What Causes Them?
Dry, cracked heels may be caused by a variety of circumstances. In the skin of your heels, there are no oil glands. As a result, if sufficient care is not provided, they become dry, causing the skin to break and bleed. Other causes of broken heels include:
Psoriasis and eczema are examples of skin ailments.
Thyroid, diabetes, and hormonal imbalance are examples of medical problems.
Putting your heels in contact with pollutants is a bad idea.
Excessive walking and lengthy periods of standing on rough flooring.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Cracked, Dry Heels?
The following are the signs and symptoms of dry and cracked heels:
Dryness in the heel region and the area right below the toes on the bottom of your foot.
Patches of skin that are red and flaky.
The skin is flaking in threads.
Skin with cracks and ridges.
Itchiness
The fissures are bleeding.
Due to an infection, fluid is leaking from the fissures.
It is preferable to prevent than than cure. There are several home cures and lifestyle suggestions for preventing heel cracking. Take a peek around.
How To Avoid Cracked Heels
The first step in preventing dry heels is to properly moisturize them.
The best strategies to avoid cracked heels are to wear comfortable shoes, limit excessive walking, and minimize overexposure to pollutants.
Regularly scrubbing your heels with a pumice stone and immersing them in warm salt water or water with lemon juice helps maintain them clean and supple.
Dryness and damaged heels may be avoided by relaxing your feet and engaging in oil foot massages.
Keep your skin moisturized and supple by drinking lots of water.
There are several strategies to hasten the healing of your broken foot. Keeping your feet properly moisturized, avoiding pollution, resting your feet, receiving natural oil-based foot massages, bathing your feet in warm water with little lemon juice added to it, and addressing medical diseases, skin problems, and obesity are the most effective.
What are you waiting for now that you know how to get rid of cracked heels? See what a difference these home treatments for cracked heels can make.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Is diabetes to blame for broken heels?
Diabetes is one of the factors that contribute to cracked heels (23). Blood sugar levels that are out of control harm the nerves in the foot, resulting in dry skin. The epidermis of the foot is normally dry since there are no oil glands present. Heel fissures are caused by thick, dry skin on the heels, known as callus. It cracks and bleeds because it is too dry. Cracked heels in diabetics may lead to dangerous infections that are difficult to heal. As a result, persons with diabetes should take excellent care of their feet and cure cracked heels early on.
How long will broken heels take to heal?
It takes 7-14 days for the first symptoms of recovery to appear with good care and rest. This is determined by the severity of your cracked heels, skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and medical disorders such as diabetes and hormone imbalance.
Why do just the heels of the feet crack, but not the rest of the feet?
Because the skin on your foot lacks oil glands, it tends to grow dry. The skin on the heels is thick and dry, and it tends to bleed and break with heavy movement. Heels crack for a variety of causes, including lengthy periods of standing on a cold or hard floor, strenuous walking, and being overweight. The foot’s center section is hollow and secure. The heels bear the majority of the body’s weight. They are prone to cracking because they are dry and swollen. These fissures may sometimes get deep and start bleeding.
