Dry feet (cracked heels)
Why do I have dry feet?
Feet, especially heels, dry out and crack easily. This is worse in winter or with frequent sandal/flip-flop use. Deep fissures can form, causing pain when lotions, soaps, dirt, or chemicals get in.
How do I fix dry feet?
Moisturize frequently. Apply a moisturizing cream before putting on socks during the day.
At bedtime, use 20–40% urea cream on heels (may sting if skin is cracked), then cover with Vaseline or cream and wear cotton socks.
For thickened skin, soak feet in vinegar soaks for 10 minutes, then use a urea cream and foot scrubber.
To speed healing, wrap feet in plastic wrap over urea cream before bed.
For deep cracks, push the fissure closed and place a strip of super glue along it to protect the skin and prevent irritation.
What is the difference between lotions, creams, and ointments?
The main difference between these types of moisturizers is how much water and alcohol they contain. This changes how thick or greasy they feel—and how well they work for dry skin.
LOTIONS:
Lotions have the most water and alcohol. They are thin, spread easily, and feel less greasy—but they usually do not fix dry skin well.
CREAMS:
Creams are in the middle (like Goldilocks)—not too thick, not too thin. They have less alcohol than lotions and are the best choice for most people with dry skin.
Great cream options: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
Natural butters like cocoa butter and shea butter (from cocoa beans or African shea nuts) are also excellent because they are rich in fatty acids. Choose versions with minimal fragrance. Vaseline also makes a great cocoa butter product.
OINTMENTS:
Ointments are the thickest and have little to no alcohol. They are usually just petrolatum (Vaseline) or a mix of petrolatum and mineral oil (Aquaphor) or ceramides (CeraVe). They are the best at locking in moisture and healing very dry or cracked skin—but they are also the greasiest.
What if my dry feet aren’t getting better?
Most dry feet improve with the steps above. If not, athlete’s foot (fungal infection) may be the cause—treat with clotrimazole cream twice daily and an antifungal powder (see Athlete’s Foot page). Sensitive skin or allergies to chemicals in socks or shoes can also worsen dryness. If over-the-counter options fail, prescription medications or patch testing may help. Find a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
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