Taking Care Of
Cracked, Dry Feet

My name is Nanette and I am here to help guide you in the best treatment for cracked, dry feet.

As a practicing Herbalogist, I have seen many cases of hard working people suffering from cracked heels, itchy and dry feet. Believe me, it can make even the simple act of walking, very painful.

Skin problems dealing with the feet may appear at any age. Whether from work, the environment or a physical condition such as psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, or dermatitis , the skin on your feet is actually very vulnerable to problems.

The following is a short list of some very common concerns that I have seen:

Calluses: are hard, thickened areas of skin which form on the bottom of the foot and can also be found on the toes. Over time, walking straight becomes a problem.

Dry Skin: skin on your feet can sometimes become dry and cracked, particularly on the soles where the most pressure is put. In time, this can lead to chronic scaling and itching. Constant splitting in between the toes can become quite painful.

Infections: good hygiene is important to prevent infection. People with diabetes are prone to foot infections from poor circulation and a loss of feeling.

Itchy Feet: severe dryness can lead to itchy red skin on the feet. Constant scratching can make the skin split and peel.

Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis: these are conditions that many times appear on the feet. Compound the scaly, itchy symptoms with bacteria growth and sweat and the problem worsens.

Athlete's Foot: also called Tinea Pedis, is a parasitic fungal infection of the epidermis of the foot that produces scaling, flaking, itching, blisters and cracked skin over the affected areas. . The term "athlete's foot" refers to the disease and not the micro-organism or fungus that causes it.

I advise my clients that scratching and rubbing can lead to further complications. Certainly, never try to "file down" hardened skin or calluses on your feet with a pumice stone since pumice is porous and can harbor harmful bacteria.

Here are some preventative measures I have recommended and that produce excellent results:

1) Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts scratches and nail problems.

2) Hygiene- wash your feet daily using lukewarm water with mild, "non-soap" anti-bacterial cleanser . By reducing the bacteria count, you will minimize the risk of infection.

3) Comfort- always dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. This is important to prevent development of breaks in the skin as this can lead to fungal infection.

4) Use a highly therapeutic cream designed to replenish much needed moisture to dry, cracked, flaky skin 7 layers deep . It should contain vitamins, plant extracts, shea butter and urea to repair and hydrate problem skin quickly and stop the itching associated with fungus infection, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. A cream that also carries with it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties is best.

And NEVER use anything with mineral oil or petroleum by products on your dry feet as this will only "seal in" the germs and suffocate the skin.

A Simple 2 Step Program For Problem Feet:

This daily footcare program is designed to help you prevent and repair foot problems and take proper care of your feet.

1) First, use a non-soap antibacterial cleanser as your foot cleanser or a foot soak to soften rough skin and cleanse away skin bacteria.

2) Then apply a therapeutic cream, thoroughly rubbing into the soles and heels, particularly areas of thick or rough skin to restore and protect them.

Click here for my high recommendation of only natural and hypo-allergenic products that are best for your dry feet.

I am on my feet constantly at work and the skin on my heels would dry and crack so extensively that I would have to tape them together before going to work in the morning. I tried the program you recommended for dry feet and I am so thankful with the results. My skin feels healthy again. B.T., Newark, N.J.