How to Get Rid of Dead Dry Skin on Feet

Dead, dry, and cracked skin on the feet is a common problem caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of moisture, using harsh soaps, hot showers, and environmental conditions like cold weather. Underlying health conditions such as eczema, diabetes, and psoriasis can also contribute to the issue. Standing for long periods, being overweight, and wearing ill-fitting shoes can also lead to cracked heels and calluses.

Taking proper care of your feet is essential for preventing and treating these conditions. Many natural home remedies can effectively soften hard, dead skin and keep your feet smooth and moisturized.

Best Home Remedies for Dead and Dry Skin on Feet

1. Warm Soak: Soaking your feet in a basin of warm, soapy water for 20-30 minutes softens calluses and dead skin, making it easier to remove with a pumice stone. Follow up with a natural moisturizer like olive oil.

2. Epsom Salt: Adding Epsom salt to a warm foot bath can help relax your feet and soften the skin. Magnesium and sulfate in the salt are believed to help remove toxins and maintain healthy skin tissue. You can also mix some Epsom salt with water to form an exfoliating paste.

3. Coconut Oil: Virgin coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apply a generous amount to affected areas before bed, massage it in, and cover your feet with clean cotton socks. Repeat this regularly to keep skin moisturized and prevent infections.

4. Lemon Juice: The citric acid in lemon juice helps to dissolve dead skin cells. Soak your feet in a mixture of equal parts warm water and lemon juice for 10-15 minutes, then use a pumice stone to exfoliate. Be sure to moisturize afterward, as lemon juice can be drying.

5. Glycerin: This organic compound is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws water from the air to lock moisture into the skin. A mixture of glycerin and lemon juice applied to the feet can soften hard skin and help dissolve dead cells.

6. Vinegar: The acidic nature of vinegar helps dissolve dead skin cells, leaving your feet feeling smoother. It also has antibacterial properties that can help with foot infections and odor. Soak your feet in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts warm water.

7. Honey: Honey is a natural humectant that helps moisturize rough skin. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help heal and prevent infections in cracked skin. You can make a honey foot bath or apply honey directly to severely cracked heels.

8. Oatmeal: Oatmeal can be used in a foot bath to moisturize and soothe rough, itchy feet. Its cleansing properties mean you don't need to use harsh soaps. You can also use the oatmeal from the footbath as a gentle scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells.

How to Prevent Dry Feet and Cracked Heels

In addition to using these remedies, you can take practical steps to prevent dry feet from developing:

• Avoid harsh soaps and bubble baths.

• Do not use very hot water for washing your feet.

• Wear comfortable, breathable shoes.

• Use a humidifier in your home if the air is dry.

• Avoid saunas and steam baths if possible.