Dry, cracked heels

[shootingstar]

Winter hasn't even started at all yet.

Yet already the skin on my heel has cracked, peeled.
We don't live in a desert, but the prairies are drier. I'm still not used to this.

How do you treat cracked, peeling skin on foot heel? I actually limped abit in the past few days.

Good thing I cycle to work, shop and do stuff.

[OakLeaf]

Healing salve like Nubütte or calendula ointment or pure raw honey to heal the cracks, Microplane foot file to keep it from happening again. Don't let the dead skin build up and it can't crack.

[jessmarimba]

I use Johnson & Johnson Skin Crack Cream or the burt's bees salve. My fingers used to crack horribly when I played daily - wooden sticks and mallets just suck moisture out of your hands. That combined with the occasional ulcer from Raynaud's just makes my hands kind of gross

[Owlie]

Frequent application of foot lotion (esp. right after a shower) and wearing socks all the time is probably your best bet. If it's really bad, you may have to gently pumice/"foot file" some places so lotion can actually do its job...

Straight shea butter, or a Bath and Body Works product (I can't think of it right now) work pretty well for me. (I am the queen of cracked heels. It's related to eczema as well as just dry skin for me, so if I'm stressed out, the cracks can get so deep they bleed.)

[azfiddle]

Bag balm has worked for me in the past.

[shootingstar]

But I've never used a foot file....it doesn't sound like something I should use if the skin is already cracked and trying to heel.

[OakLeaf]

File gently. You're right you don't want to be tugging on the skin. But you need to get the dead skin off or it's only going to get worse. That's one reason why I recommended the Microplane (besides its being a high quality tool, made in France): it's meant to be used when the skin is dry, unlike some other tools where you have to soak first and there's a lot of pushing and pulling.

[new2ride]

I used to have horrible dry, cracked heels - what a pain. I've used the Ped-Egg to remove skin build-up on my heels. The Ped-Egg has to be used when your feet are dry, never use it after showering. It takes a while for the Ped-Egg to show results, but as long as you're consistant with it, your heels will eventually be smooth. If you decide to use the Ped-Egg, don't place pressure on it, gently rub it back and forth. I also use the Gold Bond lotion, I apply it after I shower and before I go to bed. My heels have never looked better and they are super smooth now.

[Desert Tortoise]

I too have a problem with dry skin and after trying so many lotions and too much $$, I started using coconut oil with my regular lotion on other parts of my skin after showering. Worked wonders. I tried this with my feet but it made them very hot and uncomfortable during daytime in sneakers. If you do the 2 together, try it at night so the feet don't get uncomfortable.

As others mentioned, on the feet file down the dead skin first. Then the coconut oil and then lotion on top. Cover with cotton socks (for some reason the synthetic socks seemed to make it less effective).

I have used the coconut oil when wearing socks and sneakers during the daytime, I just make sure not to also use lotion.

I got my 16 oz jar at the healthfood store. I don't remember exactly how much it cost but it was under $18, organic and has multiple uses. I've been using it since January and it's about halfway used. I do store it in the fridge for a longer shelf life and scoop as needed into a separate container for my "body lotion". I don't know, maybe that will help keep the big jar fresher especially as I take what I need to use in and out of the fridge.

The fragrance is very mild. I HATE strong odors, no matter how nice but this one is barely noticeable. Use as much or as little as you want.

Just remember, it is an oil. Right after application be careful what you touch or wash hands immediately. I just rub my palms on other parts of my skin and it soaks it up.

[Owlie]

File gently. You're right you don't want to be tugging on the skin. But you need to get the dead skin off or it's only going to get worse. That's one reason why I recommended the Microplane (besides its being a high quality tool, made in France): it's meant to be used when the skin is dry, unlike some other tools where you have to soak first and there's a lot of pushing and pulling.

This.

[marni]

I have also found that both cracked heels and horrible continually bleeding cracks at the joints of the fingers are also influenced by how well hydrated I am. In the winter and drier weather I make an absolute point of 4 24 ounce bottles of water a day. If you are really desperate, a fifteen minute soak in warm olive oil works wonders for the hands and feet.

Been there, done that and bled all over the carpet frequently and conuously for days on end.

[ClockworkOrange]

For years and years I have used pumice stone, various foot creams and lotions but earlier this year started regularly using a foot file and then applying Gerlach's Gehwol Extra Universal foot Cream.

Excellent, no more cracked heels.

[carolync]

I've had terrific luck with Burt's Bees Coconut foot creme. Put it on at night, slip some socks on and wear overnight. I've had it get rid of large cracks in a few days.

[Ursula745]

by Alba. it's castor oil based and I use it after I use the callus shaver on my heels, then I cover my heels with heel covers with pads that Velcro around your ankle. they are cloth with a pad inside that covers the heel. Keeps stuff from soaking into the cloth and I don't have to wear socks.

[laurahill]

I used tea tree oil or sometimes olive oil on my heel..It helps to prevent dryness and cracked heels.