Cracked, dry heels and soles are unsightly and painful. If left untreated, the skin on the feet will become thickened, causing your to change your gait and increasing strain on ankles, knees and hips. If the dry skin cracks and bleeds, you should seek the help of a doctor or podiatrist immediately to rule out infection, particularly if you are diabetic. However, if you are healthy, you can get rid of the rough, dry skin at the bottom of your feet at home.
Rub the area of dry skin with a pumice stone or foot file. Do not scrub harshly or try to remove all of the dead skin at once. Rather, gently repeat this process over several days.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. Add 3 or 4 drops of lavender oil and baby oil to enhance the hydrating effects.
Exfoliate your feet with an oil-based foot scrub and lightly rinse them to remove the exfoliating granules. Do not wash them with soap, or you will remove the oil.
Apply a foot cream and wear cotton socks. Cotton socks will allow your feet to breathe naturally while holding the moisturizer on the dry skin.
Repeat the processes two to three times a week until the dry skin is gone. Apply a foot cream daily, even after the dry skin is gone, to prevent a recurrence.