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If your feet have been feeling rough and dry, you're probably wondering how you'll ever get them back to feeling soft and smooth. Ashy, dead skin on your feet can be caused by a lot of factors, including age, genetics, living in a dry, cold climate, standing barefoot for long periods of time, ill fitting shoes, or a medical condition like Athlete’s foot.[1] Luckily, healing the dry skin on your feet might just be easier than you think. Check out our list of some of the most effective treatments!

1

Exfoliate with a DIY sugar scrub.

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  1. You can make a basic sugar scrub by combining brown or white sugar with a small amount of olive oil and an oil extract. You can also add essential oils to the mixture if you want so your feet end up soft and smelling good.
    • To make a sugar scrub, combine 2/3 cup granulated white sugar, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup olive oil in a mason jar. You can also add one tablespoon vanilla extract to give the scrub a vanilla scent.
    • You can make a soothing peppermint foot scrub by combining 1 cup of Epsom salt, 1/4 cup olive oil or almond oil, and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a mason jar.[2]
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2

Use a pumice stone after a shower or bath.

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  1. Pumice stones are made of volcanic rock. They're really useful for removing dead skin from tougher areas of your body, including your feet. Run a warm bath and add a small amount of Epsom salt to the water. Let your feet soak for several minutes and then rub them with a pumice stone. The water epsom salt bath will help to loosen up the dead skin, making it easier to remove.[3]
    • Follow this foot scrubbing routine every night or several times a week. Using a pumice stone on a consistent basis will also allow any foot moisturizers you are using to penetrate your skin and soften hard or cracked skin on your feet.
4

Apply heel balm in the morning and at night.

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  1. Heel balm can come in a container or in stick form. When you put it on first thing, it will help improve the elasticity of the skin on your heels as you walk around and move for the day. Put it on again at night to hydrate your feet while you sleep.
    • You may find heel balm to be slippery on your heels, especially when you move around during the day in shoes without socks. If so, start with a small amount of heel balm on the rims of your heels and on any cracked areas.
    • If you don’t want to get heel balm on your hands, you can use a heel balm stick for easy application.
6

Get extra exfoliation with a battery-powered foot file.

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  1. They're great for removing thickened skin on your heels. Simply hold the foot file in your hand and run it over your feet, preferably in the bathtub so the dry skin does not end up all over your bathroom. Wash away the powdery foot dust with water once you are done using the foot file. Try to get into the habit of using the foot file twice a week.[6]
    • Most battery powered foot files are $30-$40USD. They are a good option if you are looking for a quick and fast way to remove dry skin on your feet.
7

Wear comfortable shoes that don’t restrict or rub your feet.

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  1. Tight, uncomfortable shoes can cause painful foot growths and distort your toe shape. They can also irritate your feet and lead to blisters and cracked skin. Try to wear comfortable shoes that fit well on a daily basis, especially if you are always on your feet throughout the day.[7]
    • If you wear high heels, look for heels that are wide, stable, and no higher than two inches. Make sure there is enough room in your heels for your toes, as your shoes should not narrow until well past the balls of your feet. You should also alternate your heels heights regularly to prevent your Achilles tendon from shortening.
    • Avoid wearing flip flops and completely flat shoes, as they do not provide arch support. You should also avoid walking around barefoot to avoid developing flat feet. Minimize the amount of time you wear shoes with no arch support to keep your feet healthy and strong.
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9

Rinse your feet with warm water every day.

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  1. Soap, although important in hygiene, can cause irritation and may not help in removing any of the dead skin caused by dryness. Instead, rinse your feet thoroughly with warm water every time you bathe in order to promote moisture. Warm water (40 to 34°C) promotes circulation and both comforts and refreshes your feet.[8]
    • Always wash the bottoms of your feet well and between your toes. You should use a washcloth to get between your toes or use a long handled sponge on your feet if you prefer not to have to bend down in the shower.
    • Be sure to dry your feet well to prevent bacteria that could cause odors or even infection.[9]
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13

Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have Athlete’s foot or eczema.

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  1. If you display the symptoms of Athlete’s foot, such as an irritated or burning sensation on your feet, peeling and cracked skin, and bleeding and pain, you should speak to your doctor about treatment. Your doctor will prescribe a topical, antifungal foot cream, or an antifungal drug, to help treat your Athlete’s Foot.
    • You should also check if you have symptoms of eczema on your feet, such as scaly skin, painful breaking of the skin, and possibly weeping or bleeding from the skin. Your doctor should help you determine the cause of your eczema, such as an irritant that you use when working or a substance in your shoes or socks, and prescribe a steroid cream or ointment.[11]
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  • Question
    I’ve tried Vaseline, but it doesn’t work, and I only have dead skin on one foot. Could this be linked to some sort of disease?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A good way to get rid of dead skin on your feet is to put them in a bowl of Listerine for ten minutes, and then wipe them off. Doing this with bananas works too, because of the potassium content. If you're really concerned, see your doctor or a dermatologist.
  • Question
    What causes the foot to dry even if I use baby oil but still I don't see any progress?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try using Vaseline and see improvements within a week.
  • Question
    How do I get something that can make my skin peel off?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Foot masks induce peeling, which can result "brand new" skin.
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About This Article

Catherine Cheung, DPM
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Podiatrist
This article was co-authored by Catherine Cheung, DPM. Dr. Catherine Cheung is a double board-certified Podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction, injury treatment, custom orthotics, bunion surgery, and all general foot and ankle issues. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with the Brown & Toland Physicians and the Sutter Medical Network. She received her BS from UCLA. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Ankle Surgery. This article has been viewed 106,430 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: December 18, 2024
Views: 106,430
Categories: Foot Care | Dry Skin Care
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,430 times.

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