We've had shoe threads, hand threads, hair threads, scrub threads, boob threads - now a heel thread?
The skin on my heels is dry and cracked and the more I'm on my feet and walking, the more I hit that stress point and crack the skin. Aveeno baby moisture lotion (petrolatum and colloidal oatmeal) helps some; bandaids help some, but it never really softens and heals all the way. I can't go barefoot any more and I'm a barefoot girl at heart. Winter's going to make it worse.
Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.
OK I have some suggesstions to try:
1. Buy some Stridex pads (yes for ACNE) make sure they are Salicylic acid........apply b/f you go to bed to the rough areas...allow to dry and then apply any thick foot or cream....body butters,Nivea in the tin...things like that and if you can apply some socks or slipper socks. Do this every noc until soft and then just as needed.
2 The ped egg works pretty well for superficial dryness but I still have to use the above if they are in bad shape
What NursePaula says about Vicks Vaporub is true. There is a Dr. Gott that runs a column in the local papers who says he learned of this from one of his patients. Many people have written him and said it works wonders.
Another remedy for cracked feet, I know this sounds silly, is apple cider vinegar. Just soak your feet in a small tub and add a couple of cups of vinegar. It takes about a week or two. Being a barefoot gal myself, I am always on the lookout for ways fix the cracks!
Might be a silly question-but what do the stridex pads do for the cracked /dry heels?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that eats away dead skin cells. Stridex pads contain salicylic acid :)
I use tons of creams for dry, cracked heels. I guess running around the whole day is hard on the skin of your feet, as well as the feet themselves. I find that Gold Bond Foot Cream (with urea) works best for me. I don't use pumice stones or files, they actually worsen the condition by making the skincell buildup faster than usual. A hard foot brush, some exfoliating cream and good foot cream are enough.
I use a ped-egg type of product and love it. Use it after you get out of the shower when your feet are still a little damp. I use Kerasil, I think that's what it's called.
What NursePaula says about Vicks Vaporub is true. There is a Dr. Gott that runs a column in the local papers who says he learned of this from one of his patients. Many people have written him and said it works wonders.
Another remedy for cracked feet, I know this sounds silly, is apple cider vinegar. Just soak your feet in a small tub and add a couple of cups of vinegar. It takes about a week or two. Being a barefoot gal myself, I am always on the lookout for ways fix the cracks!
listening to "of consuming interest" a radio talk show out of DC, a few years ago...they had a podiatrist on. and he mentioned that if you have been using moisturizing cream on those dry heels, and it isnt working....it is because it isnt simple dry skin....it is a fungal infection...albiet a dry infection, not the "athlete's foot" variety, this, i would think, explains why the Vicks and kerasil are working.....and maybe the Stridex as well......and the urea......good luck
Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.
Thanks for starting this thread. Alot of great ideas. My feet are very dry and used to crack. But not as bad now that I am not a bedside nurse and on my feet as much. ( i just realized that)
We've had shoe threads, hand threads, hair threads, scrub threads, boob threads - now a heel thread?
The skin on my heels is dry and cracked and the more I'm on my feet and walking, the more I hit that stress point and crack the skin. Aveeno baby moisture lotion (petrolatum and colloidal oatmeal) helps some; bandaids help some, but it never really softens and heals all the way. I can't go barefoot any more and I'm a barefoot girl at heart. Winter's going to make it worse.
Any suggestions, shoes, inserts, lotions?
Mine use to be like that. I bought this thing they use in pedicure salons.....it's not a stone, but more like a hard like sponge material. I soak my feet in my bath tub, then sit on the side of the tub and get this sponge very soapy then start scrubbing. I also put lotion on my entire body the minute I get out of the shower, heels and all. I can finally wears sandals, high heels or whatever without being embarrassed!
Great thread! The vaseline works wonders for me when I slather it on my foot and go to bed. The problem is, a few hours after I put on sandals my feet get white and dry again.
Another time I used extra virgin olive oil (don't laugh- it is great for your whole body...just google it) and wrapped my feet in saran wrap then the sock LOL. Worked like a charm. I went through a whole day without wanting to hide my feet. It is only a temporary solution though.
I think I have the fungal infection someone mentioned upthread because this condition came out of nowhere, everything I tried is only a short term solution. I'll be sure to stop by the drugstore. Or should I just get a prescription?
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CHATSDALE
4,177 Posts
i have seen ped egg advertised all over the place but i didn't kow if it was any good or not
btw, i thought i was the only barefoot person around