Keeping feet moisturized

[pinkiepieRN]

Sorry if this is too OT, but I think it's relevant because it's an issue I face personally as a nurse. Being on my feet so much and wearing shoes all the time is taxing on my feet. They end up incredibly dry most of the time and lotion/creme only helps for a short amount of time before they look just as bad as they were. When I've taken time off from nursing, my feet go back to being more "normal". I don't think it's an issue with my shoes or my socks, but I could be wrong. So, what do y'all do to keep your feet moisturized? Is there a trick?

[sistrmoon, BSN, RN]

I like O'Keefes healthy feet foot cream.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I know this will sound weird, but I swear by Bag Balm ointment. It was originally meant for cows when their udders became sore, but it's suitable for human use as well. You'll want to use an old pair of socks so you can throw them away after you've done this treatment---the ointment isn't water soluble---but you cover your feet with a thin layer of Bag Balm at bedtime and put on the socks. The next day you can rub it off, wash your feet with soap and warm water, and put on a pair of clean socks. Do this once a week, and your feet should be soft and supple.

I did this when I worked in a hospital, so I know it helps a lot. Sometimes I used to reverse the process and wear the ointment and socks during my 12-hour shifts. It really kept my feet in good shape. :)

[Farawyn]

Good socks. My pedicures get ruined from my Danskos, but my feet themselves are okay. I just make sure I wear running or sports socks.

[vanilla bean]

I love Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme. It's not really a cream (like the name would imply), it's more like an ointment. I apply before I don my cotton sports socks when dressing for work. Keeps my feet soft & I get the added bonus of little random whiffs of coconut emanating from my feet during my shift.

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

I recently bought these "spa" socks that have a layer of gel on the inside. I slather on lotion, put the socks on (they kind of suction to the bottom of the foot/top of toes), lounge around, and after about an hour, my feet are the softest they've ever been.

[AZBlueBell]

I use opi cucumber heel cream. I use a pumice stone in the shower to slough off dead skin and then I put the cream on my feet and socks over it til it's soaked in. If your feet are really bad i'd suggest doing this overnight as well. The heel cream works wonders, my feet go from dry and cracked to soft and smooth in just a matter of days when I use this cream.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Regular pedicures . . . and the pampering is nice, too!

[loriangel14, RN]

Emu oil.