How to Cure Dry Cracked Feet: Treatment Guide | DPM

Quick answer: Cure For Dry Cracked Feet comes up often in our clinics. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Say Goodbye to Dry, Cracked Feet

Professional foot care solutions to restore healthy, smooth skin and prevent discomfort in Howell & Bloomfield Township.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Cure For Dry Cracked Feet

Cure For Dry Cracked Feet : Close to 70% of the time, the cause of dry cracked feet is dehydration, dishydrosis or an inflammatory skin disorder, FIX THEM!

• What Is Dry Cracked Skin?
• What Is Dry Cracked Skin?
• Dry Cracked Skin Symptoms.
• Dry Cracked Skin Causes.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vh9MNXhptHY

Dry Cracked Feet Treatment Protocol:

Assume inflammatory causes and start treating it that way (because most will be). If it doesn’t start getting better after a week or so, it is most likely fungal irritation (no harm done) .

If part 1 does not cause your foot to get better after a week, it may be a fungal infection.

• 1/3rd are caused by: fungal irritation.
• Fungal conditions are all essentially treated the same way, but different than inflammatory conditions.

If this treatment plan did not work, something more complicated is going on and you should go see your podiatrist or foot doctor.

There are essentially two causes of  severely dry cracked feet:

1. Dryness, dehydration or an inflammatory condition. – Guide Below
2. 2/3rds are caused by: skin conditions, irritation, dehydration, sweating disorders.
3. Inflammatory Conditions are all treated the same way, but different than fungal conditions.
4.  

We help patients manage symptoms early to prevent complications.

Cure For Dry Cracked Feet

Dryness, dehydration or an inflammatory condition.

Moisturize The Hard Skin:

-Petroleum Jelly or any other moisturizing lotion is fantastic. The goal is to let it soak in over night very regularly until you get the skin to a manageable level.

– This will soften your calluses and hard skin all night so that they are soft and less painful in the morning. Eventually after a week or so the skin should start feeling much better.

-Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter or Lotions + Socks also work very well.

-The more times you do this, the better your foot will feel. It will also be easier it will be to remove the callus or corn later.

-Warning: It is important to not get the lotion in between your toes, this could cause peeling.

-Combine this after a foot bath for boosted effect!

Soak your feet:

-Fill the foot bath with warm, but not hot water. Then and mix it in with some epsom salts (1/2 cup or as directed for you volume of water), these salts are not essential if you don’t have them.

-There is not a huge amount of data for epsom salts, but it does soak more water into the outer skin and make it softer.

-Do this while watching TV for 20-30 minutes or so.

–Make sure to moisturize with a lotion after you finish your foot bath!

Trim the Hard Skin Down!

-After moisturizing and softening your callus or Dry Cracked Feet, use an emery board or a pumice stone to take down the excess skin.

-Emery Board or Pumice Stone works very well, they are safe and essentially pain free..

-Stop when you feel pain, but usually a callus can go down very far until you get to normal tissue.

-Never use something sharp at home.

-Don’t do this if a diabetic or if you have decreased sensation!

Antibiotic Cream:

-Apply an antibiotic lotion or cream if the skin is ever broken or bleeding.

-Do this if you have cracked heels as well.

-If you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, go see a doctor!

Synthetic Socks:

-Cotton holds sweat and water, dehydrating your skin.

-Think about synthetic socks if you spend a good deal amount of time on your feet.

Part 2. Consider Fungus!

This is the cause of itching about 30% of the time. If the above treatments continuously do not work, consider fungus.

The Complete Guide To Foot Fungus.

Follow our complete Diagnosis and Treatment Guide to Foot Fungus.

If toenail fungus is also bothering you:

The Complete Guide To Toenail Fungus

Accepted Insurance

We work with most major insurance providers and offer affordable options for self-pay patients. Contact us anytime for coverage verification.

Accepts Medicare

Accepts Most Major Insurances

Affordable Options Available

Call to Check Your Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dry and cracked feet?

Dry, cracked feet often result from lack of moisture, aging, diabetes, excessive standing, or harsh soaps. Environmental factors like cold weather can also worsen dryness.

Can dry, cracked feet lead to serious problems?

Yes. If untreated, cracks can become deep, painful, or infected, especially in high-risk patients such as diabetics or seniors. Early treatment is important.

How can a podiatrist help with cracked feet?

A podiatrist can assess the cause, safely remove thickened skin, recommend moisturizers, prescribe medicated creams, and suggest orthotics or footwear adjustments to prevent recurrence.

Are home remedies effective for dry, cracked feet?

Mild cases may improve with soaking, exfoliating, and moisturizing at home, but persistent or painful cracks require professional care to prevent complications.

How often should I treat or moisturize my feet?

Daily moisturizing is recommended for most patients. Regular foot care, exfoliation, and protective footwear help maintain healthy skin and prevent cracks.

Can custom orthotics help prevent cracked feet?

Yes. Custom orthotics improve weight distribution and reduce pressure on heels and soles, which can decrease the likelihood of cracks and improve overall foot comfort.

Restore Healthy, Smooth Feet Today

Expert podiatry care to relieve cracked, dry feet and prevent pain or infections.

Schedule Your Foot Care Appointment Call Our Office Today

---

Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

Clinical References

1. Bristow I. Non-ulcerative skin pathologies of the diabetic foot. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(S1):S84-S89.
2. Hashmi F, et al. The evaluation of three treatments for plantar callus. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2016;106(2):123-126.
3. Parker J, et al. Effectiveness of foot care in a diabetic population. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2019;109(3):196-200.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot skin conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.