Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist

Say Goodbye To Rough, Cracked Feet

Dry Feet Remedies? Here’s How to Restore Soft, Healthy Skin

Dry, flaky feet aren’t just uncomfortable—they can lead to painful cracks, infections, and long-term skin damage. Whether caused by weather, aging, or underlying conditions, dry feet are a common issue we treat at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist. The good news? With the right approach, you can restore softness and comfort to your soles—no more hiding your feet in socks year-round.

dry feet remedies

What Causes Dry Feet & How to Treat Them

Dry feet can happen to anyone, but certain factors make them more likely. Common causes include:

  • Lack of Moisture: Cold weather, dry air, or hot showers strip natural oils.

  • Age: Skin produces less oil as you age, leading to dryness.

  • Medical Conditions: Diabetes, eczema, athlete’s foot, and psoriasis may cause or worsen dry skin.

  • Improper Footwear: Open-backed shoes or rough materials can irritate skin.

  • Neglecting Foot Care: Skipping exfoliation or moisturizing allows dead skin to build up.

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we recommend podiatrist-approved treatments that go beyond lotion—like foot soaks, barrier creams, and, when needed, prescription care.

Get Relief From Dry, Painful Feet—Let’s Treat the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

Stop hiding your feet and start healing them. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we offer personalized treatment for dry, cracked feet using medical-grade solutions that actually work. Whether your dryness is cosmetic or caused by an underlying condition, we’re here to help.

Serving patients in Bloomfield Hills, and Howell, MI

Dry Feet Remedies

Dry Feet Remedies: The major causes of dry cracked feet are simple chronic dehydration and possibly athlete’s foot fungus. Find out what to do!

Dry Cracked Feet Causes:

  • The bottom of the foot has a large concentration of sweat glands.
  • But there are not oil secreting glands, this puts the foot at risk for dehydration.
  • It is very important for the sole of the foot to be well moisturized.
  • This is especially important after bathing or showering.
  • The sole of the foot is also susceptible to athlete’s foot fungus.
  • Foot fungus is to be suspected in diabetics and if you have toenail fungus.

Risk Factors For Dry Peeling Feet:

  • Frequent bathing or showering without moisturizing (wet dry feet).
  • Older age.
  • Susceptibility to flaking or peeling on the face or scalp.
  • Eczema in other parts of the body.
  • Low humidity.
  • Harsh soaps or frequent soap use.
  • Suspect athlete’s foot fungus if you have toenail fungus or diabetes.

How To Cure Dry Cracked Feet:

  • The best way to cure your dry feet is to moisturize!
  • The second best way to cure your dry feet is to avoid the risk factors above.
  • Always moisturize after showering or bathing.
  • Try a different brand of soap.
  • Moisturize more in winter months.
  • If this still is not helping, suspect foot fungus or something else.

Very Dry Feet Treatment:

  • The universal moisturizing agent is petroleum jelly.
  • Petroleum jelly is cheap and available everywhere.
  • Almost all heavy duty moisturizers will work great.
  • Apply the petroleum jelly to the dry areas after getting your feet wet.
  • Apply the petroleum jelly at night before going to bed.
  • Avoid putting it between your toes!

Removing Thick Flaky Heel Skin:

  • After you soften up the dry skin with the petroleum jelly.
  • Get a pumice stone or an emery board.
  • The thick skin should come off very easily now!
  • If you feel pain, stop scraping the skin away!

Suspect Athlete’s Foot Fungus:

  • If these treatments do not resolve the dry skin after a few days or weeks, consider foot fungus.
  • This is the most common cause of dry skin in the world.
  • It effects your sole region and between the toes.
  • Home remedies work great on athlete’s foot fungus.
  • Unfortunately moisturizing alone will not make it go away.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Feet Remedies

Use a urea-based moisturizer twice daily and gently exfoliate with a pumice stone.

Yes, conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues can cause chronic dryness.

At least twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed.

Natural oils can help, but medical-grade moisturizers offer better long-term results.

Urea, salicylic acid, shea butter, and lactic acid are highly effective.

Soaking can help—but limit to 10–15 minutes and always moisturize afterward to lock in hydration.

Yes, deep heel fissures can bleed and invite bacteria. Treatment is important.

Yes—wearing cotton socks after applying foot cream helps seal in moisture overnight.

Open shoes can dry out skin and expose it to irritants. Limit their use in harsh weather.

If home remedies don’t help, or if you have cracks, pain, or bleeding, book an appointment.