I have always had problems with my feet, they crack. In Zimbabwe, they get worse in winter when it’s cold and dryer. Here in Bermuda, it’s the summer because I wear open shoes more when it’s hot. For a long time, I believed it was because I was not getting them clean enough which is why they would crack. No matter how much I kept my feet clean they would still crack. It was until I figured out that my feet were cracking because they would get dry.
Aside from the pain, it can also be embarrassing. For me understand what was happening and finding a solution was freeing. I hope it will help someone else.
As I understand it, the dry skin flakes and eventually cracks from pressure.
Over the years I have tried different things and I finally have a foot routine that works for me. I say this because there are many reasons why people’s feet crack. Some like me it’s because the feet are dry or it could be because of other health reasons. For example, diabetes may result in dry skin and other feet problems.
If you are having issues and have access to a podiatrist, I would suggest you go see one. My DIY routine helped me fix my problem so I didn’t have to. I don’t believe this is a solution for everyone but you may want to try it.
Foot Soak
Every week I soak my feet for about twenty minutes and then I scrub them with a pumice stone and file. My soak usually has the following ingredients:
- Warm water
- Epsom salt
- Dishwashing liquid
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice or mouthwash
After twenty minutes all the dead skin it will turn white. You can even rub some off with your hands. I usually use as pumice stone.
I follow this up with my sugar scrub. Every day I make sure to use a moisturiser. I usually use a moisturiser with Urea or shea butter body cream. I have also used camphor cream, the one we grew up with in Zimbabwe.
Technically you can have a pedicure weekly or biweekly and resolve the issues but it becomes costly. So for me, this is the best way to keep on top of my feet situation. There are many other treatments I have seen suggested online but this has so far been the best method for me, especially since it is so affordable.