What Can You Do About Dry, Cracked Feet? (2025)

Dry, cracked feet can cause pain and irritation, especially in colder or drier environments, which can strip the skin of natural oils. You can remedy dry, cracked feet at home by doing a foot peel, using petroleum jelly (Vaseline), sealing cracks in the skin and moisturizing daily.

In some cases, cracked feet can be caused by an underlying health condition, like psoriasis, certain vitamin deficiencies, or eczema. If self-care strategies don't seem to be working or the dryness is getting worse, you may need to see a healthcare provider for more advanced treatments.

Causes

Dry, cracked feet can be caused by the weather, aging, daily habits, or certain health conditions. In some cases, the skin thickens and hardens, making it more prone to cracking. Other times, the skin becomes too thin and fragile, leading to dryness and irritation.

If the cause isn’t clear, a dermatologist (skin specialist) or podiatrist (foot specialist) can help identify the issue and suggest the best treatment.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors like heat, cold, hot water exposure, and irritating skincare products can also dry out your feet or cause the skin to thicken and crack.

Common environmental causes of dry, cracked feet include:

Heat and humidity: Heat and humidity inside your shoes can make your feet sweat excessively. When sweat evaporates, it pulls moisture from the skin, leading to dryness over time. The constant exposure to heat and friction can also trigger the skin to thicken as a protective response, which may contribute to cracked heels and calluses.

Skin cleansers: Harsh soaps, antibacterial washes, and heavily fragranced body washes can strip away the skin’s natural oils, making it more prone to dryness. Cleansers with alcohol, sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate), or exfoliating acids (such as salicylic acid) may also be too harsh for the feet, leading to irritation and moisture loss.

Cold weather: Dry skin often worsens in the winter due to low humidity levels, which can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin more quickly. Cold air also reduces blood circulation to the extremities, making it harder for the skin to stay hydrated. Indoor heating further strips moisture from the air, leading to even drier skin.

Hot water: Repeated exposure to hot water—whether from long showers, baths, or foot soaks—can break down the skin’s natural barrier. This strips away protective oils, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture and leading to dryness and cracking.

Age-Related Skin Changes

As you get older, your body replaces skin cells less often, causing the outermost layer of your skin to grow thicker. Other age-related factors include:

Loss of protective fat pads (fat pad atrophy): Over time, the natural cushioning in the heels and balls of the feet gets thinner. With less padding, the skin is more vulnerable to pressure and friction, making it more likely to crack.

Increased pressure on the feet: Daily activities such as walking, standing for extended periods, or wearing unsupportive shoes place repeated stress on the heels and balls of the feet. Over time, this pressure can lead to the skin becoming hardened, thickened, and eventually cracking.

Acquired plantar keratoderma: After menopause, some people develop this skin condition, which causes excessive thickening of the skin on the feet. The buildup of tough, dry skin can lead to cracks, especially in areas under pressure.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to dry skin and cause dry, cracked feet, including:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, leading to dry skin and a higher risk of cracked skin.
• Obesity: Carrying extra weight increases the amount of pressure placed on the heels, which can cause the skin to expand and split, making cracks more likely.
• Kidney disease: When the kidneys don’t function properly, toxins can build up in the body and cause skin dryness, including on the feet.
• Bone spurs: These bony growths, often found on the heels, can rub against nearby tissues and tendons, leading to thickened, callused skin that is more prone to cracking.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows down the body’s metabolism, which can reduce sweat production and lead to dry skin.
• Anorexia: Poor nutrition and dehydration associated with anorexia can lead to dry, brittle skin, making the feet more prone to cracking.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron can lead to skin dryness, slow healing, and increased risk of cracks.
• Essential fatty acid deficiency: Fatty acids help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Without enough, the skin can become dry, rough, and more prone to cracking.
• Conditions that impair nutrient absorption: Conditions like celiac disease can interfere with nutrient absorption, weakening the skin barrier and leading to dryness.
• Psoriasis: This autoimmune condition causes the skin to build up too quickly, leading to thick, scaly patches that can crack, especially on the feet.
• Contact dermatitis: Allergic reactions or irritation from soaps, fabrics, or chemicals can cause inflammation, dryness, and cracked skin.
• Venous stasis: Poor circulation from weakened leg veins can cause the skin on the lower legs and feet to become dry, discolored, and more prone to cracking.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema): This chronic skin condition causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can lead to cracks on the feet. It is particularly common in children.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with a medical condition, pay attention to any other unusual symptoms your body may be experiencing. If you suspect an underlying issue, consider seeing a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections that can cause dry, cracked feet include:

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): A common fungal infection that causes dry, scaly, itchy skin, often between the toes but sometimes affecting the soles and heels, leading to cracking.
• Moccasin-type athlete’s foot: A more severe form of athlete’s foot that causes widespread dryness, scaling, and cracking on the sole and edges of the foot.

Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, so keeping feet dry, wearing breathable shoes, and practicing good foot hygiene can help prevent them.

Lifestyle Factors

Some daily habits and lifestyle choices can contribute to dry, cracked feet, including:

• Standing for long periods: Spending hours on your feet, especially on hard surfaces, puts constant pressure on the heels, which can cause the skin to thicken and eventually crack.
• Improper footwear: Shoes that are too tight, made of rigid materials, or lack proper arch and heel support can create friction and pressure points, leading to dryness, calluses, and cracks.
• Smoking: Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the skin, damages collagen and elastin, and depletes vitamin A, all of which can lead to dryness and make the skin less resilient.
• Going barefoot: Walking without shoes, especially on rough or hard surfaces, exposes your feet to constant friction and pressure. Over time, this can cause the skin to thicken as a protective response, leading to calluses that may become dry and cracked.

If your daily routine is causing dry, cracked feet, paying attention to how your shoes fit, how long you stand, and whether you go barefoot often may help you pinpoint the issue.

Poor Foot Hygiene

Neglecting basic foot care can lead to dry, cracked skin. Without regular moisturizing, the skin becomes dehydrated and rough. Over time, this dryness can cause small cracks that worsen with prolonged walking or standing. Cleaning your feet daily and changing socks regularly can also help prevent athlete's foot.

Skipping exfoliation can also cause problems. When too much dead skin builds up, it turns into thick, hard patches, especially on the heels. These thick areas are more likely to crack, but exfoliating your feet helps keep the skin soft and makes lotion work better.

Home Remedies and Treatments

Taking care of your feet requires more than just occasional moisturizing—an effective treatment routine involves multiple steps to soften, hydrate, and heal the skin.

If your feet are only mildly dry, a single treatment may help, but for thicker, cracked skin, consistency is key. The more severe the dryness and callousing, the more sessions it may take to restore smooth, healthy skin.

A simple at-home treatment routine includes:

Soaking

Soaking helps soften hardened skin and makes it easier to remove dead layers without damaging healthy tissue. Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. For an added boost:

• Add Epsom salt to help reduce inflammation and loosen dry skin.
• Use a mild, non-drying soap to cleanse and prevent further irritation.
• Try adding a few drops of moisturizing oil (like coconut or olive oil) for extra hydration.

If your feet are extremely dry and calloused, you may need to repeat this step daily for a few days before moving on to exfoliation.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating removes dead skin, preventing buildup and allowing moisturizers to penetrate better. The method you use depends on how thick the skin is and how hard or hardened the skin is. Consider these methods:

• For mild dryness: Use a gentle foot scrub or washcloth to slough off flaky skin.
• For rough or slightly calloused skin: A pumice stone or foot file works well after soaking. Rub in gentle circular motions, focusing on problem areas.
• For thick, hardened calluses: It may take several sessions to remove them safely. Avoid over-exfoliating in one go, as that can cause soreness or even small tears in the skin. If needed, apply a urea-based cream and let it work overnight to gradually soften the thickened areas before the next exfoliation.

Hydrating

After exfoliation, apply a thick, deeply hydrating moisturizer while your feet are still slightly damp. Look for one that contains:

• Urea or alpha-hydroxy acids to break down tough, dry skin
• Lanolin to create a protective moisture barrier
• Shea butter or coconut oil for deep nourishment

For extra hydration, reapply moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day as needed.

Locking in Moisture

To lock in hydration, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, over your moisturizer. This creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin soft.

To get soft feet overnight, apply Vaseline then wear cotton socks overnight to help the treatment absorb fully and prevent your feet from drying out again.

If you prefer a more intensive option, consider using a hydrating foot mask and wearing it for a few hours to deeply nourish and soften the skin.

Protecting Skin

Once you've completed the moisturizing step—or in the morning after removing your cotton socks—apply liquid bandages to any deep cracks to seal them.

Liquid bandages are a special type of adhesive that forms a flexible, waterproof seal over broken skin. Unlike traditional bandages, which can peel off or create friction inside shoes, liquid bandages stay in place and allow your feet to move comfortably. They also help prevent infection by keeping bacteria and dirt out while the skin heals.

After finishing your routine, avoid going barefoot, as this can lead to further dryness and cracking. Wearing socks whenever you have shoes on helps lock in moisture and protects your feet from friction.

Professional Treatments

If at-home treatments aren’t enough, professional treatments can help restore moisture and heal cracked feet.

Spa treatments like professional pedicures, paraffin wax treatments, and deep hydration masks can soften thick, dry skin and provide relief. Regular spa care can be a helpful supplement to a foot care routine, but for severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary.

Healthcare providers may recommend debridement, a procedure that removes thick layers of dead skin to prevent cracks from worsening. Proper footwear recommendations and added padding in shoes can help reduce pressure on the heels and prevent further damage.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If at-home treatments don’t improve dry, cracked feet within a few weeks, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. The right specialist depends on the cause of your symptoms.

A podiatrist can assess and treat cracked or callused feet, particularly if they cause pain or interfere with daily activities. A dermatologist can diagnose and manage skin conditions affecting the feet.

Consider seeing one if you experience dry, cracked heels that don't seem to be getting better with at-home remedies. You should also see a provider if your feet are painful, inflamed, or excessively itchy.

Cracked skin can lead to infection. Seek immediate medical care if you notice:

• Pus draining from cracks
• Redness, red streaks, or swelling
• Fever, with or without chills

People with diabetes or poor circulation are at higher risk of serious foot infections and should seek prompt treatment for any sores, cuts, or cracked skin.

Prevention

Preventive care is key to avoiding dry, cracked feet, and consistency is just as important as the steps themselves. Even one day of neglect—like skipping moisturizer or walking barefoot on rough surfaces—can undo progress and set you back.

To prevent dry, cracked feet:

• Moisturize daily: Applying a thick, hydrating foot cream or lotion every day helps maintain soft, supple skin and prevents dryness.
• Wear proper footwear: Supportive, well-fitted shoes reduce pressure points and friction that can lead to calluses and cracks. If you need to stand for long periods, wear cushioned, supportive footwear to minimize stress on your heels.
• Stay consistent: Exfoliating, moisturizing, and inspecting your feet consistently can help prevent dryness and catch small issues before they worsen.
• Keep feet clean and dry: Washing your feet daily and thoroughly drying them—especially between the toes—helps prevent fungal infections and excessive moisture loss.
• Use mild soaps: Harsh cleansers strip natural oils from the skin, so opt for gentle, fragrance-free soaps to maintain hydration.
• Avoid excessively hot water: Long, hot showers or baths can deplete the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to increased dryness and irritation.

Additionally, if you have an underlying condition like diabetes or psoriasis that contributes to dry, cracked feet, staying on top of your medications and treatments is essential for maintaining skin health.

Summary

Dry, cracked feet are caused by several factors and treatment depends on the cause. At-home remedies like moisturizers, pumice stones, foot peels, and liquid bandages can help prevent and treat dry, cracked skin.

When the skin on your feet is dry, it can set the stage for more serious problems, including calluses and painful cracked heels that can get infected. If home remedies do not work or you have an underlying condition that may be causing dry, cracked feet, see your healthcare provider.