Dry, cracking heels (xeorosis) is a condition where the skin on the feet becomes thick and then starts fissuring and almost splitting open. Calluses and corns all occur for the same reasons: skin becomes thick over time and with age in reaction to pressure. A callus generally refers to a larger area of thickened skin (more common on the heels but can occur under the ball of the foot and toes), whereas a corn is a thicker, more focal area (more common on the toes). A corn can occur under and be surrounded by a callus.
For most people this is nothing more than an unattractive and uncomfortable cosmetic problem. But if this has been a long-term problem, and you really have tried everything, then other health problems need to be considered first before you jump into other skin-care options. For example, dry, cracking heels or wounds on the feet that don’t heal can often be signals of vascular problems or the presence of diabetes. It is essential to rule out any of those possibilities before following my suggestions.
Personally, I am obsessive about my heels. I dislike the look of crusted-over, cracked, dry heels. Unfortunately, just getting regular pedicures is not enough to keep these at bay. It takes daily care, just as it does for the face. I can guarantee that if you follow these steps exactly and on a regular basis (as long as there are no other underlying health problems) your heels will be beautiful all year long. Here is what you can do:
1. In the bath or shower keep a pedifile or foot-file and a callus preparation used by manicurists called Callus Eliminator. Both of these can be found at any beauty supply store.
2. Three to four times a week apply some of the Callus Eliminator to the pedifile and gentle scrub over your calluses.
3. Three times a week, after you get out of the shower before you put on your socks or nylons or before you get into bed apply a cream or lotion containing 2% salicylic acid (BHA—beta hydroxy acid).
4. On the days or nights when you don’t apply a BHA product apply an emollient, thick moisturizer such as pure shea butter or cocoa butter that you can buy at most drugstores or health food stores.
5. Avoid any foot products that contain irritants such as peppermint or lemon, or abrasive scrubs that would only hurt the skin.
You’ll need to follow this treatment regimen for several nights in order to attain notable improvement. Once the skin improves, ongoing use of a non-irritating moisturizer in this area is recommended, as well as occasional use of a BHA exfoliant. You will love how your feet feel and look!