How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on My Feet

Whether you’re embarrassed to wear sandals because of calluses, or annoyed at the rough patches that constantly catch on your socks, having dry skin on your feet is frustrating. But while many foot lotions and creams claim to soften skin and heal cracks, it often takes more than a moisturizer to get rid of dry, dead skin.

The best approach for achieving healthy, soft skin on feet is to exfoliate and moisturize. We’ll tell you the best ways to do this, which products really work, and when dry skin on feet calls for medical attention.

What causes dry skin on feet?

Most of the body has sebaceous (oil) glands, responsible for keeping skin lubricated. But two areas don’t have oil glands: the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Instead, they have sweat glands, and while sweat is a form of moisture, it doesn’t lubricate the skin like oil. Sweat’s only purpose is temperature control, so without natural lubrication, dry skin on feet is common.

The skin on your feet also tends to be thicker due to an extra layer called the stratum corneum, which allows for weight bearing all day. Historically, humans walked on abrasive surfaces without shoes, and this thicker skin would protect their feet and become callused to offer extra cushioning. Today, thicker layers of skin and calluses serve a similar purpose, but now they protect against the friction of wearing shoes. Dry, thick, callused skin is less flexible, so it’s more likely to split or crack under the pressure of standing or walking all day.

Outside of those common reasons for dry skin on feet, some people are more susceptible, such as those:

Who live in dryer environments, such as near the desert or in cold, dry air
Who frequently walk barefoot, which increases friction and pressure on the balls and soles of the feet
With certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, since they have a compromised skin barrier that makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture
With medical conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism that alter nerve sensitivity, impair circulation, and dry out the skin barrier

How to get rid of dead skin on feet

The key to keeping the skin on your feet soft and smooth is to remove the dead cells that build up over time. To do this, you will only need a few products:

A pumice stone. Start by soaking your feet in warm water to soften dead skin. Next, wet the pumice stone with warm water and gently rub it over rough skin such as calluses and dry heels, in a circular motion. Rinse the dead skin off of your feet.
An exfoliating lotion. Look for products containing an alpha-hydroxy acid, such as ammonium lactate or AmLactin. Beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, found in CeraVe SA, can also be used.
Petroleum jelly. An ointment barrier like Aquaphor or Vaseline locks in moisture to soothe and soften dry skin.
Socks. Once feet are covered in petroleum jelly, wearing socks overnight ensures feet get a good 7-8 hours of moisturizing.

You can also try a paraffin treatment at home or in a salon. Simply dip your feet into a liquid wax, pull them out, and let the wax harden. As you peel the wax off, all the dead skin on your feet will come with it. Just don’t use paraffin if you have open sores on your feet.

How can I prevent dry skin on my feet?

The best treatment is always prevention, when possible. If you aren’t suffering from dry skin on your feet, there are several ways to keep feet from becoming dry:

Use warm water for showers, baths, and foot soaks. Hot water strips away your body’s natural oils, which are essential for locking in moisture.
Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol. Alcohol-free soaps and body washes clean the skin without stripping its moisture barrier. Try Cetaphil Ultra Gentle body wash or any Dove soap or body wash.
Wear shoes that fit correctly. Footwear that is too tight is likely to cause friction, leading to calluses and dry patches that can crack under pressure.

When should I see a dermatologist for dry skin on my feet?

If your feet have dry spots that won’t go away or are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to consult with a doctor. Some skin conditions cause dry feet along with other symptoms—and they might require medicated creams or prescriptions.

Dermatitis. Dermatitis causes the skin to become inflamed, so your dry skin will also be red, swollen, and sometimes scaly. It usually needs a steroid cream rather than a regular moisturizer to clear it up.

Athletes’ Foot. This fungal skin infection appears as dry skin but also can cause itching, burning, stinging, and cracks. A dermatologist can diagnose athlete’s foot, and an antifungal ointment like Lamisil or Lotrimin may be able to treat it. In some cases, though, oral antifungal or prescription strength ointments are needed.

An inflammatory systemic condition. Dry skin on feet sometimes requires oral medications, prescription creams, or biologic injections for effective treatment. Red, dry, very itchy, or blistered skin on the feet could be eczema, while psoriasis on the feet (called palmoplantar psoriasis) causes thick, scaly patches, painful cracks (fissures), and sometimes pus-filled blisters on the soles and around the toes. It’s important to see a dermatologist who can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Forefront can help you have healthy, happy feet

If you’re struggling with dry, painful, or unsightly feet because of dry skin, we can help. Our board-certified dermatologists can tell you how to get rid of dead skin on feet, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend a treatment to keep your skin soft all season. Find a Forefront dermatologist near you today.