Dry, cracked feet are a common problem for many people. While there are several over the counter treatment options in most drug stores, a lot of people prefer to use natural treatments for cracked and dry feet. This may be because many of these natural treatments involve products which are generally found in most homes. Some of the most commonly used natural treatments for this problem include vegetable oil, bananas, milk, and baking soda. It may be helpful in cases where there is a thick layer of dead skin on the feet to gently file off some of this excess skin before beginning treatment.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is one of the most popular natural treatments for cracked and dry feet. If this vegetable oil is not readily available, shortening will work just as well. The feet should be completely coated with the oil or shortening, preferably just before bed since this treatment method can make walking a bit slippery and difficult. A pair of thick socks should be worn over the oil-covered feet. It is particularly helpful if the socks are made from a natural, breathable material such as cotton.
Another good treatment for dry, cracked feet is bananas. The bananas are mashed up and then applied to the feet for about 10 minutes before rinsing them off. This method of treatment may also serve as preventative therapy for those who are prone to having dry skin problems which affect the feet. Added benefits may be obtained by adding avocado or coconut to the mashed up bananas before applying the paste to the feet.
Milk has been used for centuries to promote healthy skin. For this reason, it is no surprise that adding milk to a foot bath is among the most highly-rated natural treatments for cracked and dry feet. Preparing this foot bath involves adding one cup of milk to a basin of warm water. The feet are then soaked in this basin for 15 to 20 minutes at a time in order to soothe and soften the skin.
Baking soda is another household ingredient which ranks high in the preferred list of natural treatments for cracked and dry feet. The baking soda is liberally sprinkled into a warm foot bath and helps to promote healthy skin. Alternatively, the baking soda may be added to the bath water.