Dry, cracked heels

[BunnytheHoneyBee]

I have quite dry cracked heels.

I have one of those school foot files that spins and that helps take away a lot of the hard skin (you know where it gets hard and scratchy?) but it doesn’t quite get rid of it. I’m sure I need to keep doing it but it just seem like a never ending task. I’m trying to moisturise every night.

Would be grateful for help / advice / tips

[VanGoghsDog]

My response was a reply to OP who asked for advice.

No it wasn't, it was telling people off for buying things

And I was merely pointing out that the same thing doesn't work for everyone, some of us need to use urea cream.

[MunaZaldrizoti]

I love this product, for the first time in years I feel like I can wear open shoes and I've only used a couple of times!! I cant recommend this enough!! (I also use coconut oil on the soles of my feet daily)

<a class="break-all" href="https://smile.[[//amazon.co.uk/FOLAI-Files-Pedicure-Stainless-Cracked/dp/B07JM5Y25L/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=hard%20skin%20file&qid=1587151130&sr=8-6&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">https://amazon.co.uk/FOLAI-Files-Pedicure-Stainless-Cracked/dp/B07JM5Y25L/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=hard%20skin%20file&qid=1587151130&sr=8-6&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21]]

[MunaZaldrizoti]

Not sure why my clicky link isn't working!

[EmmaStone]

Flexitol, Flexitol, Flexitol. No need for any of those horrible file things. I bought a massive tub of it, much more cost efficient than the tubes, and it lasts forever. I've been able to keep on top of my heels ever since I started using it.

[kasm]

Following with interest
My heels used to just need a wee bit of moisture now and then.....now they are horrendous. Only thing that’s different is I have a quick shower now instead of my long jacuzzi bath every morning - thinking I should take the time to do the baths again and see if things improve again 🤔

[Italianmeringuebuttercream]

As a pp mentioned epsom salts do make a difference. I have been using them in the bath since jan/feb for muscle pain and I noticed that my feet don't catch on the sheets like they used to! My heels were so dry! Anyway, last night I was in the bath and I rubbed my heels and loads of dead skin came off. I just used the pads of my fingers, I intend to use a pumice stone next then slather on weleda skin food (hope its good as I accidentally ordered 3 tubes )

[BunnytheHoneyBee]

I do love Epsom salts

I used to have lots have baths but have her showers every day for the past month or so, so maybe this is a factor too

[SouthWestmom]

Ok this is what three applications and a shower to use the file?

I think this is an improvement

[SouthWestmom]

Before and after

[BunnytheHoneyBee]

Wow @Noeuf is that two days from putting that stuff on? Have you filed as well?

[SouthWestmom]

Yes I've used the 40% stuff night and morning (socks in the morning not slippers etc) Nate at night. This morning I just gently filed the heels as I figured any build up might loosen.

[SouthWestmom]

I was very very sceptical god knows what's in this stuff

[BunnytheHoneyBee]

I am impressed! Will you carry on using it or have a break?

[SouthWestmom]

I'm going to do a full week and then it says twice a week for maintenance. Glad I found this thread as I'm happy with the outcome

[CockCarousel]

I get the same OP and use Flexitol with gel socks overnight (to allow it to work more efficiently). It has a high urea content (sorry if already mentioned), which is the stuff that works the magic on crispy feet.

[StillSmallVoice]

I have tried absolutely everything. Someone mentioned the Microplane pedicure rasp upthread. It is absolutely fantastic, followed by Flexitol or CCS cream. The CCS is slightly preferable because it isn't as sticky.

I probably only file my feet about once a fortnight now, and before it was every day.

It is definitely worse in the summer when wearing sandals or flip flops, and worse on one foot, I assume because I tend to favour that foot.

[IHateMyPassportPhoto]

@Noeuf

I bought some on the back of your post and just put it on. My feet are also buzzing. Weird! Not stinging or burning but like my feet are fizzy.

[SouthWestmom]

Passport so weird isn't it! Not painful just buzzy. It does stop though you'll be pleased to know!

I'm doing cream and socks during the day and cream and bare feet at night. Twice now I've used a gentle grater style one but that's mainly to help remove the cream build in I'm imagining in the shower.

I'm pleased -

[Forgottenwhatsleepis]

Soap&Glory is really good, if it's still in date, as is the Flexitol. I only use either of them now, whichever one I pick up first, and both as good as each other

[IHateMyPassportPhoto]

There's already a visible difference, although the it still feels dry to the touch.

The cream is a lot runnier than I was expecting!

My DH says it smells too, but as I am currently recovering from Covid and have no sense of smell it doesn't bother me, lol.

[SouthWestmom]

Yes it was surprising how dribbly it was! Lost a good chunk the first day.

Haven't noticed a smell and dh/dc not said anything so far. So maybe initially but doesn't last?

I'm going to keep going for a while and then switch to a couple of times a week

[Sissymate2]

I can sympathize with you lot!
Aren't those cracked heels the worst? I definitely have found that wearing open heeled flip-flops or Birkenstocks contribute to my cracked heels.
I know this might sound like I'm a nut, but one product I've found that helps to heal the deep painful cracks is none other than DUCT TAPE...First I put lanolin into the cracks (making sure to only get it in the actual cracks) and then slap several pieces of duct tape over the whole area. I leave it for several days and when I remove the dt, the cracks are completely healed. The duct tape helps the area retain moisture. I learned this trick from my long distance ( 50k plus) runner friends....they also use the tape to prevent blisters which I've used when wearing new shoes if I gotten a sore place on the back of my heels( but not on an open blistered area) cheap and about the only kind of tape that will stick to the skin for an extended period of time.
Also, I just read that dry, cracked heels can be a sign of dehydration! I absolutely know i do not drink enough fluid during the day.
I think the MAIN reason is the open backed flip-flops though as you see very few men with this problem since they tend to wear socks and shoes regularly..... which i think contributes to that disgusting thick yellow toenail fungus🤮 that is almost impossible to get rid of

@AuntieFenella. ...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Your parmesan joke made me laugh so loud....I don't think many posters saw it because nobody commented on your brill sense of humour ! Keep those little ditties coming...we all need some chuckles
@MunaZaldrizoti
Wow, your before and after photos are amazing. I think you have hit on the right formula

[VanGoghsDog]

It can't just be flip flops that cause it because I rarely wear flip flops or open backed sandals and mine gets really bad. But I have flat feet so I think any walking I tend to slap my feet down.

Sadly I also have the yellow toenail thing. Seems I just get one nail sorted and it pops up on another one!

[Lighteninginabottle27]

Newton sponge and flexitol are ace and cotton socks afterwards. Flexitol is great for nails too, especially with all the extra hand washing.

[BunnytheHoneyBee]

I can’t find the soap and glory cream I thought I had

I have had a bath this week for the first time in weeks, used the scholl rotating thingy, moisturiser every day this week and haven’t worn flip flops during the day and they are much better just from those things.

I don’t think I need to buy anything at the moment which is a bonus!