Cracked skin appears most commonly on the hands and feet, and there are a number of basic ways to treat and prevent it. Many home remedies for cracked skin are quite effective when they are used on a regular basis. In some cases, you may have to resort to medical treatment, especially if your cracked skin is especially deep or painful. A doctor can prescribe medications which may help to clean up the underlying causes of the condition.
Eczema, psoriasis, and generally dry skin are three common causes of cracked skin, and they can be exaggerated by dry conditions. Often, the skin starts out dry and scaly, before slowly cracking and forming skin fissures. If skin fissures are allowed to deepen, they can be extremely painful, and they are much harder to treat. Try to treat dry and cracked skin early, before it reaches this stage.
One of the best remedies for cracked skin is hydration. Soak the affected area in warm water for around 15 minutes a day, and dry it thoroughly. You can also add oils to the water for added moisture, and you should always apply a moisturizer to cracked skin after a soak. Bath oils are excellent for this purpose, as is petroleum jelly or Vaseline®. Avoid using moisturizing creams, as some can actually end up drying skin out; to test a moisturizer, apply it to a small patch of skin and wait a few minutes. If your skin feels tight, the moisturizer is drying, and it should not be used.
At night, moisturize your hands and/or feet thoroughly and wear gloves or socks. The overnight soak in moisturizer can help to soften and soothe cracked skin. For mild skin fissures, you can try a thin line of superglue to help close the crack, but this is not advised for deep fissures. If your cracked skin is accompanied by an itchy feeling, add baking soda to your soaking water to help relieve the itching.
Diet is another thing on the list of home remedies for cracked skin. Eat more zinc, vitamin E, and omega threes to help hydrate and condition your skin from the inside. These substances are also good for general health, and they are available from sources such as supplements and foods like fish. When you combine topical remedies with an improved diet, you can achieve and maintain healthier, smoother skin.
Pumice stones and files are also useful remedies for cracked skin. Try smoothing and filing the area to wear away dry, old, cracked skin and to promote the growth of healthy new skin. Do not file excessively, as you do not want to flay your skin; be patient and work on a small section daily. Soak and hydrate after you do this to further soothe and smooth your skin.