Home remedies for dry, flaky feet in winter: Heal it with coconut oil massage, lemon scrub, aloe vera gel

Winter temperatures tend to strip away moisture, leaving your feet dry, and sometimes, cracks become the most painful outcome of this seasonal dryness (Image: Canva)

Is the winter weather causing trouble for your feet? Even if you prefer winter over the sweaty summer, this season comes with its own set of skin problems. It's that time of year again when your feet need extra attention.

You might usually focus on dryness on your face and hands, but often, ignore your feet. The cold temperatures tend to strip away moisture, leaving your feet dry, and sometimes, cracks become the most painful outcome of this seasonal dryness. But fear not, there are indeed home remedies that can offer relief.

Symptoms of dry feet in winters

As the winter breeze settles in, your feet face the brunt. Clear signs of dryness — flakiness, itchiness, rough patches, and cracks — become conspicuous. The most discomforting and painful among these symptoms are the cracks that tend to develop, especially around the heels. These fissures not only cause discomfort but can sometimes lead to bleeding and infection if left unattended.

Causes of dry feet

Several factors contribute to the dryness and cracks on your feet during winter. The drop in temperature and humidity levels in the air leads to reduced moisture in the skin. Furthermore, taking long hot showers or baths during winter can strip away the natural oils from the skin, leaving it parched. Wearing closed shoes for extended periods without proper ventilation traps moisture, causing the skin to dry out.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or diabetes can also exacerbate the issue of dry feet in winter.

Home remedies to treat dry feet:

Hydrating soak with oatmeal: Soak your feet in a tub filled with warm water. Add ground oatmeal to it and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Oatmeal's anti-inflammatory properties help soothe dry skin.

Coconut oil massage: Massage coconut oil onto your feet before bedtime. This oil aids in moisturising deeply. You can also use other oils like jojoba oil, mustard oil or almond oil.

Banana foot mask: Make a nourishing foot mask by mixing mashed ripe bananas with honey and a tablespoon of either coconut or mustard oil. Apply the mask onto your feet and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. This will deeply moisturise your heels, and the softened skin will easily slough off when using a pumice stone or scrub.

Petroleum jelly overnight: Apply a layer of petroleum jelly on your feet, wear socks, and leave it overnight. This helps in sealing moisture and healing cracked heels.

Honey and almond oil: Mix honey and almond oil, apply the blend on your feet, and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off to soften and nourish the skin.

Lemon scrub: Combine salt with lemon juice and use the lemon peel soaked in this mixture to rub on your feet. Rinse with clean water afterward. The natural acids in lemon, coupled with the exfoliating properties of salt, aid in dead skin removal.

Aloe vera gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly onto the dry areas of your feet. Aloe vera has natural healing and moisturising properties make your feet soft.

Glycerin and rosewater: Mix equal parts glycerin and rosewater, apply on your feet, and leave it overnight. This aids to restore the moisture of your feet, leaving them soft and supple

Apple cider vinegar soak: Create a mixture by combining equal parts of warm water and apple cider vinegar. Soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Then, delicately scrub your feet using a brush or pumice stone. The acidic properties of vinegar weaken dead skin, making it easier to remove.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying adequately hydrated, and ensuring proper foot care are vital for overall foot health. While these home remedies can offer relief, persistent issues should be addressed by consulting a doctor.