by Jennifer Flood

Created on: January 29, 2008

When your feet hurt it can cause problems for the rest of your body as well. You may begin to start walking differently which can put pressure on your knees and back. The first signs of potential foot problems are dry, callused feet.

When your feet are dry and callused they are not a pretty sight. This is just a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated it can become much more serious. Untreated, your dry, callused feet could result in cracks in your heels and between your toes. Foot care is an area that is often neglected, but it is an area that can contribute to your overall health.

Proper foot care begins at home. If you do not neglect your feet you will be able to provide everything you need for soft, healthy feet at home. There are many creams and lotions on the market that say they will make your feet soft. Many of these products live up to their word, however a high price comes attached to their claims.

Natural home remedies for dry, calloused feet can be found right in your kitchen and bathroom. Home remedies are a safe and inexpensive way to soften your callused feet.
Healing your callused feet when there are no cracks involved is a three step method.

Step one: Soak.

Soak your feet twice a week in a vinegar solution. Fill a large dishpan with warm water and one cup of vinegar and soak your feet for thirty minutes. After soaking, rinse your feet well and pat dry.

If you do not like vinegar you can soak your feet in a baking soda solution instead. Fill a large dishpan with two gallons of warm water and add one cup of baking soda and soak your feet for thirty minutes. After soaking, rinse your feet off and pat dry.

Step two: Exfoliate.

After soaking your feet you will find that the dry skin has been softened. This is the perfect time to gently rub a pumice stone over your feet to remove dry skin and calluses. Do not worry about getting all of the calluses off in one session. They developed over time and it will take time for them to disappear as well.

Step three: Moisturize.

After exfoliating your feet rinse them off with warm water and pat dry. Apply you favorite dry-skin lotion to your feet and cover them with a clean pair of white cotton socks. Wear these overnight and the lotion will work all night to soften your feet. In severe cases of dry feet you may want to use petroleum jelly until your feet begin to heal.

Steps one and two should be repeated twice a week until your feet are callus free. At that time switch to once a week as a preventive measure. Step

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