What Is The Top Moisturizer For Cracked Feet

Cracked skin on rough feet is a common condition in all seasons. In the winter, our skin becomes dryer in cold weather. Summertime brings sandals, which allows the dirt and dust to make our feet dry. While many people use creams and lotions to moisturize the skin, some only do so when there is discomfort and cracking from the dry skin. Others buy what's on sale without concern as to if it is the right solution for them. As a foot specialist, I am exposed to various creams and lotions. The following are my recommendation for over the counter creams and lotions.

A lotion is a good selection for mild dryness on the top of the foot, around the ankles and on the legs. It is not appropriate for the thicker skin on the bottom of the foot and especially the heels. Lotions are a thinner vehicle for moisture and do not penetrate the skin as deeply. Using a lotion does certainly have an appropriate place in foot care. While there are many lotions available in the grocery stores and pharmacies, the only lotion I recommend is Amerigel Care Lotion. It is available online and in many pharmacies, as well as some doctors' offices, this lotion has properties that no others have. Amerigel contains Oakin, a natural ingredient that exfoliates dry skin, fights bacterial and fungal infection, and reduces skin inflammation. It is one of the few lotions that can eliminate the discoloration that many find on their legs.

Unlike lotions, there are several cremes that I recommend. Each serves a particular purpose. For maintenance, when there is not a particular issue with dryness and the skin of the feet is generally healthy, both Eucerin creme and Cetaphil cream can be used with excellent results. Both are widely available in drug stores and grocery stores.

There is many times where feet become dry and rough when an "off the shelf" solution doesn't work well enough. The first line of defense is a stronger moisturizing creme. Foot Miracle, by Straight Arrow, is a cremethat absorbs well into the skin to treat dry and rough areas of the skin. Using it twice a day will treat the skin and keep it from becoming dry and cracked. There are some who still need another level of moisturizing. For those I recommend Gormel Crème, by Gordon Labs. Gormel Crème contains 20% Urea, which adds elasticity to the skin to make it resilient by drawing upon the body's own moisture. It also helps to prevent and treat painful cracking and splitting skin.

Most of the time, any old moisturizer won't do. It is important to identify your skin type, what you expect from the cream, and which is the best one is for your particular use.


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Houston Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider is a foot doctor dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of his patients and educating the public on foot health. Visit his website for informative articles, frequently asked questions, and comprehensive video library