Foot creams recommended by dermatologists

Which type of foot cream should you choose?

A regular moisturizer can be enough for dry feet; the word "foot" on the tub is not an admission requirement. Emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream can be sufficient, and a thick moisturizing hand cream is another option. Choose an exfoliating heel product when hard, rough skin is part of the problem, rather than treating every dry foot as a callus.67

What should you look for on the label?

For ordinary dryness, useful moisturizing ingredients include glycerin, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, mineral oil, petrolatum and shea butter. You do not need all of them in one product. Ceramides are another useful option: these molecules help hold water in the skin and restore its protective barrier. A cream or ointment is generally a better choice than a lotion for very dry skin.15

Look for "fragrance free," not just "unscented." Unscented products can contain chemicals that hide ingredient odors and irritate dry, sensitive skin. For excessively dry skin, avoid products containing fragrance, alcohol or retinoids. Ask your dermatologist before adding an itch relief cream, because some ingredients in these products can make dryness and itching worse.1

How strong should a urea cream be?

For daily foot moisturizing, 10% and 20% urea creams are options; a podiatrist can help choose between them. Dermatologists recommend 10% to 25% urea for dry, cracked heels. Stronger exfoliating care has a different place: once heels are healthy, a 20% or 40% urea cream can help remove dead skin and maintain softness. Do not assume the highest percentage is the right starting point for a cracked heel.245

How to apply foot cream

1. 1Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance free cleanser. Keep baths and showers to five to ten minutes, and avoid long foot soaks.
2. 2Gently pat your feet dry. Dry thoroughly between the toes, while leaving the heel skin slightly damp for moisturizing.
3. 3Apply heel cream within five minutes of bathing. For daily foot care, spread cream over the tops and soles, but leave the spaces between your toes clear.
4. 4Wait a few minutes for the cream to soak in before walking, because freshly creamed feet can be slippery.
5. 5Before bed, apply plain petroleum jelly to your heels. If layering it over moisturizer, allow the moisturizer a couple of minutes to absorb first, then put on thin cotton socks.

Moisturize at least once a day; morning and night is a useful routine for dry feet. Reapply heel moisturizer whenever your heels feel dry. Continue daily moisturizing after the skin improves to help prevent the dryness returning.237

How long does it take to soften rough heels?

Exfoliating moisturizers such as urea cream or AmLactin lotion take about two weeks of regular use to show a response. Cracks are breaks in the skin, also called heel fissures, and can be painful or allow infection. During the day, a liquid bandage over heel cracks can provide a protective barrier, reduce pain and support healing. Severe cracks or heels that do not improve need assessment rather than progressively stronger products.25

Will cream get rid of calluses?

Pressure and friction cause corns and calluses, so correctly fitting shoes are part of treatment. A cream helps soften skin, but it cannot renegotiate the fit of a shoe. For dry, cracked heels, avoid open backed shoes, worn down shoes and shoes that fit poorly. Closed shoes and socks can help when sandals make dryness or cracking worse.237

For hard skin, gently use a foot file or pumice stone on dry skin once or twice a week, alongside regular moisturizing. Do not file inflamed, itchy or sensitive areas. Do not cut your own corns or calluses, or use corn plasters or paints containing acids. Foot peels should be avoided on broken skin and if you have or are prone to eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis or athlete's foot.345

What if your feet are itchy or peeling?

Red, moist, itchy skin between the toes, sometimes with blisters, can be athlete's foot, a contagious fungal infection. It needs an antifungal treatment rather than moisturizer alone. A pharmacist can help choose a cream or spray; follow the packet directions, including treatment after the rash disappears. Dry carefully between the toes, wash socks regularly and let shoes dry between wears. Keep moisturizing cream out of the toe spaces. See a doctor or podiatrist if symptoms persist.37

When should you get medical advice?

Check the tops, soles and spaces between your toes for wounds, blisters and painful areas. Use a mirror if reaching your feet is difficult. Seek medical advice for swelling, heat, pain, discharge or redness, which can signal infection. Tell your dermatologist if moisturizer causes burning, stinging or irritation. Persistent dryness or severe cracked heels can be linked to an underlying condition, including diabetes, eczema or psoriasis, and need more than a different tub of cream.145