These products are most effective when applied after bathing and right before going to bed. But don't slather the whole foot, take care to avoid applying moisturizers between toes, as this can lead to excessive moisture in between toes, an ideal environment for fungus growth.
This means that daily use of the ointment might not be advisable. You will find the densest, toughest skin on your body to be on the bottom of your feet. This means that this area has a high likelihood of drying out, cracking, and developing calluses.
Use an Overnight Treatment – Vaseline® Jelly can be used as an effective overnight cosmetic treatment for dry, cracked feet and heels as it helps create a sealing barrier, locking in the essential moisture your feet need to repair themselves .
Cracks heal faster if protected from air exposure and drying. Keep the cracks constantly covered with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Put it on the cracks 3 times a day. If the crack seems mildly infected, use an antibiotic ointment instead (such as Polysporin).
Do not put oils or creams between your toes. The extra moisture can lead to infection. Also, don't soak your feet—that can dry your skin.
Moisturize them every day with lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly. Don't put moisturizer between your toes. You want to keep the skin there dry to prevent infection.
Vaseline is a petroleum by-product and it certainly does have many properties that can be very helpful for your feet. It is slick and can be used to help keep body parts from rubbing and becoming irritated. It is a favorite of distance runners for its ability to prevent blisters.
Sprinkle antifungal powder on feet and in your shoes daily. Antifungal creams and sprays are also effective at managing the infection. Continue treatment for one to two weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring. Make sure your feet get plenty of air.
Athlete's foot can cause cracked peeling skin between the toes. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes.
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.
People try to slather on petroleum jelly and the like only for the skin to dry out less than an hour later. As the condition increases in severity the skin may have multiple blisters that itch intensely and produce a clear, sometimes odorous liquid reminiscent of corn chips.
In addition to helping skin and hair retain moisture, a 1992 study shows that Vaseline can penetrate the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum). However, since Vaseline is an occlusive substance, it continues to sit on top of skin, too.
Try applying heavy moisturizing creams or petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to callused areas and leaving it on overnight. This can help soften the calluses and prevent the skin from drying out. Wearing cotton gloves or socks after moisturizing can also help protect the area and lock in moisture while sleeping.
Petroleum jelly is a thick, waxy paste that many people use as a skin care product and treatment for minor cuts and burns. Other names for petroleum jelly include petrolatum and Vaseline, a common brand name.
Put on a pair of socks and go to sleep. When you wake up, take a pumice stone or foot file and scale off the dead skin, buffing your heels until they are smooth and soft. This will ensure that you have softer and smoother feet the next morning.
Socks keep your feet drier.
It's a common misconception that socks cause sweat. In fact, activity does, and no matter how you slice it, feet just have a lot of sweat glands. Socks actually keep your feet drier by absorbing some of this excess moisture.
“One of the most common misconceptions about athlete's foot is that people think that it will go away on its own,” explained Dr. D'Angelantonio. Unfortunately, athlete's foot does not usually heal on its own. If left untreated, large, painful fissures can also develop.
Wearing socks to bed can help prevent transmission of the fungus. Even if you avoid contact, your partner can still develop athlete's foot if you walk around the house barefoot.
Your feet are safe inside shoes or socks -- as long as you keep them dry. Otherwise, let those toes out in the air. Myth 9: Athlete's foot will clear up on its own.
When skin is too moist, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection. This can cause cracks between the toes. People who often walk barefoot or wear open shoes are at risk for dry skin. People who wear shoes without socks or shoes and socks that don't breathe well are at risk for moist skin problems.
Certain conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, among other things, can also look very much like Athlete's foot. Sometimes, if the skin barrier is compromised, a secondary bacterial infection can occur.
You do not have to throw away your shoes if you have athlete's foot unless they were worn without socks, have dirt in them, or you have another skin reaction to the material or color dyes.
Try petroleum jelly.
It may take a while to soak in, but petroleum jelly is a good way to restore moisture to cracked heels. Try coating your feet in petroleum jelly at night before bed, slip on some comfy socks, and let it soak in overnight while you are asleep.
Antifungal powders, sprays and/or creams are often used to treat athlete's foot. However, ensuring that your feet are clean and dry before applying any lotion could prevent any fungal or bacterial infection.