DEAR DR. GOTT: My feet are rough, and the skin sometimes hurts, catching on my carpet. Can you please tell me what to use? I’ve tried so many different products without success.
DEAR READER: When you refer to your feet, I interpret that to mean your heels, which can form thick skin, split, and be difficult to manage.
Initially, and as long as there are no open ulcers, I might begin with a pumice stone, which can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Some even have a handle and resemble a hairbrush. Soak your feet in warm water to which iodized table salt or Epsom salt has been added. Rub the pumice over the affected areas to remove excess burrs and dry skin. Have a pair of white cotton socks readily available. Pat your feet dry, and apply a petroleum-based ointment such as Bag Balm or Vicks over the appropriate areas of your feet. Slip your feet into the socks, and leave the socks on overnight until the ointment can be absorbed. By morning, your feet should be softer and relatively free of pain. You might need to follow the process several times a week until things are back under control and might wish to consider a weekly regimen to ensure you have conquered the problem.
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