Mine can get REALLY BAD! So bad they get infected and they bleed and I can't stand.

BUT, and this is GOOD news, I purchased a Homedics Electric manicure/pedicure kit. It has 7 attachements which DAWNED on me, most are Sanding tools. I have been sanding my heels now for about 2 weeks. I knew I couldn't make much of a difference all at once so I go at it once a day then apply a thick moisturizer after then put on socks and shoes.

I used to razor them a little at a time but couldn't really make a difference with the dry and hard surface on the sides of my heels. The Sander is Amazing. I wish I had thought of doing this a long time ago. It feels So different to be able to actually FEEL my heels now instead of that hard, I mean ROCK hard layer with deep cracks.

I will take a pic of this kit so you can see what it looks like and the attachment I use on my heels. It's the BEST thing I have ever done for this problem which I have had ALL my life, even as a kid.

Good luck - I hope this works for you. I purchased the Pedegg and that little product is the best thing since sliced bread!! I was amazed at how well it worked and how soft and smooth my feet were after I used it. And it was onlt $9.99!!

I know how dry my skin seems to get in the Winter - seems I go through lotion by the gallon. I do the same thing you're doing - lots of lotion and then socks. It seems to help.

Have fun with your new foot spa!

mine have stopped cracking completely when i upped my omega 3's. not even dry. very smooth and soft.

Extremely dry skin is a sign you body is not getting enough essential fatty acids
in the diet.

I have an EFA thread here:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread6092.html

What you see happening to your skin, is also happening INSIDE you.

So the sooner you correct that dietary problem, the better.

The word "essential" means you cannot live without them. That the body does not make them itself. The media and doctors are finally getting this message, but it is still a slow process educating people.

in addition to those essential fatty acids...............

cracked skin on soles/heels can sometimes also indicate a fungal infection, which responds quickly to OT anti-fungal creams.

I have also UPed my water intake. AND I am being VERY strict with myself about this now. An extra quart a day seems to be working miracles. Along with the benefits of the sander, I don't seem to be having as many spasms in my muscles either. I was getting that "TOE thing" you know, when you first lay down, late in the day and your big toe decides it's going for a walk without the rest of your toes??? You know, OFF to the side!! Man, that hurts. I realized that the muscle in back of the knee NEEDS to be stretched out in order for that to stop. Stand up and bend over and Stretch the backs of you legs for a minute or so and that toe thing goes away. I CAN'T be the only person who gets this, can I?? I think it's from sitting too much.