FootMedix by Dermal Medix

Medically Reviewed by Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

What is FootMedix?

FootMedix by Dermal Medix is a topical solution that claims to strengthen skin, stimulate new growth, and increase circulation, aimed at protecting and restoring severely dry, cracked, and painful feet.

According to their site, the FootMedix active ingredients are intended to deliver rapid healing, provide deep moisturization, and keep sweat away from the skin.

Dr. Watts claims these ingredients can start working in just five minutes. According to the company, apply FootMedix to clean, dry feet twice daily, focusing on any areas where you're experiencing dry, damaged skin.

Can you expect FootMedix to leave you with healthier, more attractive feet?

We'll help you answer these questions and more by reviewing the active ingredients and highlighting any available support for their safety and efficacy.

What Causes Calluses and Dry Skin?

Calluses aren't much more than the flat build-up of hard skin, usually located on the bottom of feet and hands and caused by repeated pressure or friction in a specific area. These are different than corns, which typically feature a softcore that falls inward.

Although not directly related, dry skin (insufficient moisture)—which is often caused by environmental factors like weather, humidity levels, hot showers, and more—can cause calluses to become increasingly uncomfortable.

In general, calluses cause little more than minor discomfort. They can often be addressed by wearing shoes that fit, adding padding where needed, using salicylic acid to soften the callus (or soaking in warm water), and removing with a pumice stone, and more.

In some instances (creams like FootMedix aside), you might need to visit your podiatrist for professional callus removal, and/or to purchase specialized orthotics that can help prevent calluses from getting worse, while relieving at least some measure of discomfort.

Callus formation can be especially dangerous in those with diabetes or other conditions that alter sensation in your feet. They can be completely unaware of the presence of a callus. Over time, this can further develop into open wounds known as ulcers.

From a moisturization perspective, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding excessively hot baths or showers. Using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, applying an ointment or a cream (instead of lotion) immediately after bathing, and using a humidifier at home, especially during the winter months when heat can dry out the skin.

What Ingredients Are Found in FootMedix and Is the Formula Clinically Proven?

According to the Dermal Medix website, FootMedix contains the following ingredients:

Water, Glycerine, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Dimethicone, Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-8, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Beta-Glucan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Clotrimazole, Human Oligopeptide-1, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

Of these, we learned the vast majority work as surfactants, emulsifiers, humectants, emollients, and cleansing agents. This is common for any cream, foot-related, or otherwise, since they help clean skin and trap moisture, thereby improving symptoms of dry skin and helping to prevent irritation.

There are a handful of ingredients that Dermal Medix claims are responsible for the vast majority of the purported benefits, however. We'll dive a bit deeper into these.

Clotrimazole & Tea Tree Oil

Clotrimazole is an azole medication often used in over-the-counter creams to treat (or prevent) fungal skin infections, like athlete's foot and jock itch. Tea tree oil is thought to perform a similar function.

In a review of 72 trials, researchers found that azoles were effective in treating fungal infections. While another anti-fungal was slightly more effective, azoles are a more cost-effective treatment option.

The ability of tea tree oil to alleviate athlete's foot is less clear. Though it was as effective as another anti-fungal cream, it was comparable to the ability of placebo to relieve symptoms.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor (hEGF)

the human oligopeptide-1, which Amarte Skincare defines as:

… a small polypeptide of 53 amino acids that serves as a cytokine to stimulate epidermal cell growth and proliferation. This peptide is derived from non-human sources using recombinant DNA biotechnology. Also known as EGF or epidermal growth factor.

A recent review of 7 studies investigated the ability of hEGF to treat diabetic foot ulcers. They concluded that the use of hEGF in conjunction with standard wound care measures improved the rate of healing when compared to placebo.

The researchers do suggest considering these findings with caution as the number of available studies was limited, and many factors weren't discussed during these investigations.

More research is needed to better characterize the potential benefits.

FootMedix As a Stand-Alone Product

Dermal Medix claims that in clinical trials conducted by Dr. Watts, "100% of users reported improvement in foot calluses and dry skin, and a staggering 96% of FootMedix users reported results they classified as "phenomenal." Again, there is no available support for these claims.

We didn't locate a copy of this trial on the FootMedix website, so we reached out to the company for more details and they confirmed that they did conduct an internal study and showed us the results. However, due to their internal policies, we were asked not to make it public.

Will FootMedix Cause Any Side Effects?

Unless you have especially sensitive skin, these sites indicate you probably won't experience anything worse with FootMedix's ingredients than mild, temporary redness in the application area.

The greatest risk is for using this product to manage dry, cracked, and painful feet without first determining the underlying cause. If your symptoms are related to poor circulation or ineffective regulation of blood sugars, treatment will entail much more than a foot cream.

For these reasons, it is imperative to speak with a physician about your symptoms first.

How Much Does FootMedix Cream Cost?

FootMedix is only available directly through Dermal Medix, and is priced as follows:

• 1 Tube (1-month supply): $120
• 2 Tubes: $228
• 3 Tubes: $324

All of these options come with free S&H.

You will save if you purchase through Amazon; each tube is priced at $39.99 and ships free.

Regardless of how much you pay, though, Dermal Medix provides a 90-day risk-free guarantee on FootMedix purchases, less S&H charges. To request a refund, call customer service at 800-425-0243 or support@dermalmedix.com.

The Bottom Line

There is some available research for the key ingredients used in FootMedix but the support isn't stellar.

And while FootMedix seems to be up against a lot of other callus and cracked skin creams, you won't find their unique formulation anywhere else. It appears most customers are pleased with the formulation's results, despite its (sometimes much) higher price.

But if FootMedix ultimately doesn't provide the results or the value you were expecting, Dermal Medix seems to stand behind their formulation with a 90-day money-back guarantee. Nonetheless, the lack of strong scientific support does not seem to justify the high cost of these products.

You may be better off seeking relief with the more cost-effective options that are available.

Still, your best bet is to first touch base with your physician. Moisturizing your feet may be an important party of your plan of care, though you may need to take other steps.