Betty,
I read all your posts, but do not post hardly ever. I, like many others, however, admire you for all your talents and all the stuff you do.
It bothers me that you are taking this thing with your foot so lightly, especially if you have redness going up your foot. If there is no other cause, then infection seems to be the problem. Are you diabetic, by any chance? If yes, i would RUN, not walk tot he Doctor.
Anyway--lets just assume that your skin under your foot is just very thick and calloused and therefore the crack is fairly deep and will not heal quickly. Using a salve is a good idea. It will help soften the skin.
I want to show you another product that is vary,very good for all kinds of cracking skin, chafing and just rough and painful hands and fingers splitting, etc.
Have you ever heard of BAG BALM? It is a Farm product and is used on cow teets (udders) to keep them from chafing from milking. It is a vasaline-like salve, but is antiseptic and heals things pretty fast. I use it in the winter on my cracked cuticles and put a band aid over it at night. It is a bit greasy, so putting a good amount under your foot and then putting some gauze pads over it and a nice cotton sock as you go to bed for the night should do wonders. Do this every night until it heals up.
Bag Balm is not sold in too many stores, but Pharmacies carry it, or can order it for you. It is not expensive. The 10oz tin (oictured below) will last you for years. Here it can be had for about $6. You may also find it in the lotion department in a really small tin for almost the same price. Don't buy it off the shelf. Ask them to order you one. OR--if you have a farm supply store anywhere near you, they will surely carry it.
Here's a picture of the front. Can you make out the print?
