Get Rid of Dry Skin on Your Feet
The most common and widespread dry skin forms at the heels of the feet, making cracked heels and dry foot skin one of the more prevalent foot conditions! For most individuals, this may not be a worrisome issue; however, when these cracks become deeper than usual, they can be highly uncomfortable to stand on and can bleed, which, in extreme circumstances, can lead to infections.
Dry Skin: Causes
Some people are more prone to developing cracked or flaky skin because their skin is naturally dry. Apart from that, mechanical causes that raise the pressure in the foot and ankle region are frequently to blame for the thicker and drier skin around the heels and feet.
Some factors that may contribute to the development of dry foot skin include:
- Absence of moisture
- Inflammation and swelling in the lower limbs
- Some shower gels and cleaning products can dry up the skin’s moisture
- Age
- Some medicines also reduce moisture from our bodies
- Athlete’s foot
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis – accumulation of dead cells in the skin that do not shed naturally
- Diabetes and blood circulation issues
- Obesity as it increases stress on your feet drastically
Dry Skin: Treatments
On the skin’s surface, dead cells naturally shed and are replaced by new ones. However, dry patches can thicken and create cracks, resulting in calluses and infections. How can you prevent and treat dry foot skin?
Scrub Your Feet:
Numerous foot scrubs are available OTC. Try to get one with granules to assist in removing dead skin. You may also make your own scrubs by combining lemon juice, baby oil and sea salt. To remove dead skin, you can also use a sponge or foot scrub brush. Use warm water to wash your feet once done with scrubbing.
Soak Your Feet:
- Immersing the feet and ankles in lukewarm water and massaging them to improve blood flow can help prevent future dry skin.
- A small amount of vinegar can be used to treat minor cases of athlete’s foot and food odor.
Moisturize your feet:
- Apply moisturizer and massage your feet after washing and drying them properly. This rejuvenates the skin and improves blood circulation in your feet.
- Regularly moisturizing your feet will assist in dry skin that already exists and stop dryness from developing.
Gel Lined Socks:
You can consider wearing moisturizing gel-lined socks for added hydration. These can be purchased online or your podiatrist can guide you about which ones to use.
A typical problem that podiatrists treat is dry skin. Regardless of how severe your condition may be, podiatrists can treat the condition by using specialized instruments to remove the dry skin, clean the affected areas and provide you with lotions to prevent dry skin. Consult your podiatrist on improving foot health and avoiding dry skin issues.
The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. If you have any questions or want to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
