Long soaks in a hot bath deplete the natural oils in the skin and the heat reduces the moisture in skin’s outer layer, all of which contribute to dry skin, so limit the time you soak. Do not soak your feet more than three times per week or you’ll contribute to the drying skin instead of treating it. You can make different soaking mixtures, including: A mixture of baking soda and antifungal powder. [1] X Expert Source Catherine Cheung, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2019. Mild soap (scented if you wish) with a bucket of warm water. 3 tbsp (75 g) of Epsom salt dissolved in 1⁄2 US gal (1. 9 L) of water. [2] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. A quarter cup of white vinegar in a bucket of warm water. A quarter cup of lemon juice that will dissolve dead and dry skin. [3] X Research source
A pumice stone is found at a pharmacy or in the pharmacy department of a large store. These are great for removing thick skin from the bottoms and heels of your feet. [5] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. You don’t need a specific type of stiff brush. Even a brush from the household cleaning department works as long as you don’t use it for anything else. It’s a good idea to soak your feet in warm water or take a warm shower for 10–15 minutes before exfoliating.
Thick creams like Eucerin and Cetaphil work to trap the moisture in the skin. Other products with lanolin work in the same way. Olive oil has the same effect on the skin and is likely in your kitchen cabinet. Use just a little, rubbing it and massaging it into the skin. Other moisturizers will be absorbed into the skin and work at the dermal layer. Coconut oil is an oil that has many beneficial properties, including being naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Used on your feet it will moisturize the skin, improve healing of any cracked areas, and help prevent infections. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [8] X Research source Alcohol-based products may be less “greasy” feeling, but the alcohol will also dry the skin out faster. After moisturizing your feet put on a pair of cotton socks to reduce the potential for slipping and falling on the floor and to keep the moisturizer on your feet.
If your dry skin is resistant to the measures you have taken at home, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter product that contains lactic acid or lactic acid and urea. These ingredients help the skin to hold more moisture. A more serious condition might require prescription ointments or creams to reduce the potential that the skin will crack due to dryness.
Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine whenever possible as these can heighten the itchiness of dry feet. [10] X Research source
If the side effect of dry skin is present for more than two weeks, discuss a potential medication change with your physician.
Change your socks daily or after sweating (e. g. , from a workout or a long walk). Wash them well after each use. Sleep in socks after you moisturize your feet each night.
To ensure your feet stay healthy, make sure to wear shoes with proper arch support. [12] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Dermatologists often recommend soaps with a high glycerin content, such as pure glycerin bar soaps and naturally made bar soaps. You can find these at most drug stores and all natural health stores. [15] X Research source
A good rule of thumb is to set your water temperature in the shower/bath to one that feels comfortable but that doesn’t make your skin red.
Your skin is sensitive which allows you to feel different types of sensations which are interpreted by the brain. There are no areas of the body that are normally numb, or without feeling, including your feet. New skin cells are made each day. Your body gets rid of between 30,000 and 40,000 skin cells from all over the body every minute of every day. [18] X Research source The dead skin cells are on the top 18 to 23 layers of skin. Your outer layer of skin which consists of dead skin cells is called the epidermis. This area of the skin is very thin in some areas of the body — such as the eyelids — and thicker in others — such as the bottom of your feet. When the old skin cells in the epidermis fall off, new cells are underneath.
Itchiness Cracked skin Redness Fissures (deep cracks) in the heel of the foot Peeling skin Both the heel and ball of the foot where most of the contact with the ground is made, are at higher risk of becoming rough. This increases the risk of cracking and peeling skin.
Age: Age and hormonal imbalances caused by aging (due to processes like menopause) cause your skin to lose elasticity and lipids, which increases the risk of dry skin. Climate: Living in a dry climate can reduce the amount of moisture in the skin and result in dry skin. In addition, air conditioning removes humidity from the air, reducing the natural moisture in the skin. Winter weather is also damaging to the skin. Skin conditions: Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are two skin conditions which can develop dry and rough patches where they affect the skin. Chlorine: Swimming or soaking in highly chlorinated pools can reduce the natural moisture in your skin. Medical conditions: People who have diabetes often suffer from dry skin on their feet, which increases their risk of infections. Poor blood supply can lead to reduced moisture to the skin cells and increase the risk of complications. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Diabetes Association Health-based nonprofit focused on preventing and researching diabetes Go to source If you have diabetes and dry feet, visit a doctor or podiatrist for your foot care needs.
As you age, take good care of your feet, using the treatments mentioned above. If you swim consistently in a chlorinated pool, take extra precautions to care for the skin over your feet. Chlorine will remove moisture from your skin and result in dry skin. [22] X Research source Shower and bathe only as long as necessary to get clean but not longer. Opt for showers over baths to decrease the risk of reducing the natural moisture in your skin. Always moisturize (with a non-alcoholic moisturizer) after each bath or shower. If you suffer from atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, take special care of the skin on your feet to reduce the potential for cracked and peeling skin. If you have diabetes, evaluate your feet every night for breaks in the skin. You can reduce the risk of developing complications related to your diabetes if you practice prevention and care for your feet. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Diabetes Association Health-based nonprofit focused on preventing and researching diabetes Go to source
