They have fewer fat glands than other parts of the body and are exposed to pressure and abrasion during the day. People can improve dry feet skin by using some simple home remedies. Stay with this article to check the cause of dry foot skin in detail.
Dry skin often appears on the heels, sides of the feet, and between the toes. The affected areas may sometimes feel itchy, stiff and even painful. Although annoying, this condition can rarely be harmful.
Soaking the soles of the feet in water, using moisturizers and regular exfoliation can reduce the dryness of the foot skin and remove dead skin and calluses and prevent them from returning.
In this article, we discuss the causes of dry skin, cracking or scaling on the feet and their treatment methods. Stay with us.
Dry skin of the feet and effective factors
Lack of moisture causes dryness, cracking and flaking of the skin, especially on the heels and soles of the feet. Because these areas have fewer fat glands than other parts of the body.
Too much pressure
Standing for too long or wearing inappropriate shoes can put constant pressure on certain parts of the foot or cause skin friction. As a result, these areas of the feet may become dry, calloused or cracked.
Heat and humidity in shoes
Closed-toed shoes such as sports shoes and boots create a very warm and humid environment for the feet. Heat and humidity cause the skin to lose moisture, which eventually leads to dry, thick, or cracked areas on the feet.
The effect of soaps on the skin of the feet
Soaps and body washes that contain harsh chemicals or irritants strip the skin of moisture. Leaving extra soap on the feet can also cause these problems.
The effect of aging on the legs
Over time, the skin loses its ability to retain water and becomes thinner and less hydrated. Older people may experience more dry skin due to the natural aging process.
The effect of drugs on the skin of the feet
Certain medications, including diuretics, can cause dry feet. Dry feet can also be caused by a medical problem, such as athlete’s foot. This is a fungal infection that causes crusting between the toes and the soles of the feet.
Eczema
Eczema is a type of skin disorder that causes inflammation. People can get eczema anywhere on their body. Common symptoms of eczema include dry, scaly or itchy patches of skin.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes thick and scaly patches of skin. Psoriatic patches can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet.
Hypothyroidism
People with hypothyroidism may experience dry feet skin more; Because their thyroid gland is not able to regulate the sweat glands in the legs and eventually causes them to dry out.
The effect of diabetes on the skin
Living with uncontrolled diabetes can lead to damage to peripheral nerves, called neuropathy. Neuropathy can affect the nerves that regulate fat and moisture in the soles of the feet and cause dry or cracked feet.
Treatment methods for dry skin on the feet
Dead cells on the surface of the skin fall naturally and new cells take their place. When dead skin cells are not removed, thick, scaly patches form on the feet.
Over time, dry areas, especially on the heels, can thicken or crack. Cracked heels are more prone to infection, and thick calluses make walking difficult and uncomfortable.
In the following, we will recount five of the best ways to treat cracked feet and dry foot skin.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation involves removing the dead surface layer of the skin using a physical or chemical exfoliator
Physical peels include the following.
Foot scrubs
Body brushes
Electric stepping stone
You can buy foot scrubs or prepare them at home by mixing honey, warm water and sugar.
Chemical peels are lotions or thin liquids that contain compounds such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid that dissolve dead cells on the surface of the skin.
According to the studies done to solve the dry skin of the feet, the most popular chemical exfoliators are the ones that the manufacturers specially designed for the feet. Some foot scrubs contain artificial fragrances and alcohols that can irritate sensitive skin, so it is very important to check the ingredients before purchasing to ensure they are not allergenic or irritating.
For gentler exfoliation of the legs, you can use suitable chemical peels for the face
soaking feet
Soaking feet in warm water soothes and relaxes dry skin, while improving blood circulation in the feet, which can prevent dry skin over time.
Adding a small amount of vinegar to the water used to soak the soles of the feet may help treat mild athlete’s foot disease (fungus between the toes). Vinegar has powerful antimicrobial properties that disinfect feet and even eliminate foot odor.
Other useful ingredients to add to the sole soaking solution are:
- Epsom salt
- honey
- Oat
- Lemon juice
- Peppermint essential oil
Foot stone or foot file
You can use a foot stone or a metal foot file to remove dry foot skin and closed calluses. To do this (remove dry skin and calluses using a pumice stone or metal file), do the following steps.
- Soak feet in warm water to soften dead skin
- Wet the foot stone or foot file with warm water
- Gently rub the pumice stone or foot file over the dead or calloused skin. Make circular movements when using a foot stone and gentle back and forth movements when using a foot file
- Wash the dead skin off your feet. Repeat the third step if necessary
- Dry the feet gently with a clean towel
- Moisturize the feet with cream, lotion or oil
Regular moisturizing of the feet helps to reduce the dryness of the foot skin and prevents the accumulation of new dry skin. Moisturizing the feet after using an exfoliator or foot stone with the help of a suitable moisturizing cream helps to maintain the moisture of the skin.
It is better not to use lotions, creams and moisturizers containing alcohol, added fragrances and artificial colors; Because these substances can aggravate skin dryness.
Foot moisturizing socks while sleeping
You can use special gel moisturizing socks to provide more water and remove the dryness of the foot skin. These socks are available online. You can make them yourself.
Jelly socks contain natural oils and vitamins that help to hydrate and repair dry skin on the feet. Just wear a pair of them for a few hours around the house. After use, put the socks in the washing machine to wash and then let them air dry.
You can also achieve the same results by using a moisturizer and a good pair of cotton socks. At bedtime, you can apply a generous amount of moisturizer on your feet and then wear cotton socks. In the morning, take off your socks and wash your feet.
Use the following tips to prevent dry skin on your feet:
- Proper foot hygiene, which includes thoroughly cleaning the feet, removing dead skin, and keeping the skin moist with a proper moisturizer.
- Not using lotions, soaps and body washes that contain alcohol, perfumes and color additives and other possible stimulants.
- Using warm water instead of hot for bathing and soaking the soles of the feet
- Wear appropriate shoes
- To dry the foot after bathing or washing, dry the foot with gentle strokes of a clean towel and do not rub it strongly on the skin.
Introducing foot care products
Comment here