Your feet are important parts of your body, but the truth is, people don’t really pay much attention to their feet. In fact, individuals tend to disregard and take their feet for granted, which is why many of them feel foot pain.
One of the main causes of foot pain is cracked, dry feet. While this may be more common than you think, there are indeed some ways you can prevent dry skin on your feet. Get to know what this phenomenon is caused by and how you can treat dry skin.
What Causes Dry Feet?
There are various reasons why one may have dry feet. For one, our feet don’t have oil glands, especially on their soles. This means that our feet tend to be drier than the rest of our body, which is why you may feel dryness, tightness, and some itchiness on it from time to time.
Besides this, another reason why you may have dry feet is due to the cool, dry air, particularly during the colder months. Constant friction on your feet, such as from wearing ill-fitting shoes or standing for too long, can likewise cause cracked feet. Using harsh soaps and body washes can also contribute to this.
Individuals who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and skin conditions such as eczema and or Athlete’s foot may likewise exacerbate dry feet. For those dealing with these conditions, consulting with a foot doctor is ideal to know the best course of action.
Keep Dry Feet at Bay
1. Steer Clear from Heat and Harsh Soaps
There’s nothing like taking a hot bath after a long, tiring day. After all, a hot shower can ease the pain in your body and make you feel more relaxed. However, the truth of the matter is that hot showers can actually make reduce the moisture of your skin as they strip this away rather than locking it in.
In the same vein, those with dry feet should actually avoid harsh soaps, more so those that are fragranced. Many soaps and body washes on the market contain ingredients that can cause irritation, and this can remove moisture from your skin.
2. Moisturize Your Feet
There are a number of ways you can keep your feet healthy and one of these is moisturizing your feet, especially after an exfoliating session. The key to keeping your feet moisturized is not only to apply lotions and creams within five minutes of finishing your bath to better lock in moisture, but also to use rich creams or heel balms.
Some product ingredients to look out for include urea, lanolin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum, to name a few. These ingredients are humectants, emollients, and occlusives, which means they attract hydration molecules and have the capacity to seal in moisture in your skin.
3. Take the Time to Exfoliate
Exfoliating your feet may not be something you think of when you have dry feet, but exfoliation can actually slough away dead skin and calluses, reducing the chances of dry skin returning.
Before exfoliating your feet, give them a good soak in lukewarm, soapy water and scrub away the dry and hardened skin using a dedicated foot scrubber or pumice stone.
4. Consult with a Foot Doctor About Underlying Conditions
If you have underlying medical conditions, such as the aforementioned ones such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, eczema, psoriasis, and athlete’s foot, make sure to consult with a foot doctor. These podiatrists are equipped to help you manage your systemic problems and get to the root of why your feet are dry in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Dry, cracked feet can be a pain to deal with. With these tips and with the help of your trusted foot doctor, you can prevent foot pain and needing wound care in Howard County and the surrounding area.
