When it comes to dry skin on feet, it is known to affect many people, particularly at times when the winter season is around. If you have ever seen your heels covered in some sort of dryness or rough skin on the feet, then you are not alone.
Luckily, if you know the causes of developing dry skin on your feet and how to avoid it, you can maintain soft and healthy feet. So, in this blog, we shed light on factors such as what causes dry skin on feet and how you can care for them.
What Are The Reasons For Dry Skin on Feet?
To know the reasons behind the dry skin on the feet, go through the guide mentioned below:
Cold Weather
One of the main causes of dry skin is cold weather. You might be aware that in winter the air is much colder and less humid, resulting in the removal of moisture from your skin. This is particularly the case if you’re indoors, where the use of heaters often leads to low humidity. With this, the skin starts to dry and can develop a scaly and cracked texture, especially when it is already thicker skin on the feet.
Lack of moisture
Remember, your skin needs to be moist, so it cannot be dry for it to remain healthy and soft. If you have not been using creams on your feet, then they may become so rough and dry. A lot of people neglect the feet, considering that they do not require applying lotion in the same way that the rest of the body. But your feet are part of your body that is exposed to the same conditions as other parts and need to be moist to remain healthy.
Hot Showers and Baths
While taking a long, hot shower may sound soothing to most people, it might not be good for the skin. Hot water washes the skin, removing natural oils and leaving it dry. If you love taking long showers, then it is advisable to put cream on your skin to get that natural glow.
Harsh Soaps
Some of the soaps, which may include strong fragrances or chemicals, may not be good for the skin on the feet. They can strip off the skin’s natural oils, leaving the skin feeling dry and tight. So, it is important to avoid using a soap that will cause your skin to become stretched by dryness.
Aging Factor
As human beings grow older, their skin produces reduced amounts of oil, therefore leading to dryness. Older people are likely to suffer more from dryness on their feet because the skin becomes thinner and unable to retain moisture. If you are getting old, this might be one of the causes of your dry feet.
Certain Medical Conditions
Many medical conditions can cause dry skin on the feet, including athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes. Many people with these conditions experience dry skin, itching, and even cracking. If you experience that a medical condition is a reason for dry feet, this is the right time to seek professional counsel on how best to proceed.
If you are searching for dry skin treatment in Moorestown, NJ, then you must consult with professionals at Meta Dermatology. They will guide you properly throughout the process.
Not Wearing Socks
Walking around or wearing a shoe without a sock creates friction, which most often results in the skin irritation of your feet. This results in dry skin mainly on the heels becoming rough. Don’t forget that lack of sufficient support and improper material used for manufacturing these shoes also cause skin problems on feet.
How Can You Prevent Dry Skin on Feet?
After learning about the reasons that lead to dry skin, let’s discuss what you can do about it and how to keep your feet smooth and hydrated.
Apply Moisturizer
The first thing you can do to avoid having dry skin on your feet is always to apply lotion on the feet. Seek a thick and rich body lotion that is supposed to be used on the skin that has been affected by dryness. However, shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin can be a great option since they will help retain moisture.
No Hot Showers
Instead of hot baths, take a lukewarm bath so that your skin is not stripped of its natural oils. You may find that the hot water can remove the skin oils and leave your skin irritating. After washing your skin, use a towel to gently wipe your skin and apply lotion when the skin is still wet.
Wear Socks and Moisturize Overnight
If your feet are very dry, then it is advisable to apply creams at night and cover your feet with cotton socks. This will help to retain the moisture and, at the same time, enable the product to get a better grip on moisture-absorbing materials.
Choose Gentle Soap
It is recommended to go for a mild soap that does not contain harsh chemicals or perfume. So, make sure the soap you use contains ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera to help keep the skin on your feet nourished and protected.
Exfoliate Your Feet
Exfoliating your feet also helps in the removal of dead skin cells on the feet, hence keeping the skin soft. A pumice stone, foot scrub, or exfoliating foot mask should be used to wash away dead skin on the feet. However, you should exfoliate your feet once a week, but make sure you don’t overdo it as it may cause your feet to become sensitive.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is not only healthy for the body, but it is also important for you to keep your skin well moisturized. If your body is not well supplied with moisture, your skin is likely to look dry and develop scaly patches. So, make sure that you are taking the right amount of water in a day to keep the skin hydrated.
Wear Comfortable, Breathable Shoes
Avoid tight shoes or those made from non-breathable materials, such as synthetic leather, since such shoes can cause skin dryness due to friction. Select shoes made from fabrics such as leather or canvas, and wear socks to protect your feet from rubbing.
Address Underlying Medical Conditions
If you have skin problems like eczema or psoriasis or a disease like diabetes, then the particular disease or skin problem should be managed according to the doctor’s recommendation. These conditions will likely make your skin more susceptible to this problem; therefore, you may require some intervention.
For individuals searching for a dermatologist near Moorestown, NJ, then Meta Dermatology is the perfect place for you.
Final Thoughts
Dry skin on the foot is a normal skin condition, and you can get a treatment to cure it. Moisturizing, covering your feet when it’s cold or rainy, and making minor adjustments to your showering and bathing habits give relief to dry skin. Look after your feet, and they promise to reward you with soft skin. If dryness persists or signs of pain or cracks that do not heal, you may need professional help.
People looking for the best dermatologist in NJ must visit Meta Dermatology for proper guidance and treatment.