Dry Skin on Feet

Our feet tends to become dry very easily because they do not have any oil producing glands that can secrete natural oils to keep the skin of the feet in a lubricated condition. Sometimes, dry peeling skin on feet can turn red due to certain conditions and cause itching sensation. Dry skin on feet is nothing very serious but it becomes bothersome when it gets extended to the heel and it cracks up due to excessive dryness. Bleeding may start from the cracked parts of the heels and they gives a lot of pain if they get any kind of infection. As a result, it becomes difficult even to walk.

Causes and Symptoms

There are several causes of dry skin on feet. Eczema is one skin disease which can be responsible for dry skin. It makes the skin of the feet thick and swelling can also occur. When it is a symptoms of psoriasis then the skin rashes that erupt on the dry skin have a silvery white color. Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is another health problem which often makes the skin dry and scaly. It is often accompanied by symptoms like dull and dry hair, fatigue, constipation etc. Dry skin on the feet could be a symptom of athlete's foot too. This is a form of fungal infection and can be detected from the blister like eruptions in and around the toe areas. Those who are suffering from diabetes can also get dry skin. There are some people who tend to get dry skin on feet quite often because their basic skin condition is dry. Others can develop dry skin if they take hot water showers for a long time. Elderly people also tend to get dry skin on feet as their skin becomes dry due to aging.

Treatment

The best treatment of dry itchy skin on feet is the use of medicinal creams or ointments. When the condition does not show any improvements after applying these over the counter ointments, then you have to consult a doctor. The doctor will take necessary steps to cure the underlying skin disorders to provide relief to the condition of dry skin.

In other conditions where the dry skin does not have any other accompanying symptoms, it can be treated at home only with the help of application of a good quality moisturizer on the feet. First of all, you have to scrub your feet to remove all the thick dead skins so that the moisturizer can penetrate well into the skin.

For the purpose of exfoliation, immerse your feet for about fifteen minutes in a tub of warm soapy water in which some mineral oil has been added. This will soften up crusty, dry skin. Then take a pumice stone and rub it gently over the rough skin of the feet in a circular motion. The areas around the edges of the soles and heels are more problematic and hence you should give more attention to those places.

Once you are done with the scrubbing, wash off the feet with water and dry it up thoroughly with a towel. Then apply moisturizer generously all over the clean and dry feet. Then wear a pair of clean cotton socks which will enable better absorption of the cream. This treatment should be done just before going to bed to yield maximum benefits.

The problem of dry foot on skin is that it tends to recur quite frequently. Therefore, you have to take preventive measures so that it does not come back and bother you. In other word, you have to maintain a regular skin care routine for your feet which involves exfoliation and application of moisturizer following the same procedure given above. Try not to walk around barefoot on beaches or even at home. Protect your feet from exposure to harsh chemicals and soaps.