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Scaly Feet

Scaly feet treatment involves use of moisturizers such as petroleum jelly and even natural remedies such as vitamin E or olive oil. To know more about causes of dry scaly feet, read on...
Scaly feet refers to a skin problem in which the skin is no more elastic. A scaly skin is excessively dry and is susceptible to problems like eczema. The scales are thin flakes made up of dead cells of the outermost layer of the skin. Scaly outbreak is typically accompanied by dryness, which makes it itchy. Constantly scratching the feet can make the skin irritated and lead to development of rashes.

What Causes Dry Scaly Feet?

It is often said that poor nutrition is detrimental to health. Similarly, poor feet care causes skin problems in the form of scaly and cracked feet. Use of harsh soaps, application of inappropriate creams, wearing ill fitting shoes or a fungal infection are some of the common reasons behind dry scaly feet. Cracked scaly feet is very common during winter season. The cold winds in winter cannot be tolerated by the skin, resulting in formation of scaly patches on the soles of the feet.

Scaly Feet Treatment

When it comes to curing scaly feet, a wide range of treatment options are available, some of which are listed below:

Scrub the Feet
Before applying any prescription or over the counter topical medications on scaly feet and hands, one has to remove the dead cells that have accumulated on the topmost layer of the skin. Wet the scaly feet and then gently start scrubbing the skin using synthetic sponge or exfoliating gloves. One can also use an exfoliating foot cream to get rid of dead cells. Applying the cream on the sponge and then start scrubbing. It is the best method to exfoliate the skin.

Moisturizers
One of the best ways of treating scaly feet is to use moisturizers that are specially designed for this purpose. Using the right moisturizer after consulting a dermatologist can work wonders to get rid of this skin problem. The most commonly preferred moisturizer for massaging the feet is petroleum jelly. Use it generously everyday before going to bed and one may see positive results within a week.

Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an excellent way to treat scaly feet. It is widely used for a wide range of skin problems. It can certainly restore the beauty of the skin lost due to outbreak of scales. Vitamin E oil has excellent antioxidant properties, which help to prevent further damage to skin cells. It promotes growth of healthy skin cell membranes, which helps to overcome this skin problem. Whether it is protecting the skin from pollution or ultraviolet light, use of vitamin E oil is the best option. One can use vitamin E oil capsules that are available at various drug stores. Simply break open vitamin E oil capsules and then apply the oil on the affected area. Many dermatologists recommend usage of moisturizers that contain vitamin E as the primary ingredient.

Olive Oil
Olive oil can also be a great remedy to cure scaly feet. Olive oil skin care is indeed an easy way to restore the elasticity of the skin. Scaly feet respond quite well to the application of olive oil. Ask any certified skin care professional and he would definitely recommend olive oil. The oil basically helps to retain the lost moisture of the skin.

How to Use Olive Oil: When it comes to using olive oil, it is often mixed with a carrier oil such as vitamin E or lavender oil. Skin creams containing olive oil too can contribute to cure scaly feet. Prepare a solution containing vitamin E and olive oil in equal amounts (ΒΌ teaspoon) and then apply it evenly on the scaly feet. Many people prefer to puncture two 400 IU vitamin E oil capsules and the contents of the capsules are then added to 4 oz of olive oil.

Increase Water Intake
Drinking plenty of water is of primary importance and necessary to speed up healing of skin problems. Insufficient water intake makes the skin dull and dry and keeping the body hydrated can certainly help to recover from scaly feet in less time.

Scaly feet due to fungal infection are treated with topical anti fungicides such as ketoconazole or terbinafine. On the whole, use of aforementioned remedies for scaly feet will help to improve the texture of the skin.
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Published: 6/3/2010
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