Coping with Dry Skin

Dry

Did you know an entire network of nerves is located just below the skin? Your skin, the body’s biggest organ, defends your body against harmful foreign elements and regulates your body’s temperature.

The feet sustain regular wear and tear, which is why it is no surprise that they can become dry and, in some cases, result in skin crack. Some easy treatments exist to relieve yourself of dry and cracked foot skin.

Compared to other parts of the body, our feet actually contain fewer oil glands. Dry skin is “a given” when you combine that with improper care.

Symptoms of dry skin on the feet

You might just experience dry skin during the winter. Dry skin is frequently seasonal. The obvious symptoms of dryness might change depending on your age, health, skin tone, the atmosphere at home, and sun exposure. Here we have listed down some symptoms of this foot condition.

  • Tightness or stretched feeling in the skin
  • Roughness in foot skin
  • Severe or mild itching
  • Flaking skin peeling of foot skin
  • Cracked heels
  • Change of color of foot skin
  • Bleeding

Causes of dry foot skin

Anyone can develop dry skin. However, certain factors increase your likelihood of developing dry skin:

  • Age
  • Medical background of family
  • Cold/less humid season
  • Overbathing with warm water
  • Medications
  • Thyroid disease
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Diabetes
  • Chemotherapy
  • Kidney disease
  • Anorexia
  • Dermatitis

Treatment

  • Remove Dead Skin: On the skin’s surface, dead cells naturally shed and are replaced by new ones. Dead skin cells can accumulate on the foot skin and produce patches if not removed.
  • Keep Feet Hydrated: Regular foot moisturizing will help prevent dry skin and minimize the development of dry and flaky skin. As some components can exacerbate dry skin, it is better to avoid moisturizers containing alcohol and other chemicals.
  • Foot Scrubs: Foot scrubs are available for purchase or can be made at home using a few common ingredients. They remove dry skin cells and improve blood circulation, which is vital for fresh skin.
  • Soak Feet in Warm Water: Soaking the feet in warm water can help prevent future dry skin as it increases blood circulation to the area.
  • Soak Feet in Vinegar: Vinegar soaks may be used to soothe dry, cracked feet and eliminate of foot odor.

A frequent problem that podiatrists treat is dead skin. Regardless of how severe your condition may be, podiatrists may treat you by using advanced techniques to eliminate the flaky skin and provide you with the treatments and guidance required to rid you of your foot problems.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we are here to address all your foot concerns. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.