Dry Skin on Feet

Our feet tend to become dry very easily, because they do not have any oil-producing glands that can secrete natural oils which keep the skin well-lubricated. Sometimes, dry peeling skin on the feet can turn red due to certain conditions and cause an itching sensation.

Dry skin on the feet is not a very serious condition, but it becomes bothersome when it gets extended to the heel, which cracks up due to excessive dryness. Bleeding may occur in the cracked parts of the heels, which causes a lot of pain making it difficult to even walk. The condition worsens if an infection develops in the cracked areas.

• Eczema, a skin disease, can be responsible for dry skin. In this, the skin of the feet thickens and can be accompanied by swelling.
• In psoriasis, the skin rashes that erupt on the dry skin have a silvery white color.

• An 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 as well. It is a form of fungal infection that can be identified from the blister-like eruptions that appear in and around the toe areas.
• Those who are suffering from diabetes are also prone to this condition.

• There are some people who tend to suffer from dryness quite often, because the basic nature of their skin is dry.
• Others can develop it if they take hot water showers for a long time.
• In elderly people, the skin becomes dry due to aging.

• The best treatment for dry itchy skin on feet is the use of medicinal creams or ointments.

If the condition does not show any improvement, even after the application of these over-the-counter ointments, then you have to consult a doctor. The doctor will take the necessary steps to cure the underlying skin disorder, which will provide relief to the condition of dryness.

• In other conditions, when the dry skin does not have any other accompanying symptoms, it can be treated at home itself with the application of a good quality moisturizer. Firstly, you need to scrub your feet to remove the entire thick dead skin 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 the crusty, dry skin.

Then, take a pumice stone, and rub it gently all over the rough skin of the feet in a circular motion. The areas around the edges of the soles and heels are more problematic, hence you should give more attention to these places.

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

• Consuming more healthy fats can also help in combatting this condition. Increasing the intake of essential fatty acids, like alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid helps in decreasing the amount of water lost from the skin's surface. Good sources of these acids are canola oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

The problem of dry skin on feet tends to recur quite frequently. Therefore, you need to take the necessary preventive measures so that it does not recur and bother you.

In other words, you have to follow a regular skin-care routine for your feet, which involves exfoliation and application of moisturizer. Try not to walk barefooted on beaches or even at home. Protect your feet from the exposure of harsh chemicals and soaps.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.