How to take care of dry and rough feet

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

If the skin on your feet is dry and rough, it may not just be a cosmetic problem. The feet are a complex musculoskeletal system that supports the body's weight throughout life when walking or standing. By taking care of them, you can reduce pain in your knees, hips and back, as well as make them look great when you wear sandals. You can follow a variety of different treatments to prevent them from becoming too dry and cracked. If you don't get the desired results after several weeks, you need to see a doctor so they can look into the problem. Usually, it is not a secondary problem due to an underlying disease, so it can be easily treated successfully at home.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Taking Care of Your Feet

Step 1. Soak them

While it's generally not a good idea to spend too much time in chlorinated pool water or a hot tub, a 15-minute foot bath may come in handy before moisturizing or exfoliating your skin. When the feet are healed and are no longer dry and rough, it will no longer be necessary to do a treatment by immersing them in water.

• Soaking the skin for too long in hot water eliminates the sebum, in addition to the fact that the heat reduces the hydration of the epidermis, all factors that contribute to making the feet dry; therefore try to reduce the time of the foot bath.
• Do not immerse them in water more than three times a week, otherwise they will dry out even more and certainly not solve the problem.

• For your foot baths you can prepare different solutions:

  • A mixture of baking soda, water and a sprinkle of vinegar to be combined in a basin of hot water;
  • Neutral soap (scented, if you like) in a basin of hot water;
  • 100 g of Epsom salt to dissolve in a tub of hot water;
  • 60 ml of white vinegar in a basin of hot water;
  • 60ml lemon juice that helps dissolve dry and dead skin.

  

  Step 2. Exfoliate your feet

  Mechanical exfoliation involves removing the top layer of dead skin, so that you can take care of the one underneath. First, take a foot bath to soften the outer layers of skin, then scrub it with a pumice stone, stiff brush or vegetable sponge.

  • You can buy pumice stone in pharmacies, parapharmacies and better-stocked supermarkets.
  • You don't need a specific type of stiff bristle brush; even those you find in the household department are just as effective, as long as you don't use them for other purposes as well.
  • It is a good idea to soak your feet in warm water or take a warm shower for 10-15 minutes before exfoliating them.

  

  Step 3. Hydrate them

  Once the outer layer of dead cells is removed, you need to restore skin hydration. Apply a moisturizer immediately after a shower or foot bath, making sure it is an alcohol-free product to preserve moisture. Some products work by "sealing" hydration on the epidermis, while others are more specific and penetrate into the layers of the dermis.

  • Thick creams, such as Eucerin and Cetaphil, retain moisture on the skin, but there are other products that act in the same way, such as lanolin. Olive oil also offers the same benefits and is a product you most likely already have at home. Use a small amount and rub it into your skin by massaging.
  • Other products are absorbed by the skin and act on the underlying layer. Coconut oil offers many benefits, in addition to the fact that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apply it to your feet to moisturize them, help heal chapped areas and prevent infections.
  • Alcohol-based products leave a less "greasy" feeling on the skin, but remember that alcohol dehydrates it more quickly.
  • After moisturizing your feet, put on a pair of cotton socks to avoid the risk of slipping and falling due to smoother feet.

  

  Step 4. Go to the doctor

  If these remedies do not lead to satisfactory results after several attempts, you should contact your doctor. Be prepared that you may be tested for hypothyroidism if the dry skin also affects the arms and legs.

  • If the situation does not improve despite home treatments, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter lactic acid products with or without urea. These substances help keep the skin more hydrated.
  • If you have a more serious condition, you may need prescription creams or ointments to reduce the risk of cuts and cracks caused by dryness.

  Part 2 of 3: Making Lifestyle Changes

  

  Step 1. Stay hydrated

  The skin harnesses the body's moisture to stay hydrated and well nourished. If you are dehydrated, the fluids in your body are used for primary functions, such as blood circulation, before the skin. You should drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water every day so that your entire skin stays hydrated and doesn't dry out too quickly.

  Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks whenever possible, as they increase the itchy sensation of dry feet

  

  Step 2. Pay attention to the side effects of any medications you are taking

  If you are taking diuretics to reduce water retention or oral or topical retinoids for acne, you may cause temporary dryness of the skin.

  If you experience these adverse effects for more than two weeks, you should discuss this with your doctor so that he can change the drug therapy

  

  Step 3. Put on cotton socks

  This fabric allows the feet to breathe and wipes sweat from the skin. Keeping the sweat on the skin increases the dehydration rate of the epidermis and the feet dry out.

  • Change your socks every day or after sweating (for example after an exercise session or a long walk) and wash them after each use.
  • Wear socks for sleep, too, after hydrating your feet every night.

  

  Step 4. Wear footwear that makes your feet breathe

  Don't wear the same pair every day. Feet need to breathe to stay hydrated; therefore look for sandals that offer good support during the summer or other types of footwear that favor the passage of air. During the winter, do not keep too heavy shoes or boots when you stay indoors, such as at school or work. Bring another pair of lighter, more breathable footwear to wear indoors.

  

  Step 5. Avoid harsh soaps that dry out the skin

  These products do not clean any more than mild soaps do. However, they can dry out the skin, making it more susceptible to cracking. The aggressive substances present in these types of cleansers eliminate the sebum, leaving a feeling of tight and dry skin.

  Dermatologists often recommend using glycerin-based cleansers, as well as pure glycerin and natural soap bars. These items are present in major pharmacies and in all natural products stores

  

  Step 6. Use lukewarm water when taking a bath or shower

  Instead of setting a very high temperature, choose lukewarm water and don't stay in the shower for more than 10 minutes. Too hot water and low humidity in the air reduce the hydration of the outer layers of the skin, which in this way becomes tight and dry.

  A good rule of thumb is to set the shower / bath temperature so that you feel comfortable without your skin getting red

  Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Importance of Foot Care

  

  Step 1. Learn about the functions of the skin

  It is the largest organ in the body, it is resistant, elastic and performs the task of protecting the organism from bacteria, viruses and fungi. When it tears and cracks, infectious microorganisms can enter and enter the bloodstream. The skin also plays a thermoregulatory role, that is, it maintains the body's temperature at an optimal level, so that it can function properly.

  • The skin is sensitive, it allows to perceive different types of tactile sensations which are then interpreted by the brain. There is no part of the body that is naturally numb or numb, including the feet.
  • New cells are formed every day. The body gets rid of about 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells from all over the body every minute of every day. Dead cells are found on the first 18-23 superficial skin layers.
  • The outer layer made up of dead cells is called the epidermis. This area is very thin in some parts of the body, such as on the eyelids, while it is thicker in others, such as under the feet. When the old cells of the epidermis peel off, they are replaced by new ones from the underlying layer.

  

  Step 2. Get a diagnosis for your dry and rough feet

  When dry skin is a pathological problem, it is called xerosis. It occurs with areas of a lighter color than the rest of the feet, often rough to the touch. You may complain:

  • Itching;
  • Chapped skin;
  • Redness;
  • Lacerations (deep cracks) in the heels
  • Scaly skin
  • The heel and forefoot, which come into more contact with the ground, are at greater risk of becoming rough, thus increasing the likelihood of flaking and cracking.

  

  Step 3. Learn about the causes of dry feet

  There can be several reasons that lead to these changes in the soles of the feet making them rough, including:

  • Age: Age and the hormonal imbalance caused by aging (due to various processes, such as menopause) can make the skin less elastic and smooth, increasing the risk of dryness.
  • Weather conditions: If you live in a location with a dry climate, your skin is less hydrated and dries more easily. In addition, the air conditioning partially removes moisture, in turn reducing that naturally present on the skin. Winter weather also creates similar damage.
  • Skin diseases: Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are two dermatological disorders that can lead to the formation of dry and rough skin areas.
  • Chlorine: if you swim or immerse yourself in too chlorinated water, such as that of swimming pools, you can partially remove the natural moisture of the skin.
  • Diseases: Diabetics often suffer from dry skin on their feet and run a higher risk of infections. When there is poor blood circulation, the moisture in the skin is reduced and the chances of complications increase. If you have diabetes and also have dry feet, see a doctor or podiatrist to get the necessary treatment.

  

  Step 4. Prevent the annoyance

  Prevention is always the best medicine. It is easier to take care of your feet than to deal with the consequences of dry, rough skin. Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy and soft:

  • As the years go by, take proper care of your feet, using the treatments described in this article.
  • If you often swim in chlorinated pool water, take extra precautions for foot skin care. Chlorine removes moisture from the skin and dries it out.
  • Limit your shower and bath time to the amount of time you need to wash. If you can, choose a shower instead of a bath to reduce the skin's natural moisture loss. When finished, always apply a moisturizer (alcohol-free).
  • If you have atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, take special care of your feet to reduce the risk of flaking and cracking.
  • Those with diabetes need to examine their feet every night for injuries. Good prevention reduces the risk of developing complications associated with this pathology.

  Advice

  • If you choose coconut oil as a moisturizer, just use it two or three times a week to keep the skin on your heels and feet soft and supple.
  • When your feet are healed, continue to moisturize them after each bath or shower to avoid recurrence.
  • Know that foot health correlates with general health and is an indicator of the overall health of the body.