Best remedies for dry skin on the feet

Having dry, rough, or cracked skin on the feet is common. The feet have fewer oil glands than other areas of the body, and they experience daily wear and tear

Dry skin often appears on the heels and sides of the feet and between the toes. It may make the affected area feel itchy, tight, and even painful. Although this may be irritating, it is rarely harmful.

Simple foot soaks, moisturizers, and regular exfoliation can reduce dry skin on the feet, remove areas of dead skin and calluses, and prevent them from returning. In this article, we look at the causes and treatment of dry, cracked, or scaly skin on the feet.

The following everyday factors may cause dry skin on the feet:

• A lack of moisture. Dry, cracked, and flaking skin is especially common on the heel and sole because these areas have fewer oil glands than skin elsewhere on the body.
• Irritation. Standing for too long or wearing poorly fitting shoes can put constant pressure on specific areas of the feet or cause friction of the skin. As a result, these areas of the feet may become dry, calloused, or cracked.
• Heat and humidity. Closed shoes, such as sneakers and boots, create an extremely hot and humid environment for the feet. Heat and humidity draw moisture from the skin, which can lead to dry, thick, or cracked areas on the feet.
• Soaps. Soaps and body washes that contain harsh chemicals or irritants can strip moisture from the skin. Failing to wash excess soap off the feet can also cause these problems.
• Aging. Over time, the skin loses its ability to retain water, becoming thinner and less plump. Older people may be more likely to experience dry skin as a result of the natural aging process.
• Medications. Certain medications, including diuretics, can cause dry skin on the feet.

Dry skin on the feet may also occur as a result of a medical condition, such as:

• Athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes a scaly rash between the toes and underneath the foot.
• Eczema. Eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation. People can develop eczema anywhere on their bodies. Common symptoms of eczema include dry, crusty, or itchy patches of skin.
• Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin. People can develop psoriatic patches almost anywhere on their body, including their feet.
• Hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism may develop extremely dry feet because their thyroid gland cannot regulate the sweat glands in the feet, which can lead them to become dry.
• Diabetes. Living with uncontrolled diabetes may result in damage to the peripheral nerves, which is called neuropathy. Neuropathy can affect.
• the nerves that regulate oil and moisture in the feet, which can cause the feet to become dry or cracked.

Treatments and remedies

Dead cells on the surface of the skin naturally fall off, and new cells take their place. When a person does not remove the blildup of dead skin cells, they can form thick, flaky patches on the feet. Over time, dry areas can become thick or cracked, especially on the heels. Cracked heels make the feet vulnerable to infection, while thick calluses can make walking difficult or uncomfortable.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation involves removing dead surface-layer skin using either a physical or chemical exfoliator. Physical exfoliators include:
• Foot scrubs.
• Body brushes.
• Electronic callus removers.

Chemical exfoliators take the form of lotions or thin liqlids. They contain ingredients that dissolve dead cells on the surface of the skin, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid. Foot peels are popular chemical exfoliators that manufacturers have designed specifically for the feet. Some foot peels contain artificial fragrances and alcohols that can irritate sensitive skin, so it is important to check the list of ingredients for any potential allergens or irritants before buying a foot peel.