There are various measures to prevent dry, cracked feet. Below, we shall examine only a handful that may be beneficial. If they don’t appear to be working for you, or if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your skin health, please don’t hesitate to book a consultation.
Important to know is that if you have diabetes, even little skin cracks can quickly escalate into more severe issues if not treated appropriately. If you have dry or cracked feet, you should contact us before using any of the below remedies.
Table of Contents
Exfoliate Your Feet
In addition to removing impediments to your healthy skin, removing dead skin will stimulate the production of additional healthy skin cells.
Moisturise your feet before exfoliating them, and never exfoliate without first soaking your feet. Scrubbing your feet without soaking or wetting them might increase the likelihood of skin injury.
The sort of soap you use is mostly up to you. However, it is typically recommended to use mild brands with a reduced likelihood of creating skin irritation. Some people also prefer to incorporate salts, a touch of vinegar, certain oils, and other additions, but be sure that none of them will irritate your skin.
Moisturize Daily
Following exfoliating, it is essential to moisturise. Using a moisturiser at this time can aid the skin in retaining moisture and limit the pace of new dry skin formation.
If you don’t exfoliate regularly as indicated above, another ideal time to moisturise your feet is after a shower, when they are damp and have been softly cleaned with a washcloth or loofah.
You do not need to purchase an expensive moisturiser for optimal results. In fact, the more perfumes and chemicals a moisturiser has, the greater its potential to irritate and exacerbate dry skin. Instead, search for elements that are simpler and more natural, such as:
- plant-based butter varieties (like shea butter)
- vegetable oils (like coconut oil)
- Lanolin
- Urea
- Hyaluronic acid
Use Socks To Soak Your Feet
An old pair of socks might assist your feet in retaining moisture overnight!
Before retiring for the night, moisturise your feet. Often, a thicker type will suit you better than a thinner, runnier variety. After using the moisturiser, you may seal the moisture with petroleum jelly by massaging it into the foot. Then put on your socks and sleep in them!
A pair of cotton socks you do not mind getting greasy with moisturiser or petroleum jelly will work best in this situation. Moreover, you should wash your feet when you get up in the morning.
No Scalding-hot Showers
We are not advocating cold showers here (unless you want to). But, if you spend a considerable amount of time in a steamy hot shower, it may remove moisture from your feet instead of adding it.
Lower the water temperature to a level that is comfortable but not excessively hot, and restrict your shower time. Five minutes is adequate. Twenty might be excessive.
Use Comfortable, Well-fitting Shoes
Shoe selection plays a role in avoiding dryness!
If shoes cause excessive stress or “hot spots” in certain parts of the foot, this can quickly result in dryness, thickening, and cracking. Ensure that your footwear provides adequate support and is not excessively tight in the toe box, midfoot, or heel.