If your feet have been feeling rough and dry, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of dry skin on feet.
People can relieve dry skin on the feet using some simple home remedies such as soaks and exfoliation.
We explain the factors that contribute to dry, cracked, or scaly skin on the feet in this article, as well as possible solutions.
Causes of Dry Skin on Feet
The following everyday factors may cause dry skin on the feet:
- A lack of moisture. Since the heel and sole have fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, dry, cracked, and flaky skin is more prevalent there.
- Irritation. Too much time spent on one’s feet while standing or wearing footwear that isn’t properly fitted can result in skin irritation or constant pressure on certain areas of the feet. As a result, these foot regions may develop calluses, cracks, or dryness.
- Heat and humidity. A very warm and muggy environment is produced for the feet by closed shoes like boots and sneakers. Heat and humidity dehydrate the skin, causing areas of the feet to become dry, thick, or cracked.
- Soaps. The skin can lose moisture when using soaps and body washes with harsh ingredients or irritants. These issues can also arise from neglecting to wash extra soap off the feet.
- Aging. The skin loses its capacity to hold onto water with time, becoming thinner and less supple. Due to the natural aging process, dry skin may be more common in older people.
- Medications. Diuretics and other medications can contribute to dry skin on the feet.
How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Feet?
The following six home remedies are effective for many people in making their feet’s skin smooth, hydrated, and soft instead of rough, dry, and uncomfortable.
1. A Pumice Stone Or Foot Scrub
Exfoliation gets rid of dry, dead skin, revealing the softer, smoother skin underneath.
After a warm water foot soak, shower, or bath (add some Epsom salt for good measure), when the skin is soft, you can exfoliate using a pumice stone or an over-the-counter foot scrub. Use a pumice stone gently; avoid being overly aggressive. When you’re finished, use a moisturizing cream.
If your feet have open wounds or sores, avoid exfoliating them.
2. Foot Cream Or Heel Balm
For seriously dry feet, skip the lotion. Lotions are less moisturizing than creams and ointments because they are high in water content. Purchase a cream or balm made especially for feet or heels.
These are usually thicker and may contain ingredients that soften skin and exfoliate it, such as lactic acid, urea, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids. Regular use helps avoid cracked heels.
Wear cotton socks at night and apply a thick moisturizing cream, a foot cream, or a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your feet to lock in the moisture and keep your sheets clean.
3. A Foot File Or Rasp
A foot file is a device with a handle and a metal surface that mechanically removes skin cells. Some foot files resemble cheese graters in appearance. These should generally only be used on heels that have developed calluses as they may be too harsh on the feet otherwise.
Similar to pumice stones, foot files work best on softened skin, which occurs after a bath, shower, or foot soak. Another choice is an electronic foot file with a rotating head, particularly for removing tough, dead skin from the heels.
While most of these are worn on your feet when they are dry, some waterproof models can also be worn in the shower.
4. Moisturizing Gel Socks Or Heel Socks
You can get the benefits of moisturizer-plus-cotton socks without the mess by purchasing moisturizing foot socks or heel socks, also known as heel sleeves, online.
A hydrating gel lining is part of their design. Wear them while you sleep or for a few hours each day.
5. Foot Peel Masks
The newest internet craze is foot peel masks. These bootie-shaped sheet masks are worn for an hour before being discarded. Dead skin will start to peel off in big patches after a week or longer, exposing the baby-soft skin underneath.
6. Liquid Bandage
Consider using a liquid bandage, which is actually a spray and not a bandage, if the cracks in your heels are particularly deep. These products fill in cracks to seal them off, making walking less painful and blocking dirt and bacteria from entering.
Consult a dermatologist or podiatrist if these at-home remedies for dry, cracked skin on your feet are ineffective.
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How to Prevent Dry Skin on Feet?
People can use the following tips to help prevent dry skin on their feet:
- Practicing proper foot hygiene, which includes thoroughly cleaning the feet, removing dead skin, and keeping the skin hydrated with a good moisturizer
- Avoiding lotions, soaps, and body washes that contain alcohol, added fragrances and colors, and other potential irritants
- Using warm, rather than hot, water for showers, baths, and foot soaks
- Wearing shoes that fit correctly
- Instead of vigorously rubbing the feet after a shower, gently patting them dry with a clean towel
Conclusion: How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Feet
People can use pumice stones, exfoliators, and foot soaks to remove dry skin from their feet at home. The feet can be kept hydrated and healthy by applying moisturizer on a regular basis and removing dead skin.
The skin on the feet can become extremely dry due to certain medical conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, and eczema.
People who have severely dry skin on their feet might want to consider contacting a specialist foot doctor called a podiatrist or another healthcare professional to discuss possible treatment options.
FAQs
Why Are My Feet So Dry Even When I Moisturize?
Due to the absence of oil glands, particularly on the soles, dry feet and cracked soles are more common than dry skin in other parts of our bodies.
How to Remove Thick Dead Skin from Feet Home Remedy?
Simply add a cup or two of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath, then soak your feet for about 15 minutes. The vinegar’s acidity will assist in liquifying and removing dead skin.
