Removing dead skin from feet is one of life’s little annoyances. Having to shave or wax off any dead skin on your body can be unpleasant, but it’s just another part of being a person. However, sometimes dead skin on feet can be particularly bothersome. It is common for feet to have dry, cracked, or rough skin. In comparison with other parts of the body, the feet have fewer oil glands and are subjected to continuous wear. Fortunately, some simple home remedies are available to treat dry skin on the feet.
Dry skin can be found on the heels, sides, and between the toes of the foot. It may cause itchiness, tightness, and sometimes discomfort in the affected area. This can be annoying, but it is rarely hazardous.
Soaking the feet with warm water, applying moisturizing creams, and regularly exfoliating the skin can reduce dryness, remove dead skin, and prevent calluses from forming.
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Why it occurs
Dry skin on the feet can be caused by the following everyday factors:
- Moisture deficiency- Because the heel and sole have fewer oil glands than the rest of the body, they are more prone to dry, cracked, and flaking skin.
- Inflammation- Standing for an extended period of time or wearing ill-fitting shoes can impose persistent pressure on specific parts of the foot or cause skin friction. It is therefore possible for these areas to become dry, calloused, or cracked.
- Temperature and humidity- Closed shoes, like sneakers and boots, make the feet excessively hot and sweaty. Heat and humidity dehydrate the skin, causing dry, thick, or cracked skin on the foot.
- Soaps- Harsh chemicals or irritants in soaps and body washes can dehydrate the skin. These issues can also be caused by not removing extra soap from the feet.
- Age- Skin loses its ability to hold water throughout time, becoming thinner and less plump. The natural ageing process may make it more likely for older people to develop dry skin.
- Medications- Dry skin on the foot can be caused by some drugs, particularly diuretics.
Remedy and treatment options
Dead skin cells naturally fall off the surface of the skin, and new cells grow in their stead. When dead skin cells accumulate on the foot, they can produce thick, flaky patches.
Especially on the heels, dry areas can thicken or crack with time. Calluses that are too thick can cause walking to be difficult or even uncomfortable. Cracked heels leave your feet vulnerable to infection.
The following section discusses methods of removing dead skin from the feet and treating dry skin.
1. Vinegar soak
A good vinegar soak is a great way to get rid of dry, dead skin from your feet. You can use any type of vinegar, diluted 1 part with 2 parts water. The soak should last anywhere from five to ten minutes. It is helpful to use a pumice stone afterward to remove any remaining dry skin. However, be sure to avoid the water containing hot vinegar, as this will dry your skin out even more. Lastly, it is important to use a moisturizer to prevent any skin irritation.
A vinegar foot soak is very effective for softening and repairing dry cracked feet. Always use cool water when mixing vinegar with water. It is not advisable to use hot water, as it will dry out the skin on your feet. Moreover, you should dilute the vinegar with a few drops of water. A diluted solution of one part vinegar to two parts water is sufficient for most people. Using a stronger solution is only recommended if you tolerate it without discomfort.
2. Exfoliate
A physical or chemical exfoliator is used to remove dead surface-layer skin.
Exfoliators consist of:
- Scrub your feet
- The brush for the body
- The electronic removal of calluses
Sugar, honey, and warm water can be mixed to make foot scrubs or purchased.
Lotions and liquids are used as chemical exfoliators. Among these ingredients are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid, which dissolves dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
Foot peels are chemical exfoliators made exclusively for the foot by manufacturers. Artificial perfumes and alcohols in some foot peels might irritate delicate skin, so make sure you read the ingredients list to make sure there are no potential allergens or irritations.
3. Soaking the feet
Soaking the feet in warm water will help relax and loosen dry skin while also boosting blood circulation, which can help prevent future dry skin.
A foot soak with a tiny amount of vinegar may help treat mild cases of athlete’s foot. Vinegar contains antibacterial characteristics that can assist to disinfect and possibly eradicate foot odour.
A foot soak can also include the following ingredients:
- Epsom salt
- honey
- oatmeal
- lemon juice
- peppermint essential oil
4. Apply moisturizer
Moisturizers will prevent dry skin from accumulating on the feet and help reduce existing dry skin. The skin will retain moisture after it has been exfoliated or pumiced by using a moisturizing cream.
Alcohol, added scents, and artificial colours should be avoided in lotions, creams, and moisturisers, as these components can aggravate dry skin.
5. Sleep with moisturizing socks
A person might use moisturising gel-lined socks for increased hydration. These can be purchased online, or they can be made by the user.
Natural oils and vitamins in gel-lined socks help to moisturise and restore dry feet skin. Simply put on a pair and walk around the house for a couple of hours. The socks can then be washed and air-dried.
With a good pair of cotton socks and their regular moisturizer, people can achieve similar results. Before going to bed, the feet should be moisturized with a generous amount of moisturizer before wearing cotton socks that are breathable. Once the socks have been removed, the feet should be rinsed with warm water.
6.Pumice stone
A pumice stone can be a valuable ally in the war against rough, dry skin. However, it is not for everyone. If you experience any unpleasant sensations while using it, you should stop using it immediately. Afterward, you’ll have baby soft feet. So, what is the best way to use a pumice stone for foot exfoliation? Listed below are some tips.
First, clean your pumice stone regularly. After using it, wash it under running water to remove dirt. If possible, avoid sharing it with others. Also, don’t use it on a wound as it may develop wounds in diabetic skin. Alternatively, you can also use a pumice stone for the purpose of removing calluses and corns from feet. Besides, a pumice stone is cheap and available in any store that sells beauty products.
Prevention
For dry skin on the feet, people can consider the following tips:
- By doing so, you will effectively remove dead skin, maintain your foot health, and keep your skin moisturized
- avoiding alcohol, added scents and colours, and other potential irritants in lotions, soaps, and body washes
- To take a shower, bath, and soak your feet with warm water, rather than hot
- Having shoes that fit properly
- Drying the feet gently with a clean towel after a shower, rather than vigorously rubbing them
Summary
Having dry, itchy feet or areas of irritated, scaly skin can result from wearing the wrong footwear or standing for too long. Infection can result from thickened or cracked skin without treatment. The dry skin on the bottom of feet can be removed with pumice stones, foot soaks, and exfoliators. Keeping the feet moisturized and healthy can be accomplished by regularly applying moisturizer and removing dead skin.
Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and eczema are among the medical conditions that cause very dry skin on the feet.To discuss treatment options with a podiatrist or another healthcare professional, people with severely dry feet may want to consult a foot doctor.
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