Manage and care for your dry feet – How to treat dry feet

Are your feet in need of a little TLC? Dry feet are extremely common and, in most cases, easy to cure. We are more likely to suffer dry feet than anywhere else on our body because our feet do not have any oil glands, instead relying on sweat glands to stay moisturized. 

In the hotter summer months, your feet tend to be more exposed to the elements, leaving them dry and dehydrated, whilst during the winter, the cold weather means your feet are hidden away, which can also play havoc with our skin’s moisture levels. Many of us will find our feet are flakier and drier during these seasons.

Many factors cause dry feet. External factors such as the soaps we use and the shoes we wear can cause our feet to become dry. Whilst internal factors also play their part, ageing skin, genetics and medical conditions can all affect the skin on your feet.

Our feet are under constant pressure all day. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can result in dry, patchy areas of skin that leave them sore and irritated. Dry skin on the feet becomes thick as the dead skin cells build up, and this can cause the skin to crack, leaving it more susceptible to infection.

With such a vast choice of soaps on offer, it is difficult to know the best one to get for your skin. If you are prone to having dry skin, be aware! Certain soaps can actually dehydrate your skin, stripping essential oils, leaving it irritated and cracked. Try to avoid soaps which contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), alcohol, and synthetic fragrances, as these can all cause irritation and dry the skin on your feet.

We all have different types of skin structure, from oily to dry, and this will impact how dry the skin on your feet is. As we age, our skin also becomes thinner and less elastic. On our feet, the fat pad that protects the sole of our foot also becomes thinner, resulting in increased skin stress, causing a buildup of dry, damaged skin.

Heat and humidity can come from many different sources. It may be that your feet are too hot in your shoes, the water you wash them in is too hot or simply the environment you live in. If your feet become too hot, they will sweat, and this draws moisture away from the skin, leaving them dry and flaky.

An underlying skin condition may be causing your dry feet, in which case it is always advisable to get them checked out by your doctor or podiatrist:

⦁ Athlete’s foot: a fungal condition which causes an itchy or burning rash and peeling of skin on your feet

⦁ Eczema: a common skin complaint with over seven different types that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed or have a rash-like appearance

⦁ Psoriasis: an autoimmune disorder often associated with a red, scaly rash

⦁ Hypothyroidism: a thyroid disorder which can cause dry and scaly skin on your body and feet

⦁ Diabetes: a metabolic disease which can result in very dry, peeling, and cracked skin in the feet

⦁ Dietary deficiency: certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease or Celiac disease, may cause the body to be deficient in certain essential fatty acids and vitamins, causing dry, flaky skin

If you're wondering how to heal cracked feet overnight, know that it takes time. Fortunately, getting rid of dry feet doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little bit of time and care, there are many simple and effective treatments that you can undertake all in the comfort of your own home.

Pumice stone or foot file: Using a pumice stone or foot file once a week will help to remove a buildup of dry, rough skin. Before starting, make sure your feet are clean and dry thoroughly. Gently file away the areas that are thickened. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort when doing this, as you are simply removing dead skin.

Foot scrubs: Pick or make one that contains natural organic granules that will help to brush away the dead skin that can cause dry, flaky feet. Rub directly onto your foot gently in circular motions, thoroughly rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry to finish.

Foot soak: Treat your feet to a nourishing oatmeal or Epsom salt bath. The crystallized structure of the Epsom salt helps to provide exfoliation of the dead skin on the feet, whilst oatmeal provides a soothing, wholesome bath for your feet.

Electronic hard skin removers: These take the effort out of foot filing. Many electronic hard skin removers allow you to use them on both wet and dry skin. Simply buff away hard, dry skin with the touch of a button, leaving your feet with soft, smooth skin.

While using a good quality moisturizing cream containing shea butter, aloe, or urea daily will be nourishing for your feet, your choice of socks is more important than you might realize. Socks that are made from a soft, breathable fabric such as cotton, wool or bamboo will help stop skin irritation and allow your feet to breathe. This will prevent them from sweating and drying out.

You could also try a pair of moisturizing socks – just like a face mask but for your feet! For the best results, put them on at night just after you have washed and cleansed your feet to lock in the maximum amount of moisture.

A professional pedicure is a great way of giving your feet some TLC. The most important aspect of a pedicure is to get rid of dry, dead skin on your feet. Your feet will feel fully rejuvenated after a pedicure.

Or treat yourself to a pedicure in the comfort of your own home.

Prevention is always better than having to cure. Use the following advice to keep your feet in good condition and avoid a build-up of dry skin.

Wearing shoes that fit correctly will help prevent damage to the delicate skin on your feet, which in turn will stop them from becoming dry and flaky.

Certain types of soles in shoes, such as leather or rubber,, can cause more friction which can exacerbate the problem. Gel or memory foam soles will help to support your feet and stop them from becoming dry and cracked. Remember to adapt your shoes and socks appropriately for the weather to prevent them from drying out in either the hot or cold seasons.

Avoid creams, soaps and washes that contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), alcohol and synthetic fragrances as these ingredients are known to cause dry skin complaints, and irritate your feet.

Take the time to give your feet a bit of love and attention. A weekly exfoliate and daily moisturizer should help to keep dry skin at bay.

Try to avoid washing your feet in very hot water and instead opt for a lukewarm oatmeal or Epsom salt bath. Gently pat your feet dry, as rubbing them hard can cause damage to the skin. A regular pedicure from a professional will help keep your feet in tip-top condition.