Dry skin is a problem anywhere on your body, but when it’s on your feet it can seem like a much bigger problem. As the skin dries out it can crack and become quite painful making it difficult to walk and even stand in one place. Addressing this painful issue promptly is imperative not only for comfort reasons, but also to help ward off any chances of possible infections that may occur from bacteria finding its way into deep painful cracks in your skin.
Step 1
Remove dead skin cells and loose flaky skin from your feet with a pumice stone. Rub over the thick calloused areas of your feet gently and stop immediately if you experience pain to avoid taking off too much.
Step 2
Wash your feet only once every 24 hours. Excessive washing can dry out the skin further. Use an antibacterial soap to help eliminate bacteria that may cause infections and use only lukewarm water as hot water will dry the skin out further. Pat your feet dry with a soft clean absorbent dry towel.
Step 3
Moisturize your feet often with a moisturizing lotion that is free of fragrances and harsh chemicals. And oil-based lotion or petroleum jelly is optimal for replenishing moisture and locking it in. Be sure to moisturize your feet before you go to bed each night and cover them with soft clean cotton socks.
Step 4
Wear shoes that fit your feet comfortably; tight shoes will worsen the problem. Avoid open-heeled shoes and sandals and opt for shoes that offer your feet optimal support.
Step 5
Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. While drinking plenty of water won’t reverse the dry skin problem it can keep it from getting worse as dehydration can dry skin out further.
Tips and Warnings
- If the dry skin persists talk to your doctor or a podiatrist to find a solution that will work for you.
- Do not pick at dry skin or use scissors to cut it away. This can cause too much skin to be removed and can be very painful. See your doctor or a podiatrist immediately if you begin to experience pain, redness, or swelling as these may indicate an infection.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Antibacterial soap
- Soft absorbent dry towel
- Moisturizing lotion
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton socks
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