When the skin on your feet becomes dry and rough, you may be suffering from xerosis. This skin condition is also referred to as asteatotic eczema or eczema craquele, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While anyone can develop xerosis, you're more likely to suffer from it as you get older. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can help to moisten your skin and leave it feeling smooth.
Causes
When your skin lacks moisture it becomes dry and rough, or even scaly. Taking hot baths or showers, spending lots of time in the sun and using harsh skin care products contribute to xerosis. The condition also becomes worse during the dry winter months, especially if you frequently wear socks that pull moisture out of your feet.
Related Health Problems
When dry rough skin on your feet becomes itchy and flaky, you've developed a condition called pruritis, according to HealthCommunities.com. Xerosis is also more common in people with diabetes or conditions such as scleroderma or athlete's foot. In extreme cases, xerosis can cause cracks or fissures in the skin, infections and ulcers, according to Penn State University.
Products
Mild soaps or cleansing lotions are less drying than cleansers with chemicals or perfumes. Emollient creams help to hold in moisture, or you can also apply oil, such as jojoba or avocado, to your skin after applying moisturizer. The International Scleroderma Network recommends using moisturizers. Some creams, such as those used on cows' udders, are slightly medicated and have an odor, so it might be better for you to apply them at night. A loofah or pumice stone can get rid of flakes and smooth out your skin.
Home or Lifestyle Remedies
Bathing or showering in warm --- not hot --- water can relieve dryness on your feet. However, do not rub your skin vigorously, advises the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp and applying your moisturizer or cream right away. Also, keep a humidifier on at home or work and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to your feet before going outdoors if your feet will be exposed.
Caution
If you have diabetes, do not use a pumice stone on your feet without medical advice. Also, if these skin-care methods and lifestyle changes do not improve the dry, rough skin on your feet, consult your doctor. You may be suffering from a medical condition, such as athlete's foot, that requires additional treatment or prescription medication.
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