Dry feet can become a nuisance if it prevents you from doing daily activities such as walking or playing sports on a day-to-day basis. The skin of the feet is considerably thicker than that of the rest of the body since it must bear more load and, therefore, it is more susceptible to contracting infections if we do not pay due attention to it.
For this reason, from FastlyHeal, we invite you to learn a little more about the most common causes of cracked feet and how to remove dry feet with conventional treatments and home remedies.
Table of Contents
Causes of dry feet
The skin of the feet is one of the areas to which we pay the slightest attention, especially in winter. But when the heat starts or major discomforts appear, we realize that perhaps we should take a little more care of them.
There are different reasons why you can suffer from dry feet:
Dry Skin
If you regularly have xerosis or dry skin, you will not get rid of dry feet.
This condition of dry skin on the feet is usually more common in:
- Hot and dry climate areas.
- Spending a long time without shoes.
- Have contact with earth or sand.
- Being predisposed to allergies.
Learn more about dry skin in Dry skin: causes and treatment.
Foot fungus
The most common cause that can cause dry feet is a fungus. It is different from the athlete’s foot, mainly affecting the skin between the toes.
You are more likely to suffer from ringworm in the feet if the skin of the feet is dry and also:
- You wear non-breathable, plastic, or very closed footwear.
- You sweat excessively.
- You stand in unsanitary places (like swimming pools or public showers).
More information in Dermatomycosis: fungal infections of the skin.
Inappropriate footwear
You can find irritated skin and dry feet if the shoes you wear:
- They are uncomfortable.
- They are very tall or very narrow.
- They permanently brush your feet.
Proper contact dermatitis can even appear. You may also notice cracked feet if you are one of those who wear sandals and your skin remains too exposed.
Hiperqueratosis
If the skin of your feet is subjected to excessive pressure or friction, it can develop thickening, problems also known as hyperkeratosis.
Frequently, the presence of hyperkeratosis in the feet is associated with:
- Toe or foot deformities.
- Juanes.
- Claw or hammertoes.
- Have a bad footprint.
Allergy
It is frequent in those who have a certain predisposition to suffer exaggerated reactions in their skin. The skin is usually dry (atopic) and can be worsened by rubbing shoes, wearing socks, or synthetic footwear.
Juvenile plantar dermatitis deserves a special mention. This type of allergy in the feet of children or young people causes injuries that can be important, to the point of presenting cracked feet and plantar pain.
Circulation problems
A variety of blood circulation diseases can lead to problems such as dehydration, cracking, and ulcers on the skin of the feet.
A special mention deserves the skin of people with diabetes. This is especially sensitive and must be taken care of with great care. The feet are one of the most common entry routes for diabetes and circulation problems infections. That is why keeping your feet healthy, without cracks or dryness, is essential.
Some drugs
Some medications can trigger dry feet as a side effect, such as:
- Acne medication.
- Chemotherapy.
- Diuretics
- Corticoirdes.
- Hormonal contraceptives.
Very hot or long baths
If you have this habit, your skin may be showing an excessive loss of moisture.
Smoking
Tobacco damages not only your lungs but also many areas of your body, including the skin.
You may notice dry feet, cracked feet, and even that your skin color is more sallow because the toxins you incorporate into your body are eliminated through different routes: the liver, kidneys, and skin.
How to remove dry feet and heels
You can take different measures on your own, but you should know that a correct diagnosis from a dermatologist will allow you to solve your problem more quickly and effectively. The specialists in dermatology or podiatry have many tools that can allow you to heal properly.
This is especially essential in those with diabetes or circulatory problems since an injury to the feet can cause severe disorders such as a diabetic foot.
To remove dryness from your feet and heels, you must address the problem both externally and internally. Among the external issues that you should consider are the following:
Hydrate your feet
If you wonder how to get rid of dry feet, this is a good way. The skin of the feet needs you to apply moisturizers or oils daily. The ideal ones are sesame oil or coconut oil (if you are in a warm environment).
If you prefer commercial creams, look for those as natural as possible. Remember that everything you apply to your skin will be absorbed into your body. If you enter toxic substances (such as petroleum derivatives, for example), your body will have to deal with them.
You can do it during the day and night. If you do it during the day, try not to wear closed shoes, as it can cause a mycosis.
Comfortable shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes is essential to keep your feet healthy. Heels can look very beautiful when they are on, but where is that beauty if, after wearing them, dryness, calluses, or deformations of the foot appear?
Use of specific drugs
Your trusted doctor will likely prescribe specific medication to solve your problem of dry feet if it has been detected:
- An infection in the feet.
- Circulation problems.
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergy.
Likewise, if it is a drug that may be causing the dryness of the skin on your feet, your professional must modify the indication.
Avoid prolonged hot baths.
Another answer to getting rid of dry feet is to avoid taking scalding baths for a long time. It is advisable to use warm water and not for more than 10 or 15 minutes.
Peels
As the skin on your feet improves, you can exfoliate it to remove the remains of dead skin. You can use unique products for this or a homemade scrub.
Healthy habits
If your general health is good, you will find that your skin will be more hydrated, healthy, and luminous. Therefore the application of external treatments will be necessary, but not in such an intense way.
To do this, keep in mind the following habits:
- Drink water when your body needs it.
- Eat fruits and vegetables (especially in season). Vitamins and minerals are essential for the skin to be healthy.
- Sunbathe for 5 to 10 minutes a day without sunscreen. This is key for vitamin D, which your body makes if you let it.
Home remedies for dry feet
The home remedies you can prepare to remove dry feet are scrubs and moisturizers.
Natural exfoliation
If you have consulted and are sure of not suffering from infections or general illnesses, you can perform your exfoliation routine once a week with:
- Coffee: ground coffee (it may be the one you already used in the morning) is an excellent aid to remove the dry outer layers of the skin. It is as simple as moistening it with water, applying it to feet and heels for 5 minutes, and removing the excess.
- Sugar and oil: you can use these ingredients to remove dry feet. The granulated sugar acts as an exfoliator while the oil hydrates. It is best to use good quality oil, such as sesame or coconut. Afterward, it is washed with lukewarm water.
Oils
After exfoliation, each day, you can apply one of the following products:
- Sesame oil is excellent for making swells all over the skin during the day. The feet can only receive it at night since they take advantage of it and metabolize it better.
- Coconut oil: if you are in a warm climate, you can gently massage your feet with coconut oil.
Learn more about the properties of coconut oil in the health benefits of coconut oil.
Honey
If your feet are injured or cracked, it is best to heal them with honey. This is healing and anti-inflammatory par excellence. Apply it every day, better at night, so that it stays longer.
Calendula
It also helps to heal wounds. Make an infusion with its flowers and place it on your feet.
Manzanilla
It is one of the most studied medicinal plants concerning its effects on the skin. Its infusion can help you reduce inflammation and heal injuries. Learn more in Medicinal Uses of Chamomile.
Do not hesitate to consult your trusted doctor, who can help you solve your problem in the best way.
This article is merely informative; at FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to remove dry feet, we recommend entering our aesthetic treatments category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.