With the winter months slowly approaching, you may begin experiencing unusually dry and cracked feet, leaving you looking for an effective way to treat them.
It is important to know that in order to rescue dry feet, you must be hydrating the skin on your feet, as well as removing dead skin cells and regenerating new skin cells. In order to help effectively treat your dry feet, we suggest that you try the following treatments:
1. Use Emollient Coated Socks: These specially coated socks can help heal and soften your feet while you sleep.
2. Use Foot Creams: Foot creams that contains alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHA) can help slough off dead skin cells and better retain moisture on the outer layers of the skin. Be sure to apply generously, but don’t use too much as to clog sweat glands and create even more issues for yourself.
3. Exfoliate: Exfoliation of the dead and dry skin cells is essential in achieving healthy and supple skin. To properly exfoliate, use a dry, natural-bristled brush specifically made for your foot and gently brush your feet in a circular motion. This method will will get rid of dead skin cells in a fast and effective way.
4. Use a Pumice Stone: Pumice stones are small pieces of dampened volcanic rock that are good tools that help to rub away hardened and rough areas on the feet. It is important to note that you should use a pumice stone right after showering while your skin is at its softest. Also, it is important to avoid using a pumice stone if you have severely cracked or bleeding heels.
5. Keep your Feet Moisturized: Moisturizing with lotions and creams made from ingredients such as coconut oil, lanolin, or shea butter will help to keep your skin from drying out. Simply include this in your daily routine, especially right after you shower, in order for maximum effectiveness.
6. Ensure you Maintain Proper Nutrition: For healthier feet, it is always a good idea that you increase your dietary intake of essential fatty acids and vitamins. However, ensure you are checking with your doctor before you begin taking any supplements that you have not taken before.
For more information and to see how we can help treat your dry and cracked feet, contact the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois to schedule a consult today!
