DRY SKIN • Patches of dry, flaky skin • Itching • Cracks. Simple dry skin and athlete’s foot are the most common causes of itchy, flaky feet. Cracked Heels. Dry skin is a primary culprit of cracked heels. Smelly feet often accompany dry, cracked feet. Smelly feet are not attractive. ![]() The skin on our feet is naturally dry, unlike the skin on the rest of the body. The skin on our feet has no oil glands, so it relies on hundreds of thousands of sweat glands to keep our feet moisturized. This can be problematic for people who do not properly moisturize their feet on a regular basis, or who have a medical condition—such as diabetes or athlete’s foot—that causes dry feet. Anyone can have dry feet, but the condition is more common among seniors and diabetics. Dry feet can range in severity from mild, temporary dry skin to severe dry skin that causes additional problems. Skin can become dry for a number of reasons, but there are ways to prevent it, such as keeping your feet moisturized and avoiding rubbing or scratching the skin. To learn more preventive measures, please scroll down. Dry feet are generally a symptom of another problem, and if you have dry feet you may experience additional symptoms such as: Which Doctor Should I See About Dry Feet? Many people believe they should see a dermatologist for their dry feet, but podiatrists are better qualified to address this problem. Dermatologists are skin doctors and podiatrists are foot doctors, but podiatrists are trained in dermatology to help patients with skin conditions (dry skin, athlete’s foot, warts on feet, etc.) on their feet. On the other hand, if you already see a dermatologist or feel more comfortable seeking advice from one, then you should do what makes you feel best. How Are Dry Feet Diagnosed? A doctor can diagnose dry feet with a physical exam and by asking about your symptoms. Your doctor may also want to test you for skin conditions and disorders. Blood and skin tests (biopsies) are used to rule out conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Your doctor will also inquire about your medical and family history. For example, psoriasis is known to be genetic, especially among Caucasian families. Dry Feet Complications To Know About People who suffer from mild to moderate dry feet should be aware of the complications that can arise if the problem is left untreated. Symptoms are generally mild at first, and may not arouse concern. These symptoms can develop into severe problems, however, and it can become difficult to manage your symptoms and your dry feet over time. For example, dry skin located around your heel can become so severe it causes deep cracks. Dry, cracked feet can be painful. Additional complications may include: Talk with your doctor about home remedies. Spearmint, eucalyptus oil, and pumice stones can be used, but only under the guidance of your physician. Treatment for your dry feet may be as simple as treating an underlying medical condition such as thyroid disease. If you are diabetic, you may be more prone to foot problems. Controlling your diabetes can prevent dry skin on your feet. Common Home Remedies for Dry Feet Here are some common home remedies to help you with your condition. Consult with your doctor about any home remedy before trying it: Soak your feet in lemon juice for approximately ten minutes. Lemon juice is a mild acid that helps to dissolve dead and dry skin for easy removal. Use a loofah or soft foot brush to scrub your feet after you’re done soaking them. You may want to wait until any cuts or trauma have healed before trying this. Combine a spoonful of olive oil and a few drops of lemon or lavender oil to create a moisturizing cracked-heel cream. Shake the ingredients until they form a thick, milky solution and use when needed. Shake before each use. Apply vegetable oil to your feet after bathing, especially in the area of the cracks. After application, wear thick socks. Try doing this at night before bed and wearing your socks to bed. You should see results within a few days. Combine one teaspoon of Vaseline and juice from one whole lemon. Wash your feet and pat them dry before applying. Apply to the dry areas and heels of your feet until you’ve used the entire batch. You should do this just before bed and wear wool socks to lock in the moisture. The wool will also prevent your sheets from becoming stained. The oils in the mixture will soften the dry areas. Exfoliate in the morning. Do this as recommended by your doctor. ![]() Cracked, dry skin can be caused by various conditions. a correct diagnosis is key to taking care of the cracked, dry skin on your feet with the appropriate treatment. ![]()
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