In order to make sure your feet are properly cared for – and in order to ensure that they feel soft and smooth – you will need to learn how to remove dead skin in a safe and reliable manner.
Unfortunately, dead skin can be quite thick, and removing can often be the key to keeping your feet looking healthy and beautiful.This skin can range from flaking areas to itchy patches. It most commonly occurs on the heels, ball of foot, or sides of the foot.
Luckily, you can remove dead skin from your feet by performing foot treatments in the comfort of your own home. These treatments, however, are not recommended for diabetics because they are more susceptible to dangerous foot infections, and should treat dry skin and other foot conditions under medical supervision.
Remember: although dead skin is often regarded as simply a cosmetic problem, it can actually lead to a variety of far more serious problems if left untreated.
Causes
The dryness that can lead to an overabundance of dead skin is typically caused by a lack of moisture. There are several common factors that can lead to dry feet, including:
- Excessively hot showers or baths
- Skin conditions such as eczema
- Using non-moisturizing soaps
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease
- Cold weather
- Physical Stress
- Low humidity
- Aging
- Lengthy exposure to the sun
Treatment
Treating dry feet usually begins with treating the underlying cause. Some people naturally have dry skin and must constantly take extra steps to ensure that their feet are moisturized at all times. The most common solution for dry feet is a therapeutic oil, ointment, or cream.
Most lotions are not recommended for dry feet because they contain alcohol, which can dry the skin further. Baby lotion is usually acceptable since it does not contain chemicals that irritate the skin. Additional treatments may include:
- Topical creams: Creams that use keratolytic and humectant agents containing urea, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, saccharide isomerate, and petroleum jelly may all be successful. Apply these agents two to three times a day until healed.
- Pumice stones: These stones, in conjunction with a nice foot soak, can be used to remove some of the excess dead skin that is preventing proper healing.
- Bandages: In order to allow moisturizing agents to work more effectively and to prevent moisture loss, it is recommended that the area in question be kept covered throughout the day.
- Orthotics: In some cases, a custom-made orthotic can redistribute pressure abnormalities on the heel that may be contributing to dry skin.
When to see a doctor
If you have excessive amounts of dead skin, cracked skin, wounds, or rashes that does not improve with at-home treatments, an evaluation by a podiatrist is recommended.
Many people believe they should see a dermatologist for skin conditions related to their feet, but podiatrists are often 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.
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The content on this website is for informational purposes only. Do not rely or act upon information from www.DelrayBeachPodiatry.com without seeking professional medical advice. If you live in South Florida and would like a consultation with Dr. Ian Goldbaum, a podiatric physician and surgeon with over 30 years of experience, please see our contact information below:
BOCA/DELRAY
16244 S. Military Trail #290, Delray Beach, FL 33445
561-499-0033
BOYNTON BEACH
8198 Jog Road #100
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