Dry feet can be caused by various factors, including skin conditions, diseases, overexposure to water, harsh soaps, and not wearing proper footwear. Pressure on the feet, lack of natural oils, and indoor heating can also contribute. Regularly using a pumice stone and moisturizing can help prevent and relieve dryness.
The causes of dry feet can range from not wearing the proper footwear to skin conditions and certain diseases. Age, overexposure to water, and harsh soaps can also contribute to dry skin and feet. Symptoms include rough, scaly, cracked skin on the feet, which can crack and become painful if left untreated.
Excessive pressure on the feet tends to flatten the butt and cause the skin to stretch beyond its natural limits. As a result, the skin becomes prone to dryness and eventually cracks if the pressure is not reduced. Open toe shoes allow you to stretch out the padding of your toes and thus keep your toes dry. Similarly, walking barefoot or on hard surfaces, as well as being overweight, increases pressure and therefore can potentially lead to dry feet.
Many skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and athlete’s foot can cause excess skin to build up on the soles of your feet and ultimately lead to dryness. A small amount of perspiration can also end up in dry feet, as perspiration helps to naturally moisten the skin. Therefore, any disease, such as hypothyroidism and diabetes, that slow down sweating mechanisms, has the potential to cause dry feet. For many, dry feet become a problem during the winter months when indoor air becomes dry due to the heat. In these cases, drinking lots of water can help promote sweating and keep the body moist from the inside out.
A lack of natural oils in the skin is a common cause of rough, dry feet. Natural oil production is slowed down with age and in people with diabetes. Dry skin can also result from overexposure to water, such as during swimming or long baths. Chlorinated water and hot water in particular are quick to strip the skin of its natural oils. Similarly, trapped dirt and the use of harsh soaps can draw out natural oils as well.
Rough, dry feet can be relieved and even prevented by rubbing them regularly with a wet pumice stone to remove the dry skin. Soaking dry feet in warm water with added milk, honey and other soothing ingredients before bed can also help. After soaking, it’s important to apply a lotion or moisturizer to help retain your feet’s natural moisture.
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