How To Treat Dry, Cracked Feet

Whether wrapped in shoes or high heels, our feet bear a lot for us. In return, they demand just a little bit of maintenance. However, if not given so, the circumstances can be crucial. Chief among them is dry, cracked feet.

There are a number of nerve endings in our feet that directly correspond to different areas of the body. Any pathology in the foot can affect those pressure points, ultimately affecting the lifestyle, but there is always a way around putting things on hiatus. 

Most of the skin conditions start from excessive dryness, so what about stopping it here. A survey conducted almost a couple of years back concluded that around 20 percent of adults in the U.S. have dry, cracked feet. Although both children and adults are prone to this condition, women are seemingly more affected than men.

Cause of Dry, Cracked Feet

In order to treat the pathology, it is essential to rule out the cause first. Nelya Lobkova, a private podiatric practitioner in New York City, explained the two primary reasons for a dry foot. As she said, people can most likely experience the dryness of feet two times in the year, i.e., summer and winter. 

Excessively Hot Environment

During the summers, in order to avoid excessive heat, people prefer to wear open shoes or sandals. However, although it feels comfortable, it eventually exposes them to a heated floor. Exposure to the warm surface means the loss of moisture from the skin, thereby leading to dry, cracked heels. 

Low Humidity in Winters

Lobkova highlighted the issue that the use of radiators in the indoor environment could evoke dryness during the winter. Winter itself means low humidity; radiators bring the remaining moisture level down to a negligible value, creating an overall dryness. In addition, winters affect the skin all over the body; soles are more prone to dryness since they are weight-bearing surfaces and have no oil-producing glands to overcome the loss of moisture. 

Old Age

Physiological processes such as aging can also cause dry skin and dry, cracked feet. As we know, with an aging body, cells destroy more rapidly than the average life process. It includes the epithelial lining, sebaceous gland, and proteins. With their continuous loss, the skin appears to lose and dry. That could be the reason that old age is another most prevalent risk factor for dry heels.

Skin and Systemic Disorders

Apart from the environment and normal physiological processes such as aging, there are some diseases in which the person can experience dry feet. For example, people dealing with certain skin conditions such as eczema on their feet are prone to have dry, cracked feet. In addition, people living with diabetes and hypothyroidism can also experience such problems at any stage of their lives.

Myth Busters

In order to get rid of dry feet, people look for remedies rather than the proper treatment. It is true that they work, but not all the time, and sometimes they even worsen the condition. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels or foot masks are famous for their extraordinary effect and smooth texture. They usually come up with promises to exfoliate the dead skin and make them softer, but have you ever thought that those chemical products are worth it or not? They usually consist of harmful chemicals to the skin and can leave it damaged. 

Sharp Files

Another major mistake considered by the podiatrist is using sharp metal files. Most podiatrists do not recommend people using sharper objects to get rid of dead skin or callus at home. The use of such metal files can traumatize the skin and expose them to the environment, leading to excessive dryness. Not only this, but in a worst-case scenario, the wound can serve as a host to various bacterias and make the skin viable to infection.

Soaking Up Feet

Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is usually available in the market with the promise to exfoliate your skin and give it a nice smooth texture. However, there is a contrast between reality and what has been feeding in the human brain. 

After a tiring day, soaking your feet in Epsom salt must be relaxing and soothing. It works tremendously in relieving swelling and inflammation. It also serves as a muscle and eases the day-long pain. However, the salty liquid tends to wash away the oil over the skin. As a result, the skin turns out dry and patchy.

Ways To Get Rid Of Dry Cracked Feet

Since we know what we shouldn't do, here are a few things that can help us prevent dry feet. 

Use Pumice Stone

For exfoliating dead skin, a pumice stone can be of great help. While comparing it to the foot file, this natural exfoliator is gentle to touch and less traumatizing. In contrast, the files are sharp and can damage the skin, making it liable to infection. 

In order to get the most out of it, make sure to moisturize your skin adequately before using it in the shower or right after it to slough off dead skin. Delfina Dry Skin Oil is a complete solution for your cracked feet. It helps in preventing the dryness of skin and ultimately eradicate cracked skin. Moreover, maintaining the routine for a few weeks or even a month is more beneficial than using it once in a blue moon.

Oatmeal Scrub

People afraid of chemical scrubs and hazardous chemicals can also try natural scrubs. However, it's challenging to find a natural exfoliator that easily. In this regard, oatmeal offers excellent help. Homemade oatmeal scrubs are easy to make and lighter on the pocket. 

The trick is so simple. Just apply a layer of a good moisturizer on the skin and absorb it deeply, such as Delfina Dry Skin Oil, which absorbs almost instantly. Soon after, use the oatmeal scrub and gently rub it for a few minutes. And here you are with nice smooth feet and without the involvement of any hazardous chemicals.

Install a Humidifier

In areas where humidity is low, dry skin is one of the common issues and conditions. In such circumstances, restoring the moisture content of the surrounding area by artificial means can be of great help. One such method is installing a humidifier in the living space and controlling the indoor environment's moisture content.

Adapt An Overnight Feet Care Routine

If you are the one who cannot get enough time out from the hectic schedule and want your feet to look nice and clean, an overnight skincare routine can be a game-changer for you. For this, apply Delfina Dry Skin Oil. Being rich in hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it is holistic for dry, cracked feet. 

The chamomile present in Delfina Dry Skin Oil speeds up the healing and helps you fight off the painful dry, cracked feet. In addition, another main ingredient, avocado oil, gives a whole bouquet of hydration, anti-inflammation, and rapid wound healing. 

As recommended by podiatrists, applying a thick layer of moisturizer before going to bed can help heal the dry feet. Then, leave them overnight with socks on to exacerbate the process and wake up to hydrated and smooth feet in the morning. 

The Bottom Line

The weight-bearing surface with numerous pressure points demands some maintenance, among which moisturization is at the top, followed by exfoliation and other means to escape from dry, cracked, and wounded feet.

Dry, cracked feet can be of great concern since they lead to painful bleeding wounds, which sometimes can also look gross. Moreover, the fissures made of the layers of dead skin can also serve as a host to various bacterias. 

Soaking the feet up in Epsom salt, applying chemical peels, or using sharp metal files can expose them to more dryness, leaving damaged skin behind. Instead of using such hazardous agents, moisturizing the feet adequately with Delfina Dry Skin Oil can give them a smooth texture and pleasant feel. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the Chamomile and Avocado Oil present in the Delfina Dry Skin Oil works holistically for dry, cracked feet.