Legs are a large component of the body. Excessive dryness of the skin on your feet might lead to itching that affects your daily activities. Learn about dry, itchy foot skin causes and treatments in this review.
What causes dry skin on the foot area?
Those with dry skin may experience irritation, erythema, and pruritus as a result of this condition. Dried skin may manifest in areas ranging from the ankles to the soles of the feet.
Byrdie reports that dry skin can have many different causes. The stratum corneum, a layer of the skin, is thicker around the feet. Its purpose is to shield the foot's delicate skin from damaging elements, including dust and ultraviolet light. Chapped and dry feet are a common complaint due to the thicker covering.
Other causes of dry skin on the feet include:
- Allergic dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Changes in the weather
- Using harsh products on the skin
- Age
- Other medical conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders)
Similar to generalized dry skin, the following are signs of dry skin on the feet:
- Itchy
- Redness
- Peeling or scaly skin
- Cracked skin
- skin feels tight and stretched after showering or swimming
- Visible fine lines
- Pale or grayish skin tone
- Bleeding, crusting, and oozing in severe skin conditions
What are the best treatments for dry skin on the feet?
The treatment for dry skin on the foot can be particular according to the underlying cause. Simply stop using those products if they are causing you irritation due to allergies or the application of personal care products. However, if dry skin is attributed to underlying medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, it is recommended to consult a doctor in order to get appropriate treatment.
Medications aren't the only option for rehydrating dry skin; home care products can be just as effective. Here are a few things you can do if your feet are dry:
Brushing feet regularly
Brushing your feet regularly can help your body's blood flow. You can also get rid of dead skin cells with a rough brush. These cells make your skin dry and rough. You can use a soft body brush and brush your feet dry, which is a simple way. It is considered that regular foot brushing will help your body make collagen, which will help keep your skin moist.
Scrubbing feet
Regularly scrubbing your feet can effectively unclog skin pores, remove dead skin cell accumulations, and provide moisture to the skin. Use commercial scrubs or create your own with sugar and honey or sugar and coconut oil.
Applying body oil
Soap has the potential to cause skin dryness. Following a shower, it is recommended to use body lotion in order to retain the moisture in your skin. In addition to body lotion, further options for hydrating the skin include body butter, body yoghurt, or a more emollient ointment. If you have excessively dry skin, you can apply body oil.
Drinking water
Lack of fluid consumption may also contribute to dry skin. To avoid this, you can increase your daily water consumption or consume foods and drinks high in water content, such as fruit and foods served with broth.
Using humidifier
If you spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned room or one with dry air, use a humidifier to help keep your skin moist.
Severe dry skin on the feet may induce pruritus, which may affect daily routines. In addition to home remedies, doctors may also prescribe lotions or ointments. Should you experience skin-related problems, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Peter, S, Forcier, M., (2024). How to Remedy Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Legs. Available from: https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-get-rid-of-dry-skin-on-legs-4693433
Goldman, R. (2019). Dry Skin on Legs: How to Find Relief. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-skin-on-legs
Mayo Clinic. Dry Skin. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dermatologist’s Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin