What Causes Cracking Skin?

Cracked and dry feet are common foot problems that can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, lifestyle choices, and underlying health issues. If left untreated, these issues can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to care for your cracked and dry feet.

Here are some tips on how to care for cracked and dry feet:

1. Moisturize your feet regularly: Applying a good quality foot cream or lotion to your feet at least once a day can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. It's best to use a cream that contains urea, glycerin, or lactic acid, which can help to soften and moisturize the skin.

2. Soak your feet in warm water: Soaking your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes can help to soften the skin and make it easier to remove any dead or dry skin. You can add some Epsom salts or a few drops of essential oils to the water to enhance the soaking experience.

3. Use a pumice stone or foot file: Once you have soaked your feet, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove any dead or dry skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard or use anything sharp, as this can cause further damage to your skin.

4. Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can cause friction and pressure on your feet, which can lead to cracked and dry skin. Opt for comfortable shoes that fit well and provide adequate support for your feet.

5. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. Aim to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.

6. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water: Prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and cracking. Try to limit your time in hot baths or showers, and use warm or cool water instead.

7. Seek professional advice: If you have persistent dryness or cracking on your feet, it's important to seek advice from a podiatrist. They can help to identify any underlying conditions and provide specialized treatment options to help improve your foot health.

At Kallangur Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists can provide personalized care and treatment options for all your podiatric needs. If you are experiencing cracked and dry feet, contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards healthy feet.

3 Steps to Smooth Feet

Here are 3 simple steps to heal cracked heels:

Step 1: Prevent hard skin build-up on your feet by using a pumice stone or chiropody stone to physically remove callous build-up. Alternatively, visit a podiatrist who can remove the skin with a scalpel. Removing hard skin is crucial as it can cause the skin to become brittle and continue to crack and fissure, leading to pain and infections.

Step 2: Moisturize and soften the skin regularly. While any moisturizer will do, using premium products like the ones we stock at Kallangur Podiatry can provide a stronger effect. It is essential to make this a regular habit and avoid putting on socks immediately after moisturizing, as this can wipe off the moisturizer.

Step 3: Wear comfortable and soft footwear, such as shoes or even thongs like the Archie Thongs. These can help reduce the ground reaction forces on your feet and manage hard callous skin build-up.

Following these steps can help prevent and heal cracked heels. However, if your condition persists or worsens, it's important to seek advice from a podiatrist. At Kallangur Podiatry, we offer personalized care and treatment options for all your podiatric needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards healthy feet.

Conclusion

Prevention and good habit is the key to keeping happy feet. So prepare your feet for summer and thongs but following these three steps to happy feet.

If you do struggle with self-management, let our friendly podiatrist give you a boost.

Happy Feet start here at Kallangur Podiatry!