Posts for tag: Dry Feet
Dry, flaky feet are incredibly common, particularly during the cold, winter months; however, if you find yourself dealing with dry or cracked feet throughout the year, especially around the heels, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Instead of just waiting until your feet become dry and flaky, your podiatrist can provide you with some easy skin care tips to keep your feet supple and free from dry skin all year long.Certain shoes can leave you prone to cracked heels and dry skin due to friction from wearing loose-fitted shoes. People who wear sandals and other open-heeled shoes are more at risk for developing cracked heels. Instead, opt for closed-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide support.
If you are overweight, you may be surprised to discover that this could be contributing to your dry, cracked heels. This is because your feet take on all of your weight while standing, walking, and running. By safely dropping that excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise you can alleviate some of the pressure placed on your heels to reduce the risk of cracking.
While we know just how luxurious it feels to stand in a steaming hot shower, especially during the winter months, this could be contributing to dry skin on your feet and cracked heels. If this is something you deal with regularly you may look at your current bathing or showering ritual to see if that could be the culprit. Simply use warm and not hot water, which can strip the skin of the oils it needs to stay moist.
You should moisturize your feet every day to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly can help to lock in moisture in your feet. Moisturize every time you get out of the shower and throughout the day, especially before going to bed. If you are prone to very dry, cracked feet, you may wish to moisturize and then wear socks to bed.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that can infect anyone. There are several repercussions to take, according to your Wilmette, IL, podiatrist
serving North Shore, IL, that will help prevent or manage this foot condition.
Athlete's foot can infect anyone, especially individuals who expose their feet to moist surfaces. Some symptoms to keep an eye out for are scaly rash, raw, moist skin between toes, itching, and/or stinging and a burning sensation.
There are several preventative measures to take according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. You should wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when near pools, in gyms, or public showers and locker room areas. Don't walk around barefoot in hotel rooms since foot fungus may be on the floor. Change your socks when they get wet, instead of waiting for them to dry while on your feet. Don't wear the same shoes every day. Give your shoes a chance to air out and dry before wearing them again. Don't share towels, linens, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact, like handshakes or hugs, and touching a contaminated surface like a blanket or doorknob. Keep your feet clean and dry. The fungus thrives when your feet are wet and when you're wearing tight-fitted shoes, so your Wilmette doctor serving North Shore, IL, advises avoiding both situations. This is especially a problem when it's hot outside and your feet sweat profusely. Make sure you wash your feet every day with soap and water, then completely dry them. Avoid synthetic socks. Wearing socks made from natural fabrics, or fabrics that quickly dry and/or wick moisture to help keep your feet dry.
Athlete's foot shouldn't be a serious problem but if it takes too long to heal, you need to speak to your podiatrist. If you have any questions, or concerns about athlete's foot, call your Wilmette, IL, podiatrist serving North Shore, IL, today!