Why Are My Feet So Dry? Your Guide to Foot Repair
Why are my feet so dry? The answer isn’t always simple, as several factors can affect your skin. Dry feet are sometimes painful and debilitating, and the problem often worsens as you age. Certain medical conditions and environmental factors also play a role in foot dryness. Fortunately, at-home remedies and moisturizing products can offer much-needed relief for people struggling with discomfort caused by dry feet.
This article describes some of the main reasons behind dry feet, suggests effective remedies for treating foot dryness, and highlights some tips for keeping your feet healthy. So, let’s dive in without further ado.
Why Are My Feet So Dry?
Dry skin is an issue people of all ages face and can be caused by various factors, including aging, genetics, dehydration, nutritional deficiency, and even wearing improper shoes. To help find a cure–or at least prevent the pain or discomfort caused by dry feet–it’s essential to get to the root of the problem.
Common Causes of Dry Feet in People Over 50
Aging can affect your feet in several ways. However, having naturally dry skin is one of the most common causes of dry feet, particularly around the soles.
Several factors contribute to dry feet as we age, including:
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Maintaining a proper foot care routine can become more challenging with age.
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The skin loses collagen as you age, weakening its ability to hold moisture.
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Mature skin produces less elastin and oil, making it drier.
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The risk for calluses and seborrheic keratosis, a condition that causes raised lesions on the toes, feet, and ankles, increases with age.
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The skin gets thinner and loses its elasticity with age, resulting in thinner feet soles. This increases skin pressure, which contributes to cracked feet and causes the build-up of dry skin.
Fortunately, with proper care and high-quality foot moisturizing products, you can remedy these issues and reverse the damage dry skin causes to your feet. However, sometimes the problem requires medical intervention.
Medical Conditions That Can Cause Dry Feet
Have you ever asked your doctor, "Why are my feet so dry even when I moisturize?" Too often, people assume the dry skin on their feet is only a side effect of not properly moisturizing. In fact, many medical conditions can cause damage to the feet that is beyond common dryness. They include:
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Diabetes: Failing to control diabetes adequately can result in neuropathy, a condition that can damage the nerves regulating oil production in the feet, causing dryness and cracks on the bottom of the feet. That’s why diabetics need to take proper care of their feet to prevent further complications.
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Eczema: Dry, red, and itchy patches of skin, known as eczema, can occur anywhere on the body, including the feet. This condition can typically be easily managed, but worsens if left untreated.
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Hypothyroidism: People with thyroid conditions sometimes suffer from dry feet because the thyroid cannot regulate sweat production in the feet.
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Psoriasis: Like eczema, psoriasis causes dry, flaky patches of skin anywhere on the body that can cause itching and discomfort. This condition is an autoimmune disease that requires medical care to regulate.
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Athlete's Foot: It is a curable fungal infection commonly affecting the soles and toes of your feet. It causes a dry, itchy rash that you can resolve with an over-the-counter treatment.
However, some everyday factors besides medical conditions can cause dryness on your toes and heels, too.
Everyday Factors Causing Dry Feet
If you’re wondering why do my feet get so dry without an underlying medical condition, the short answer is that it could be due to something you do every day. Here are some common everyday reasons for dry feet.
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Dry Weather: The weather can profoundly impact your skin. For example, you may notice that your hands and feet become extremely dry during the colder months when humidity decreases. If your skin feels drier during winter, you may need to moisturize more frequently or use a more potent cream.
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Wearing Closed Shoes: Wearing closed shoes during the warmer months is one of the most common reasons for dry feet and ankle skin. The heat causes sweat, reducing the moisture on your feet, where you already have fewer oil glands. Moisturizing daily and wearing sandals can help.
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Using the Wrong Type of Soap: Another common reason your feet may become dry over time is using the wrong foot soap. Some body washes and lotions can contain harsh chemicals, often in fragrances, that can dry out the skin. Avoid products that contain parabens and try something with natural ingredients. For example, Miracle Foot Repair Cream uses the moisturizing properties of aloe to nourish and restore your skin.
- Lack of Proper Nutrition: You may get extremely dry feet due to a vitamin deficiency. Sufficient intake of vitamins C, B-3, and E is necessary for preventing dryness and maintaining healthy skin.
Why Are My Heels Cracked?
As your skin loses elasticity and moisture with age, the heels are often the first thing to callus and crack. Hot weather exacerbates this, and the skin can crack deep enough to bleed and even get infected when left untreated. If you find yourself asking, "Why are my feet so dry and my heels hurting regardless of my efforts to moisturize?" it is likely time to visit your podiatrist.
Based on the National Foot Health Assessment research in 2012, twenty percent of adults in the United States experience cracked skin on their feet. The research also showed that women exhibited a 50% higher reporting rate for the condition compared to men. This might suggest that women are more prone to having cracked feet bottoms.
Remedies for Cracked Heels
The treatments for cracked heels vary depending on the severity of the damage. A podiatrist can remove the callus and identify potential issues causing your discomfort. If you have deep or infected cracks, they will apply an antiseptic liquid and instruct you to keep the skin safe while it heals. You can also use Miracle Heel Stick to comfort and moisturize damaged heels.
How Can I Remove Excessive Dead Skin on My Feet?
Depending on the amount of dead skin, there are several methods for the removal of dry skin on the feet:
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Scrubbing with a Pumice Stone or Foot Cleaning Brush: Soak your feet in warm water for a minimum of 10 minutes to soften the skin. If the dry skin is thick, soak longer. Then, gently move a foot brush, pumice stone, or a foot file, such as the Pedifast 2-Sided Foot File, back and forth in all directions until you reach soft skin.
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Soaking with Epsom Salt: You can also create an Epsom salt scrub by mixing it with a small amount of bath oil and applying it with a sponge or using a pumice stone to remove dead skin after your soak.
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Dipping in Paraffin Wax: This is a common technique used in salons, and you can find at-home paraffin wax kits. They dip your feet in melted paraffin wax warmed just enough to melt the wax and not harm your skin. Then, they cover your feet in plastic until the wax dries, removing dead skin from your feet. Be mindful that this technique is not advisable for anyone with poor blood circulation, diabetic neuropathy, or an open sore or rash.
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Use an Oatmeal Scrub: Oatmeal is a natural exfoliator. Mix it with milk or rose water to create a paste, scrub your feet, and leave it to set for up to 20 minutes before rinsing.
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Shaving for Extreme Cases: When the dead skin on your feet is so thick you cannot get through it with soaking and scrubbing, you may need to shave it off. This procedure is best left to professionals who know how to perform it carefully without damaging healthy skin.
You can apply a foot lotion with quality ingredients such as aloe to lock in the moisture after employing any of these techniques. In addition, if you have chronic dryness or a condition that causes dry skin on your feet, seeking regular medical treatment can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
What At-Home Remedies Can Help After Treatments at the Doctor's Office?
Your podiatrist can leave your feet feeling smooth and soft after a single treatment, but in a little while, you may be asking, "Why are my feet so dry again?" Dry skin is a condition that requires consistent care if you want to avoid painful cracking and potential infection. That is why your at-home care routine is vital to keeping your feet healthy and happy.
You can use several regular remedies and create a foot care set to help keep your feet moisturized and avoid the pains of dry, cracked heels. Most require dedication to daily care, but the results are worth the trouble. Using quality foot pain relief products is a good place to start.
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Regular Foot Baths
Soaking your feet daily is not only a great way to keep the skin soft. It is also an excellent way to relax. You can purchase a foot bath machine and keep it in the living room by your favorite chair. Add oils or dry skin-removing agents to increase the benefits.
For example, virtually any type of vinegar, including apple cider or white vinegar, can help break down dead skin for easy removal if you need regular upkeep. You can also add your favorite body oil to make the skin softer. However, avoid using water that is too cold or too hot. Both can exacerbate dry skin.
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Nourishing Your Body with Internal Hydration
Hydrating your skin is a process that starts from within. Hydrating your body and drinking plenty of water daily is a vital part of a healthy diet and is great for your skin. In addition, your doctor may prescribe certain supplements, such as omega-3 fats, to help you produce more oils and keep your skin from drying out as quickly.
Why Are My Feet So Dry After Trying Everything?
Why are my feet so dry after doing everything possible to keep them soft and moisturized? This is a common question for people with mature skin. Investing in quality foot care products is the first step. Using them regularly is the second. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about losing moisture in your skin with aging, but you can take steps to protect your feet.
Miracle of Aloe offers a comprehensive range of aloe-based foot care products, including Miracle Heel Stick, Pedifast 2-Sided Foot File, and Miracle Foot Repair Cream. Our foot care solutions contain organic aloe vera gel and are designed to provide deep moisturization.
FAQs
Is it fine to use any lotion on your feet?
The lotion you use on your feet should have specific properties relevant to your foot condition. If you have a medical condition that affects the skin or just have sensitive skin, you should consult a doctor before using any lotion.
Why do my feet get so dry?
There can be various reasons for dry feet, ranging from medical conditions, everyday habits, and environmental conditions to nutritional deficiencies. Sometimes, foot dryness is also associated with aging as your skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity with age.
How do you fix super dry skin on your feet?
The best solution to dry feet depends on the root cause. Sometimes, a skin moisturizer or better nutrition is enough to prevent dryness. However, if the dryness persists or is linked to a medical condition, you must consult a doctor for a specific treatment.
What is the best remedy for very dry feet?
The best remedy can only be prescribed after identifying the underlying cause. Generally, moisturizing your feet regularly and eating a healthy, nutritional diet can help combat dryness on your feet.