Cold outdoor air and dry indoor air during the winter can wreck havoc on our skin, and oftentimes our hands and feet bear the brunt of this loss of moisture in the air. Dry and cracked skin may seem like more of a superficial issue than a significant concern, but that’s not necessarily the case. In today’s blog, we explain why it’s important to help prevent against dry, cracked skin on your feet this winter, and the best ways to do just that.
Preventing Dry Skin In The Winter
Our skin may lose some of its normal moisture in the winter, and that can make it more susceptible to cracking or sores. Not only can these be uncomfortable, but they can cause a host of problems for your feet and your body if an infection develops. These cuts, cracks and sores provide an entrance for bacteria, so they shouldn’t be ignored and are best prevented. This is especially true if you have diabetes, as poor blood flow could lead to foot ulcers or severe complications.
That said, all it takes are a few simple steps to help prevent dry and cracked skin on your feet. You can prevent cracked skin on your feet by:
1. Moisturize – One of the simplest ways to help prevent foot dryness is to moisturize your feet, especially after a bath or shower. When you wash your feet, you end up stripping your skin of natural oils that help keep it moisturized. Help to replenish this moisture with an over the counter topical moisturizing cream. Keep a small bottle in your bathroom or in your travel bag to ensure you’re never far from moisturizer after washing.
2. Hydrate – Staying hydrated can also make it easier for your body to keep the skin from drying out. Drink plenty of water throughout the winter, and get in the habit of carrying a bottle or a tumbler filled with water around the office or in your car to help you drink more throughout the day.
3. Wear Socks – Not only can socks help to keep our feet warm during the cold winter months, but they can also help to protect our skin from the elements that can lead to cracking skin. For an extra lawyer of protection, put some moisturizer on your skin before you put your socks on.
4. Pumice stone – A pumice stone is a tool that you can use to gently remove dead and dry skin from an area. By removing dead skin, which can sometimes develop on the fat pads of your feet, you can ensure that moisturizing cream is absorbed by the skin, increasing its effectiveness.
5. Humidifiers – Finally, if you just can’t seem to escape dry air that contributes to cracked skin, invest in a humidifier. Put this in your bedroom or wherever you’ll be for an extended period to increase the humidity in the air, which in turn will help to prevent your skin from drying out.
And of course, if you’re still finding it hard to overcome dry and cracked feet this winter, connect with a specialist like Dr. Silverman. He may be able to provide a prescription cream or figure out other underlying health issues that could be contributing to your dry skin. For more information, or for help with your foot issue, reach out to Dr. Silverman’s office today at (952) 224-8500.
