Dry Skin On The Feet

Notice your feet getting drier over the cooler winter months? Or staying that way over summer too? You’re absolutely not alone.

While our feet do contain over 250,000 sweat glands, it is often a surprise to learn that our feet do not have any oil glands – which can make them more prone to becoming dry, especially with the cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, having dry skin can also cause other problems, including that the sensation around our feet can decrease (which can be a significant problem if we have diabetes or other problems that affect our ability to see what’s happening around our feet). We also become more prone to developing thickened skin (callus) and cracked heels, which can pose health risks if the cracks become so deep that they accidentally crack open the healthy skin beneath, leading to potential pain, bleeding and increasing the risk of infection. ‘

Dry Skin Symptoms

Wondering if it’s dry skin or something else? The classic signs of dry skin on the feet include having white, flaky-looking skin present on the bottom of the feet and the sides of the feet, and may be particularly prominent at the heels, developing a rough or a scaly foot texture, experiencing redness or itchiness, noticing cracks or fissures developing on the heels – or other area of hard calluses.

Interestingly, an Athlete’s foot fungal infection (alongside other conditions like eczema and psoriasis) can also cause some of the skin changes we’ve just mentioned – so it’s always best to get an accurate diagnosis from your podiatrist.

Dry Skin Causes

Dry skin on the feet is surprisingly common, with many people experiencing it at some point in their lives. It can be caused by various factors, with some common causes including:

• Taking very hot baths or showers, which can have a dehydrating effect on the feet
• Wearing open-backed shoes for prolonged periods
• Being exposed to cold temperatures and dry air, which can deplete moisture from the feet
• Certain skin products – such as overusing harsh detergents or chemical-containing foot products can lead to dryness by stripping the feet of its natural moisture
• Genetics – unfortunately, some people may be more prone to developing dry skin due to their genetic factors
• The ageing process can also lead to dryness, as ageing can bring with it thinner skin, reduced elasticity and the loss of the fatty cushions that support our feet
• Nerve damage such as from diabetes
• Having other medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, Athlete’s foot and even unmanaged hypothyroidism
• Certain medications can also make us more vulnerable to dry skin

Managing Dry Skin At The Feet

For many people with mild skin dryness, they are able to successfully manage their dry skin and restore their skin’s moisture by making one important change in their daily routine: applying an emollient or moisturising cream to the feet every night before bed. While there are several creams we can recommend, the real “trick” is consistency – remembering to do it every evening to help support your skin’s moisture and protection. 

Additionally, we recommend taking care of your feet by avoiding excessively hot (and frequent) showers and baths, wearing good supportive footwear, keeping your feet warm and protected in the cooler temperatures, and avoiding harsh skin products and chemicals – particularly if you were using them prior to noticing your skin becoming dryer.

In the podiatry clinic, we help those with dry skin by helping them manage any corns, calluses and cracks in the heels that have developed alongside their cracked heels to give them the best “starting base” for the daily moisturising to be able to soak into their skin and have the best effects. We’ll also discuss any other factors that are likely contributing to your skin dryness, and teach you our podiatrist-approved ways to help you best manage your dry skin and prevent it from recurring. If we suspect your skin dryness is linked to other medical conditions or problems, we’ll also instruct you on the best next steps, including providing any referrals if needed.