Feet, despite their essential role in our daily lives, are often neglected when it comes to care. It is therefore essential to give them the attention they deserve, especially when they become dry and painful. But then, how can you take care of them?
What causes dry feet?
First of all, it is important to understand that the feet have a small number of sebaceous glands . However, these play a decisive role, since they secrete the sebum essential for good hydration. In addition, the arch of the foot, devoid of these glands, depends mainly on the sweat glands, responsible for the production of sweat. Unfortunately, with age, sweat secretion decreases, gradually disappearing. This is why older people suffer more from dry feet.
Other factors also contribute to dry feet, including environmental stresses such as exposure to the elements, such as sun, wind and cold. Feet are also subject to mechanical stresses due to poorly fitted shoes or shoes made from non-breathable materials. Certain hygiene habits and extreme weather conditions (such as dry air in winter) can also contribute to the loss of skin moisture. The combination of these factors makes dry feet relatively common, making this problem a common reason for consultation with podiatrists.
Why take care of your feet?
Taking care of your feet goes way beyond just aesthetics. In fact, it’s a key part of maintaining good overall health. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to pamper your feet:
- Prevent infections : Significant dryness of the feet can lead to the formation of cracks. Beyond the painful dimension, these cracks create entry points for bacteria and fungi.
- Reduce the risk of foot deformities (such as hallux valgus) and the appearance of ingrown toenails.
- Maintain a state of comfort and well-being: dry and painful feet can cause more or less significant pain and discomfort.
- Maintaining optimal mobility . When feet become painful or have problems, it can become more difficult to perform sports activities or walk properly.
- Prevent complications : For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, regular foot care helps reduce the risk of serious complications like diabetic sores .
Treatment and prevention of dry feet
Daily care
First of all, it is essential to maintain good foot hygiene to prevent various skin problems and maintain their health. Ideally, daily foot washing is recommended, but it may be necessary to increase the frequency in case of excessive sweating. This helps to avoid maceration, which can promote mycoses and plantar warts. When washing, it is advisable to use a mild soap to avoid attacking the delicate skin of the feet. Soaps that are too stripping such as Marseille soap should therefore be avoided. After washing, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the area between the toes, as this is the area most likely to develop an infection. It is best to opt for soaps designed specifically for dry feet, such as "sur gras" or "dermatologic pain". Perfumed soaps should be avoided in favor of a greasy soap or a moisturizing gel. In addition, it is recommended that the bath water is not too hot, with a maximum temperature of 37 ° C, and that the bath does not last more than 10 minutes. If necessary, exfoliation can be beneficial. To do this, an exfoliating cream can be used to gently rub the feet using small circular movements.
The choice of shoes is also very important for the health of the feet. It is recommended to choose shoes that are wide enough, offer good support for the foot, and of course the right size. Excessively high heels can cause the foot to slide forward in the shoe, thus compressing the toes, deforming them, promoting the formation of hallux valgus, while causing heel pain. It is therefore preferable to opt for shoes with low or moderate heels, around 3 to 4 cm, with a wide base to ensure good stability. By taking into account these simple and accessible recommendations, it is possible to actively contribute to preserving the health of your dry feet .
Hydration: an essential act
Moisturizing your feet is an essential step to maintain their health and prevent various skin problems. Regularly applying a moisturizer after washing is a habit to adopt ( taking into consideration the recommendations of the podiatrist if there are any) . These creams help maintain good skin hydration, relieve possible pain and help prevent complications.
Some creams and balms go even further by offering anti-inflammatory, antifungal and skin regenerating properties. This makes them an interesting solution for effectively caring for dry feet.
In short, taking care of your dry feet is essential to maintaining a comfortable active life. This dryness can result from a combination of factors, including the natural decline in sweat secretion with age, environmental aggressions or even unsuitable hygiene habits. Taking care of your feet therefore involves adopting simple habits such as applying quality moisturizing creams. In addition, a consultation with a podiatrist, at least once a year, can significantly contribute to preserving the health of our feet.
References:
Ameli health insurance. (February 7, 2022). How to take care of your feet?
French Union for Foot Health. Advice sheet: treating dry feet.
French Union for Foot Health. Dry skin: keeping your feet well-hydrated is essential!
