Dry Skin In feet

While dry skin is viewed as mostly bothersome and unattractive, chronic dry skin can lead to fissures and painful infections. Dry skin is caused by a variety of factors However, simple changes in lifestyle can solve most dry skin problems. 

Reason behind dry skin:

The water content in the epidermal layer, natural oils, and fatty substance are the major factors that determine dry skin or xerosis. The epidermal layer holds large amounts of water, which is key to keeping moisture in the skin. The skin also has a thin layer of natural oils and fatty substances that aid in skin hydration and protection from external drying forces. The absences of these factors lead to the common problems and symptoms of dry skin: scaling, redness, itchiness, and chapping.

Most common causes of dry skin:

1. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to dry skin for some reason or another.
2. Soaps: The use of harsh soaps tends to strip away the protective oily fatty layer causing dry skin. Such as antibacterial and deodorant soaps.
3. Frequent, long, hot showers: Extend exposure to hot water strips the skin's protective layer and showers do not give skin an opportunity to re-hydrate.
4. Improper application of moisturizers: Moisturizers need to be applied when the skin is damp and not completely dry.
5. Medication and Drugs: Diuretics for high blood pressure and antihistamines for allergies can cause dry skin
6. Underlining medical conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition can all lead to dry skin.  

Treatment:

Treatment of most dry skin is relatively simple. Small changes in a person’s daily habits and routines is all that is required to conquer dry skin.

• Do not shower excessively and take short showers in lukewarm water
• Occasionally take a bath in lukewarm water no longer than five minutes to re-hydrate the skin Use mild and fragrance free soaps
•  Use thick and greasy moisturizers. Stay away from oil based moisturizers and apply moisturizer when skin is still damp.

Dry skin can be prevented and is often easy to treat. However, people with chronic dry skin should consult a doctor.