Don’t Neglect Your Feet During the Winter

Written By Ara Kallibjian

It seems that winter and dry feet are inevitable. Why does this happen?

In the winter, humidity drops which leads to water loss in our skins resulting in dryness and irritation. Increased indoor heating and hotter/longer showers also contributes to the dryness.  

In many cases, the feet do not get as much attention in the winter due to closed in shoes, therefore foot maintenance routines tend to slack. You may not be able to reach your feet so it takes a little creativity if there is no one help.  More products are available on longer handles to reach the feet.

Dry skin may lead to thickened skin with heel fissures, or cracks, which may bleed and cause pain.   Dry cracked skin can lead to both bacterial and fungal infection, which can be detrimental in people who have reduced immune responses.

Risks for dry, thickened skin include: 

  • Lack of or inability to perform proper foot care.

  • Older age with decreased turnover of skin cells.

  • Skin conditions such as eczema; metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism; digestive malabsorption diseases such as Crohn’s and celiac.

  • Frequent showers and baths. 

  • Exposure to harsh chemicals and soaps.

Tips to prevent dry skin:

  • Create a routine and stick with it.  Have an emollient located where you put your socks on.

  • Exfoliate dry skin cells with a dry natural bristled brush in a circular motion.  Stimulating blood flow and skin cell regeneration is key to supple skin.

  • Use a pumice stone on thicker skin right after a shower or bath.

  • Take short, cool showers and avoid long, hot baths. 

  • Apply the moisturizer right after a bath or shower.  Applying a moisturizer and then a sock before bedtime will help the moisture penetrate deeper into your feet.

  • Ointments and creams are more effective than lotion, which is more water-based, but may be too greasy when wearing shoes.  It is best to apply ointments at bedtime.

  • Ingredients, such as urea, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and ammonium lactate help slough off dead skin cells and intensify moisture retention.

  • Gel socks help keep heels soft and help with areas difficult to reach.

  • Avoid dryer sheets, scented soaps or other scented products.

  • Use detergent for sensitive skin to wash your clothes.   This detergent is often packaged in a white bottle.

  • Use a humidifier at home to reduce dryness in your home.

  • Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

  • Diets rich in walnuts, olive oil, and avocados help nourish the skin.

  • Limit alcohol, caffeine, and coffee which cause dehydration.

When to contact a doctor:

  • When you experience pain and/or bleeding.

  • If you are diabetic and suspect skin changes that are not normal.  Do not rely on feeling any discomfort due to possible loss of skin sensation.  Diabetics should have their feet evaluated and any thickened skin professionally treated by a podiatrist.

  • If over the counter products have not provided any relief.  Do not apply any acid containing callus or corn removers to dry skin.

  • If there are increased symptoms such as itching, redness, burning, blisters and scaling.  This may indicate more serious conditions involving fungus or bacteria.

Ara Kallibjian