How
can I treat dry skin?
Dry skin can
be difficult to treat. Sometimes
it may be peeling, scaling, rough, cracking and even
develop fissures. Cracks and fissure
at the heel can be quite painful
and even present
the risk of infection.
It is important to treat these. Peeling
and scaling may represent a fungal
infection. Regular cremes and
lotions will not be able to treat a
fungal infection. If you are unsure
if you have a fungal infection,
or if you have open sores on the feet,
be sure to visit your doctor before
you start any treatment.
Cremes tend to be better for dry skin than
most lotions,
because lotions have more water in them.
Water tends to dry out the skin more.
Cremes are more expensive, but you don't need to use as much. Don't soak your feet on a regular
basis, this will dry out the skin even
more. Callus tissue will not respond
to general dry skin cremes and lotions. A callus is a
build up of dead skin in response to
pressure and friction. The first step is removing the pressure and
friction causing the callus to build up, then apply a creme or a gel. Exfoliating gels with enzymes and callus reducing cremes with urea are recommended for calluses and thick, hardened skin.
If the
tissue on the heels is thickened or severely callused, to the
point of causing cracks and fissures,
first treat
the cracks with triple antibiotic ointment
and a bandaid. (Do not do this if
you are diabetic. Diabetics should
not use triple antibiotic ointment
on their feet. See you physician first.)
Once the cracks have started to
heal, place a creme on the heel and
cover with saran wrap. Do not wrap the
entire foot with saran wrap. Cut a small
square and place over the heel area
and slide on a sock before bed. Remove
the wrap in the morning. (If you are
diabetic, DO NOT try this without consulting
your physician.) Most cremes and
lotions will absorb into the sock and
not penetrate into the skin. Using
the cellophane wrap will help occlude
the area and increase absorption. Do
not try this with exfoliating gels,
or cremes with high salicylic acid or urea content.
Product information for dry skin and calluses.
1. What are the most common causes of heel pain?
2. What
is plantar
fasciitis? What can I do for plantar
fasciitis?
3. What can I do if my arches hurt?
4. I want to buy some inserts.
What do you recommend?
5. What is tendonitis and
how can I treat
it?
6.
What
is
a corn?
What
is
a callous?
7. What is a hammertoe? What can I do
about it?
8. How can I treat dry skin?
9. How
can I treat athlete's foot (foot fungus)?
10. How can I treat toenail fungus?
11. How can I keep my feet from sweating so
much?
12. What is a neuroma?
How can I treat it?
13. What is a bunion?
Disclaimer: The advice on this website is not intended to substitute for a visit to your health care provider. We will not be held liable for any diagnosis made or treatment recommended. Consult your doctor if you feel you have a medical problem.
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