Dead skin on your feet in a completely normal and natural thing. It's the way the foot naturally exfoliates and sheds dead skin. That being said it can sometimes be uncomfortable or unwanted.
What Causes Hard Skin to Develop?
Hard skin tends to be found on areas of the feet that go through repeated irritation, rubbing or friction. Here are the main causes:
• Being on your feet for prolonged periods - the friction between the skin and shoe whilst standing up working or walking can cause hard skin
• Harsh soaps and other products - these remove the skin’s natural protective oils, stopping the skin from holding moisture and causing hard skin
• Ill-fitting footwear - shoes that are too tight or loose will cause increased levels of friction
• Walking barefoot - this will cause the skin to hard to protect itself from abrasive surfaces and increased friction
• Activities focusing on areas of the foot - certain sports and activities will cause repeated pressure on certain areas of the feet causing them to harden
• Ageing - Over time the skin naturally becomes drier and thinner causing the feet to be more susceptible to calluses and corns
• Humidity and heat - sweaty feet cause more dead skin cells, and the increased levels of moisture cause the skin to become soft and can lead to those harder areas cracking.
• Medical conditions - diabetes, psoriasis, athlete's foot, fungal infections and eczema can also cause dead skin to build up on the feet
What Preventive Measures can be taken?
By taking preventive measures and looking after your feet you can help prevent the build-up of hard skin.
• Wear footwear that fits correctly, is supportive and comfortable - this will avoid extra friction between your shoe and skin that ill-fitting shoes can cause
• Thoroughly dry your feet after showering and remember to regularly moisturise them
• If you are consistently on your feet for long periods of time, consider using gel insoles for extra support
• Deal with foot pain early on to avoid developing more serious problems
How to Remove Hard Skin
• Start by soaking your feet in warm water for around 10 minutes to soften the skin on the feet
• Use a pumice stone or foot scrub to gently scrub away the dead skin. Don’t use too much pressure to avoid damaging the healthy skin underneath
• Moisturise after removing the dead skin to keep your feet smooth and soft
If after trying these tips you are still struggling to remove any dead skin you could try using an exfoliating sock. These typically work within 7 to 10 days but their success can vary from person to person.
The Importance of Removing Hard Skin
Whilst it might not be your first concern, leaving hard skin on your feet can become uncomfortable and eventually painful. When corns and calluses are left to build up over time it can become increasingly uncomfortable to walk and could even lead to pain that prevents you from completing everyday activities. Hard skin left untreated can also eventually crack. These can become blisters which may develop into infection. Over time it can also cause your skin to lose its ability to stretch which ruins the sense of touch in the feet.
Treat Your Feet Can Help!
Sometimes hard skin might need to be treated by a specialist rather than at home. We have specialist clinics in Morley (Leeds) and Wombwell (Barnsley) where our team can help with the removal of corns and calluses. We also provide a range of treatments for your feet that can help with any concerns you may have.
Comments