Dry, Hardened Skin on Your Feet? Here's Why (and How to Fix It)

Do you often deal with dry, hardened skin on your feet? If so, you're not alone. Dry skin is a common foot issue, particularly during the winter months. It can be frustrating to experience, as it can cause pain and discomfort. But treatment is crucial because untreated, dry skin can lead to further issues, including calluses or cracked heels. Below, we'll discuss why treating dry skin is essential, the common causes of dry skin and ways to prevent hard, thickened skin from growing back.

If you are frequently on your feet throughout the day for work, you may have noticed dry, hard skin forming on the sole of your foot. You may even have developed corns and calluses after a period of time. While those are perfectly normal reactions to prolonged standing and walking, hard skin may present problems for some people, especially if on the heel or ball of the foot.  Solutions for managing hard or callused skin are reviewed below.

Why Does Hard Skin Form?

Believe it or not, the hard skin that forms on your feet is actually the body’s way of protecting you. Stress on the feet from daily activities triggers a defense reaction by the body. This process leads to a thickening of the top layer of skin and the formation of callus and corns. In medicine, these lesions are called hyperkeratotic lesions because they form from the overgrowth of the keratin layer that protects the skin from environmental stressors.

Causes of Dry, Hardened Skin on Your Feet

Poor blood flow, tight shoes and dry feet are some of the most common causes of hardened skin on the feet. People with diabetes are especially prone to developing thickened, cracked skin due to poor circulation, while people who don't wear comfortable shoes may develop rough patches and dry skin over time. Keeping your feet healthy through foot soaks and moisturizing is key to maintaining soft and healthy skin.  

The Importance of Treating Hard Skin

If you're suffering from hard, thickened skin, it's crucial to address it rather than ignore it. Keep your feet clean and moisturized to keep your feet healthy and prevent hard, dry skin from forming. A foot soak or regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and keep your feet soft and smooth. Wearing comfortable shoes and keeping your feet dry also helps maintain healthy skin. 

How to Treat Hard Skin

If you do not have an ongoing medical condition, there are thankfully some at-home measures that can be taken to easily help manage calluses and rough skin. 

• First, soak your feet in a basin of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. It is beneficial to add salts to the water, such as Epson salt.
• After your feet have had the chance to soak, use a nail file or pumice stone to remove the dead skin. Do so in a sideways motion, slowly. Do not use the pumice stone on the top of your feelings.
• After gently removing the callus with a pumice stone, apply a topical cream to restore the moisture barrier.

Ways to Prevent Hard, Thickened Skin From Returning

Maintaining healthy skin on your feet is key to preventing hard, thickened skin growth. Wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding tight-fitting footwear can help ensure good blood flow and reduce the risk of dry, cracked skin. A warm foot soak every few days can also help keep feet soft and free of rough patches. People with diabetes should take extra care to keep their feet healthy, as they're more prone to developing hardened skin.

Get Foot Cream Formulated with All Natural Ingredients from Sorevna

Finding the right foot cream can be challenging. If you are searching for a foot cream that helps manage rough skin and calluses, Sorevna would be perfect for you.  With years of medical experience, our creams are formulated by a doctor with expertise in the field to specifically address dry, callused skin in a manner that is safe and effective.  Using clinically proven ingredients such as urea and tea tree oil, our creams are designed to protect and restore your feet from long days of work or exercise.

The Best Foot Cream for Calluses

When treating severely dry, callused or cracked skin, try Sorevna Advanced Foot Cream for Calluses. This advanced cream helps restore the health of your feet and prevents future dryness and damage. It also helps relieve tightness and discomfort due to poor blood flow, tight shoes and other conditions.