If you’ve usually had regular skin on your feet but have recently observed them becoming increasingly dry, you’re likely experiencing a case of xerosis, or severe dry skin on the feet. There’s typically no need for medication to treat this condition.
Several factors can lead to xerosis, including:
– Bathing or showering excessively, particularly more than once a day.
– Using soaps that lack moisturizing properties.
– Neglecting to apply lotion to rehydrate the area.
– Using overly hot water when showering or bathing.
By applying a lotion rich in moisture to the affected area, you should see improvements relatively quickly.
If you notice the dryness escalating, accompanied by itchiness and scaliness, it may have progressed to pruritus. Once again, this condition can usually be managed by rehydrating the area with lotion. However, if the condition persists for more than two weeks, it could indicate the presence of a viral or bacterial infection. In such a case, it’s advisable to consult your podiatrist for antibiotics to address the infected area.
Xerosis is a fairly common ailment and generally doesn’t warrant unnecessary alarm.
