Dry Skin I suffer from very dry feet, and the edges of my heels and soles often become sore and chapped. Is there anything I can do to prevent this happening and how can I treat it?
Conventional remedy: Dry skin is a common problem, especially in those who have a tendency towards atopic dermatitis (eczema). The skin is often very rough and scaly and less elastic than normal skin. The main feature of dry skin is a lack of moisture in the skin surface and a relative lack of natural oils. There are some factors that can exacerbate dry skin, and these would include bathing too often and for too long, the use of very hot water and using alkali soaps. Low humidity, artificial heating, dry air, overexposure to cold weather and dehydration can all contribute to dry skin.
Where the skin is very dry it may become chapped and cracked as you describe. Once this happens, secondary infection can set in.
The best way to treat this condition is to take steps to avoid moisture loss from the skin and to moisturise frequently. Substitute showers for baths using tepid water, avoid traditional soaps and use a soap substitute. After showering, dry the area well by patting the skin instead of rubbing. Massaging a mild baby oil into the skin will help prevent further moisture loss. Use moisturisers which will lubricate and soften the skin. These do not have to be expensive creams - a basic E45 emulsion should do the trick. Make sure you eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep the skin well hydrated. Avoid overheated environments.
Where the skin has become cracked and infected you should seek medical advice. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream to clear the infection. For cracks or fissures that are not infected a mild steroid cream may help.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy: If you have excluded any causes for your problem arising from poor posture or unsuitable footwear, both of which may increase weight-bearing pressure on certain parts of the foot, you should work on improving the circulation to the feet and adopting a regular regime which will improve the condition of the skin.
Circulation can be improved both internally and externally. Internal remedies such as ginger will serve to increase the peripheral circulation and ensure that blood flow to the feet is improved. Simply grate ½ teaspoon fresh ginger root and infuse in one cup of boiling water for five minutes. Strain and drink.
Bathing the feet in a mustard foot-bath will enhance the circulation by external means. Two teaspoons of ground mustard powder to 2.5 litres of hot water is sufficient and serves to revive the whole body. Marigold or chamomile flowers also make an ideal foot-bath, as does sea-salt.
After bathing for about 20 minutes, you are ready to remove the dead skin. You can make a home-made rub using two tablespoons of oats, two tablespoons of wheat bran and two teaspoons of coarsely ground sea salt. Blend with two teaspoons almond oil. Rub this well into the soles and heels of the feet using a circular motion, then brush off. This treatment should be carried out very regularly (three to four times weekly) until the problem abates. A regular weekly treatment should prevent the problem recurring after that.
Also consider the use of essential oils such as lavender and rosemary in a light ointment base which facilitates absorption of the oils. A range of foot-care products incorporating essential oils is available from health stores.
Helen McCormack
- Helen McCormack is a medical herbalist and a member of the Irish Association of Medical Herbalists. Tel: 01-6281362.
- The advice in this column is not intended as a substitute for advice received directly from a medical doctor or alternative practitioner. You should receive a thorough diagnosis before embarking on treatment