Skin Care

Just like your face, a skin care regimen is important for your feet. The skin on your feet can be delicate and can be the target of many conditions. The cleanliness of your feet can also be an important factor in foot health. You should always observe any change in your feet, especially if you are diabetic.

Soaking

Remember that excessive soaking can either dry out or macerate the skin. Follow these guidelines when soaking:

Use lukewarm water with a mild soapless cleanser and limit the soaking process to 10 to 15 minutes.

Rinse and pat dry. Avoid rubbing dry to protect fragile skin.

Gently and completely dry between the toes.

After drying, use a pumice stone and/or file to remove corns or calluses.

Lotions or Creams

Apply a cream or lotion immediately after soaking, bathing or showering. This keeps the skin from drying and the temptation to pick at dry skin is avoided.

Massage the cream or lotion into the skin of the foot and between the toes until the skin is dry to the touch.

Petrolatum based products are generally more difficult to work into the skin. They may leave the skin feeling greasy.

Use special keratolytic creams and lotions when xerosis (dry skin) is present. If drying is excessive, a prescribed cream could be the answer.