Dry feet can occur when your skin loses large amounts of water and oil. Dryness can affect the entire foot, including the soles and heels.
Anyone can develop dry feet. They are more common during the winter because of the colder and drier air. Some medical conditions can also cause dry skin on the feet. Eczema and psoriasis can cause dry skin on the feet and other parts of the body. People with diabetes also often have dry feet.
Dry skin isn’t always a cause for concern, but you may want to see a doctor if your dry skin is itchy, keeps you from sleeping, or has open cuts when you scratch your dry feet.
Dry feet can feel different for each person, depending on the cause. In general, the skin on your feet can sometimes feel rough, tight, and hard. Some people describe it as feeling like a scale.
Dry feet can also occur with other symptoms, such as peeling or peeling skin, itching, and cracks in the skin that may bleed. These symptoms can occur all over the foot, including the tops, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes.
Dry feet can vary in intensity and duration. Dry feet from dry winter weather are likely to be dry for a short period of time, until you treat it or until the weather changes. If your dry feet are related to a condition such as diabetes, psoriasis or eczema, the dry skin may be more chronic (long-term).
Environmental factors, as well as various health conditions, can cause dry feet. Some factors that can lead to dry feet include:
Dry air
Places with winter weather or desert environments have dry air, which is one of the main causes of dry feet – and dry skin in general.
Home heaters and furnaces also contribute to dry air. With less moisture in the air, it is harder for the skin to retain moisture, leading to dry and itchy skin. This dry skin can affect the entire body, including the feet.
diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which blood sugar levels are too high. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the feet over time, causing impaired blood flow and nerve damage. Lack of blood flow can cause dry feet.
Nerve damage can also cause you to lose feeling in your feet, putting you at risk for other health problems such as cracks, blisters or sores. If you have diabetes, it is important to examine and care for your feet daily.
Eczema and psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that cause skin redness, irritation, and itching due to abnormal or overactive immune responses.
Both eczema and psoriasis can cause dry patches of skin all over the body, including the feet. Certain factors, including dryness caused by winter air or a dry climate, can trigger psoriasis and eczema flare-ups or make flare-ups worse.
Other causes
Dry feet can also be due to:
- aging: As you age, your skin becomes thinner and produces less of the natural oils that keep it moisturized.
- Athlete’s foot: This fungal infection can cause itching and dryness, especially between the toes.
- bathing: Using harsh, dry soaps and detergents or taking too long baths or showers can dry out your skin.
- Medicines: Some medications can cause dry feet as a side effect.
Although many cases of dry feet are not serious, there are certain reasons to talk to your healthcare provider about your dry feet. Contact your doctor if:
- Your feet are itchy without a visible rash
- The dryness and itching are uncomfortable enough to keep you from falling asleep
- You see open cuts or sores on your legs
- You see redness or swelling
- You often feel tingling, burning or pain in your feet
These symptoms can be signs of something more serious. A health care professional may perform a physical exam to evaluate your dry feet. They may also refer you to a podiatrist (foot specialist) or dermatologist (skin and hair specialist) for additional testing.
Typical treatments for dry feet include home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that add moisture to the skin of the feet and help control other symptoms, such as itching and irritation. Some common treatments include:
- Ceramide moisturizing creams are applied two or three times a day
- Vaseline
- OTC hydrocortisone creams or lotions
- Antihistamines to help manage skin inflammation
You can also apply a moisturizer and a cold pack to help with any itching that your dry feet may cause.
If you have dry feet due to a medical condition, work with your healthcare provider to treat or manage the underlying cause, which can help reduce your experience of dry feet and other symptoms.
Several strategies can help prevent dry feet. The following can help keep your feet moist and comfortable:
- Avoid skin care products, including soaps and detergents, with strong fragrances, dyes or alcohol
- Take a short (5-10 minutes) bath or shower once a day in lukewarm water; avoid hot water
- Moisturize within five minutes of bathing to help lock in moisture
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight
- Apply petroleum jelly to your feet before going to bed
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water
- Use a humidifier, especially during winter or when it’s warm
- Avoid dry and arid environments
Dry feet develop when your feet lose moisture. You may also have other symptoms, including itchy skin, irritation, and cracks in the skin. Dry feet can be caused by dry winter air or medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis and eczema.
Mild cases of dry feet can be treated at home with moisturizers, medications like hydrocortisone, and lifestyle strategies like avoiding hot water in the shower. Your doctor may recommend further evaluation or treatment if your symptoms are more severe.