Very dry and cracked feet: what are the causes?
First of all, you should know that if you suffer from very dry feet, you are by no means alone in this. In fact, a large proportion of the population suffers from dry feet. In most cases, this is a harmless condition, which can be caused by a number of factors.
Your feet are one of the parts of the body that are put under the most strain on a daily basis, especially if you have a job that involves standing for long periods.
The main causes of dry feet
The main causes of dry feet are, first and foremost, repeated friction caused by walking and wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the foot1. To avoid putting strain on your feet, make sure you choose shoes that fit properly and provide support at the back of the foot, as this will reduce the impact of your heel hitting the ground2.
Try to limit the wearing of high heels, as they do not always support the arch and natural shape of the foot. Your shoes must also allow the skin on your feet to breathe, as perspiration can also contribute to weakening your feet and, paradoxically, drying them out.
Excessive moisture can also lead to the development of nail fungus. Prefer socks made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, which can help to reduce the build-up of heat and moisture around your feet2.
Changes in temperature also cause dry feet. With the arrival of winter, the upper layers of the epidermis therefore tend to become drier. We often forget to take care of our feet , although this is an important area of the body.
Prevent dry feet
If you don’t want to end up with very dry feet, make sure you exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin, take foot baths and use suitable products to moisturise your skin. When the feet are exposed to external stresses, the skin forms a protective layer known as a callus. Over time, the feet become very dry and split: this is called cracking. This is often a sign that action must be taken.
I have very dry feet - what should I do?
Very dry feet are often a source of discomfort and pain that can be quite bothersome during everyday activities. The rubbing and pressure inside our shoes are a constant reminder that our feet are suffering. But don’t panic: there are ways to help you pamper your feet.
Once you have identified the cause or causes of your dry feet, the first step is to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle. Next, treat your very dry feet with the right care products, such as URGO Filmomousse Nourishing for dry to very dry feet. Its foaming cream helps to intensely nourish and provide long-lasting hydration to the skin. Easy to use every day, it helps protect your feet and prevent new calluses from forming. Without leaving a greasy residue, it will leave your skin feeling soft and lightly scented.
If your feet are cracked, we recommend stepping up your skincare routine with URGO Filmomousse Intense Hydration for very dry to cracked feet. This product, which is suitable for diabetic foot, reduces cracks and soothes itching without leaving a greasy residue. Available as a foam, it should be applied twice a day from the age of 5 to the affected areas of the foot to reduce cracks and soothe itching.
The URGO product you need: URGO Filmomousse® Intense hydration
Finally, to treat your cracked and chapped heels, we have created URGO Filmogel® for Cracked Heels (ages 3 and over). This is a liquid dressing that forms a protective film on contact with the air. It will help the crack on the foot to heal whilst relieving the associated pain.
