The largest organ in the body is our skin. Made up of over 60% water, its main function is protection acting as a waterproof barrier that shields us from the elements in our environment, including chemicals and microorganisms. It regulates our body temperature and gives us the ability to feel things, such as hot and cold temperatures.
The skin consists of 3 layers:
- Epidermis is the layer we see on the surface.
- Dermis is the layer in the middle and is the connective tissue layer containing extracellular components, hair follicles, glands and collagen.
- Hypodermis is the most inside layer containing adipose or fat tissue.
As a protective barrier, our skin is at risk for certain conditions and issues developing. To help maintain the health of the skin, maintaining moisture balance is key! Skin that is too dry or too moist is weaker and therefore its integrity is compromised. When this happens, it is more susceptible to cracks and injury. Colder weather temperatures have less humidity and therefore skin may become drier. As we endure winter weather in Canada, it is important to know how to keep your skin in tip top condition!
Dry skin is also known as xerosis (zr-ow-suhs) and can be rough, scaly, flaky, and often feels tight or itchy. Dry skin on our feet can be particularly problematic because of the large amount of weight, pressure, and stress they bear as we move about. The bottoms of the feet are prone to developing thickened skin due to pressure and friction, which can easily crack open if skin is dry. A crack in the skin breaches our protective barrier. Bacteria and other microorganisms can easily enter even the tiniest opening and may cause an infection that can threaten our overall health.
Dry skin left untreated may lead to problems
If your skin has painful cracks, open sores that just won’t heal, scratches caused by itchiness or discoloration, it is best to seek the advice of a foot care clinician. BioPed has medical footcare clinicians who will assess your feet and skin, determine possible causes and provide treatment solutions. There could also be an underlying health issue that is causing your dry skin and together with your primary care professional, they can help get you back on the right track!
How can you achieve healthier skin at home?
- Wash your feet daily using a mild soap and be sure to dry well in between your toes.
- Wash with warm water, not hot, as it can be too drying.
- While the skin is still moist, apply a moisturizer that contains urea, an effective skin softener.
- Using a humidifier in your home will add moisture to the air in the winter months.
- Eating a balanced diet will provide important vitamins and minerals that help keep skin healthy.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help increase skin’s moisture level.
Come See Us!
These tips work best when done consistently and daily. At BioPed, we have medical footcare clinicians that can assess your feet and provide tips on improving your skin health. We also have effective skin care products to use at home as part of your daily routine. A BioPed team member can help you find what you need. We are here and ready to help you be more comfortable and do more in life! Give BioPed a call today!
