Take Good Care of Your Skin this Winter

As the days get colder and the heat goes on, it’s not unusual for the skin on your feet and the rest of your body to get dry. At NY Foot Health, we know taking care of dry skin is just one way to care for the skin on your feet. In recognition of Healthy Skin Month, we’d like to offer some other tips to help with skin disorders on your feet.

Dry Skin—Getting back to that dry skin issue, you can tackle a typical case by applying a rich moisturizer every night before bed. Put on a pair of cotton socks after you apply the cream or lotion for better absorption. If this doesn’t help and you begin to develop cracks in your heels or a diabetic, contact your podiatrist promptly for help. Don’t have a podiatrist? Use our online directory to find one in your community.

Fungal Infections—Athlete’s foot and fungal toenails are both transmitted by direct contact. The best way to prevent these types of conditions is by keeping your feet covered in public places like community pools, nail salons, gyms, not sharing shoes, nail files, and other items that touch someone else’s feet. Left untreated, fungal infections can spread to other parts of your body and other people.

Skin Cancer—The skin on your feet can develop Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Malignant Melanoma cancers. Like other parts of your body, the best way to prevent skin cancer is by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever you expose your feet to the sun. It’s important to examine your feet for new moles or freckles regularly and monitor existing ones for changes that may signal cancer (change in color, size, border irregularity). Be aware that skin cancers can also form under a toenail.

Caring for the skin on your feet will increase your comfort and the health of your feet.