Dry Feet as discussed by McKinney, Texas Foot and Ankle Specialist

MY PAINFUL DRY FEET!!

Well, the Winter months area here, and in Texas, that means low humidity which means DRY SKIN. It is often known as "winter itch," since the low humidity essentially draws the moisture out of the skin. Also, the dry heat from the furnace in the winter time can reduce the moisture in the air.Every year we see many patients that complain of dry, cracked skin, especially along the bottom of their feet, especially the heels. This can be a serious problem especially for our diabetic patients in which cracked skin can be a source of infections. Lets face it, our feet spend hour after hour in shoes every day. Bacteria love dark, warm and moist environments as do fungi and molds. Poorly controlled diabetics with cracked skin on their feet are highly susceptible to foot infections as a result their skin condition and poor immune system. Dry feet can not only be unsightly, but also uncomfortable. They can itch, look red and can give the sensation of small critters crawling on your feet, especially at night. So, what are the causes for dry feet? Harsh soaps, certain clothing, long hot showers, low humidity in the environment, certain medications and even many medical problems including diabetes, poor nutrition, thyroid disorders, psoriasis and eczema.The skin has a coating of fatty substances called lipids that keep moisture in the skin which equates to soft, moist skin. So whatever the cause of the dry skin, the lipid content in the skin essentially is reduced which leaves the skin susceptible to becoming dry. The medical condition for dry skin is "Xerosis of the skin."If dry skin is left untreated, it can lead to dermatitis, which is dryness of the skin. This can in tern lead to infections and swelling of the skin. Despite the fact the external moisturizers are often the treatment for dry skin, they are often misused. Topical moisturizers must be applied to the dry skin when it is moist. Thus the best time to apply the topical moisturizers is after you dry off from a bath or a towel. Apply the moisturizer to your feet and let it soak in for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess. There are thousands of moisturizers available. However, some work better than others. Typically, the thicker the product the better. If the moisturizer runs off your hand after applying it, then it is not thick enough. Turning down the heat in your home can also help with dry skin since the indoor air will not be as dry. This in addition to using a humidifier and wearing extra clothing when you are outside during the winter months will help. Prolonged exposure to hot water can wash away the oils in your skin that help to keep moisture in. It is best to limit showering to only a few minutes and to turn the water temperature down. The water does not have to be ice cold, but luke warm water is advised over hot water. The use of body soap can also be a cause of dry skin since soaps can wash away body oils that help to keep your skin moist. Surprisingly, only certain parts of your body need to be washed with soap since on an average day, most people do not get that dirty. Soap does not need to be applied to your entire body daily. The only body parts that need to be washed with soap on a daily basis are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms and the rest of the body can simply be rinsed with water. For dry skin care, it is helpful to purchase mild, fragrance free soaps. It is also not advised to wash your skin with harsh, abrasive implements. They are not needed and can be damaging to your skin. There are also medications that can cause dry skin. Some of the medications are used to treat other systemic conditions such as high blood pressure such as diuretics, allergy medications such as antihistamines and many medication to treat Acne. If you do notice that your skin is drying out after starting a new medication, ask your doctor that prescribed the medication. He or she may be able to recommend another drug to treat your condition.As one ages and the amount of hormones in the body changes, this can cause the skin to become dry. Also some people are genetically prone to developing dry skin. Despite the cause, dry skin can not only be unsightly, but also painful and can jeopardize the heal of not only the foot but also the person with the dry skin. But don't worry, it can be treated. At McKinney Foot and Ankle in McKinney, Texas and Advanced Foot and Ankle in Prosper, Texas, Dr. Eric Silvers and Dr. Kory Williams treat hundred of people every year for dry skin. We offer products such as Idonia, Lantiseptic Skin Protectant and Amerigel Lotion and have wonderful results. If you need to have your feet examined and treated for dry feet, visit Dr. Kory Williams and Dr. Eric Silvers of McKinney Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney , Texas or our Prosper, Texas Office, Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors have extensive training and experience all types of foot and ankle problems. We strive for complete patient satisfaction and see patients from McKinney , Frisco, Allen, Anna, Prosper, Celina, Plano , Sherman , Denison , Durant , Oklahoma and surrounding communities. Dr. Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist practicing in McKinney , Texas and Proper, Texas . He sees patients from North Dallas, McKinney , Plano , Allen, Prosper, Frisco, Melissa, Anna and Princeton , Texas .To Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Silvers, please call 972-542-2155 or visit our website at http://www.mckinneyfootcenter.com Dr. Kory Williams will be joining McKinney Foot and Ankle and Advanced Foot and Ankle in July of 2009. Both Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams strive to deliver the utmost quality foot and ankle care with a compassionate bedside manner. Our doctors have 5 years of combined foot and ankle post graduate training and over 11 years of private practice experience. Both Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams are respected speakers in the field of Podiatric Medicine, Surgery and Practice Management. Dr. Silvers is the Past President of the Dallas County Podiatric Medical Society.

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155