Winter brings a unique set of challenges for foot care. The combination of cold weather, indoor heating, and prolonged wearing of shoes and socks can lead to various foot problems. Understanding and addressing these issues proactively can help maintain healthy feet throughout the winter months.
Dry Skin and Cracked Heels
One of the most common problems in winter is dry skin, particularly on the feet. The cold weather outside and heated environments inside can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and cracking. Hot showers, which many people enjoy during winter, exacerbate this issue by further dehydrating the skin.
Preventive Measures:
Moderate Water Temperature: Avoid very hot showers; instead, opt for warm water to prevent excessive drying of the skin.
Moisturize Regularly: Apply a good quality foot cream daily, such as Urea heel balm with a concentration of 10-20%. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and can prevent cracked heels. At Oran Park Podiatry, we offer Urea heel balm with 15-20% concentration, which is highly effective for this purpose.
Debridement of callouses and cracked heels: Make an appointment with your podiatrist to remove callouses and dry cracked heels will allow better absorption of moisturisers.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Winter can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to the dry air and cold temperatures. These conditions can cause intense itching and discomfort.
Management Tips:
Moisturize: Use thick, emollient creams to keep the skin moisturised. Look for products specifically designed for eczema and psoriasis.
Avoid Irritants: Choose hypoallergenic products and avoid harsh soaps or detergents that can aggravate the skin.
Consult a Podiatrist: For severe cases, consult with a podiatrist or dermatologist for appropriate treatment plans.
Fungal Infections
Wearing shoes and socks all day can create a warm, moist environment that is ideal for fungal infections like tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).
Preventive Measures:
Air Your Feet: Whenever possible, remove your shoes and socks to allow your feet to breathe. Exposing them to air and sunlight can help reduce moisture.
Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry. After showering, make sure to thoroughly dry your feet with a clean towel.
Antifungal Treatments: Spray apple cider vinegar on fungal nail infections to help minimise the spread. For persistent infections, consider antifungal creams, solutions and see your podiatrist.
Proper Footwear: Wear breathable shoes and change socks regularly to prevent moisture build-up. Especially for people in shoes and socks all day such as retail, hospitality and trade workers.
Chillblains
Chillblains are small, itchy red areas on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. They commonly affect the toes and can be quite painful. In severe cases, chillblains can cause painful ulcers which can create a portal of entry for infection.
Chillblains are common in females, sudden changes of temperature, being less active, smokers, having lower BMI, having autoimmune disorder such as lupus.
Management Tips:
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Gradually warm your feet when coming in from the cold rather than exposing them to very hot showers.
Keep Warm: Wear warm socks and slippers to maintain a consistent temperature.
Avoid going barefoot, especially on cold floors.
Protect Your Skin: Use barrier creams to protect the skin from moisture loss and irritation.
Keeping active helps to get the blood pumping and improve circulation to your feet
Wears proper footwear with adequate toe box to avoid excessive pressure on the areas of chillblains
See your podiatrist for proper diagnosis and specific creams for chillblains
Ingrown Toenails and Corns
The increased use of closed footwear in winter can lead to ingrown toenails and corns due to the pressure and friction on the toes.
Management Tips:
Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide enough room for your toes. Avoid tight shoes that can compress your feet.
Regular Podiatrist Visits: See a podiatrist regularly to manage conditions like ingrown toenails and corns. Do not attempt to remove them yourself, as improper handling can lead to infections.
Avoid Corn Pads: Do not use corn pads containing strong salicylic acid, as they can cause maceration of the skin, leading to ulceration and further infection.
General Winter Foot Care Tips
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall skin health.
Exercise: Regular exercise promotes good circulation, which is essential for healthy skin and feet.
Moisturise your feet: Moisturise the bottom of your feet regularly to avoid cracked heels and dry skin.
Regular Inspections: Check your feet regularly for any signs of dryness, cracking, or infections. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious problems.
Attend your podiatry appointment regularly to debride callouses, clear heel fissures, manage ingrown toenails and corns.
Conclusion
Winter foot care requires a proactive approach to prevent and manage common issues like dry skin, cracked heels, fungal infections, chillblains, ingrown toenails, and corns. By following a consistent routine that includes proper moisturising, avoiding irritants, maintaining good hygiene, and wearing appropriate footwear, you can keep your feet healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months. Regular visits to a podiatrist can also help address any persistent issues and provide professional care tailored to your specific needs. If you have any of the above issues, please do not hesitate to contact Oran Park Podiatry on
0448 404 015 for treatments.
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