General Tips Dry cracked Skin on sole of feet and heels

• One needs to identify trigger that causing the dry skin and do ones best to avoid that trigger to the point it does not affect your health.
• Try to avoid changes in diet (unless advice of dietician).
• If in sweaty environments e.g. gyms, swimming pools hot areas at work, try to keep hydrated and cool.
• Avoid very sweaty routines.
• Avoid extreme temperature and humidity.
• Avoid excessive showering and bathing. Limit the time to 10-15 minutes as water can irritate and worsen dry skin.
• Bath in warm water not hot as this will irritates the skin.
• Avoid soaps that cause skin dryness. Try to use Simple soaps or soap substitutes e.g. aqueous cream
• Try to have a good balanced diet
• Cut down on smoking
• Drink plenty of water at least 2-3 litres daily.
• Cut down on alcohol consumption
• Cut down on stress, have a hobby and get plenty of sleep.
• Consider :
  • Aromatherapy
  • Pilates
  • Tai-Chi
  • Yoga
  • Acupuncture therapy
  • Reflexology
• Avoid high chemicals or over perfumed shower products and bubble baths.
• Try not to scratch, keep nails short and in extreme cases wear mittens.
• Vacuum carpets and bedding regularly
• Use non-biological powders. Give clothes an extra rinse.
• Wash bed clothes regularly.
• A variety of bed sheets and mattress and garments e.g. gloves, vests) available for eczema/dry skin
• Avoid harsh chemical washing up liquid and detergents
• Especially in winter, try not to wear layers of clothing(socks) this cause over heating
• Apply creams straight after bathing, aids skin hydration.
• Avoid woollen and nylon clothes; wear non-synthetic fibres or use cotton or silk next to skin.
• Leave the window open at night to stay cool. Do not overheat the rooms.
• Be aware of eczema/dry skin flare-ups more inevitable in hay fever season i.e. March – July since hay fever and eczema/dry skin are related.
• Add a few drops of Aragon oil, as an emollient. It has high source of fatty acid and antioxidants to combat dry skin.

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Skin tips

1. Lather up – Use a shower gel to remove dirt and grime to prevent your skin pores clogging up. The skin needs to have clearer pores so that oils form the skin can escape.
Please note- frequent showering or using soaps can cause dry skin and leaving the skin tight, try to use a product with a moistening agent that will hydrate the skin.

Eczema/dry skin/irritated skin/Psoriasis conditions:

• Skin tends to be extra dry and one needs more potent products

2. Exfoliate – The top layer of the skin continues to renew itself and sheds dead cells, the dead cells need to be removed to prevent blocked pores and hence achieve a brighter, smother and softer skin. One should buff their skin a few times a week.
Products are available to gently remove and polish away dead skin.

Eczema/dry skin/Irritated skin/Psoriasis/Sunburnt skin or Damaged (wound skin) conditions:

• Those with theses skin conditions should use very mild products as standard exfoliates, can badly damage the skin and that can lead to a skin infection (avoid using exfoliate mitts, gloves and loof as on affected areas)

3. Moisturise – the skin is prone to get dry and dehydration as it has fewer oil glands.
Products contain humectants and occlusives which help soften and smooth the skin and used daily will help to improve the appearance of the skin and improve skin function.

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Natural treatments and tips (DR Axe)