It’s getting to be that time of year, when more and more often the weather outside is frightful. The temperatures are dropping fast and the sky gets dark quickly. Winter is upon us. Living in Massapequa, New York, this means your feet spend several months locked away in winter footwear. This, along with the cold weather, can take a real toll on the skin on your feet. You become more susceptible to heel fissures. If you struggle with diabetes, skin issues like this increase your risk for infection—so you should know how to take care of your skin at home.

Cracks in your heels develop when the skin on your feet is too dry. Dry skin is inflexible and splits under pressure instead of stretching and accommodating motion. Your heels are particularly vulnerable because hard calluses tend to build up there. When you have diabetes, your feet are already drier than normal. Cold weather and low humidity in many heated homes can exacerbate this dryness.

Some basic skin care at home, though, can make a significant difference for alleviating the discomfort and heeling the splits. Try these basic moisturizing foot care habits:

  • Wash Up – Wash your lower limbs with a gentle moisturizing soap every day, then pat your feet dry.

  • Moisturize – Rub thick cream or ointment all over your feet, focusing on your heels. Baby oil, petroleum jelly, and vegetable oil make excellent alternatives to lotion. Put on clean socks afterward to help lock in the moisture.

  • Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of watch throughout the day to keep your insides hydrated.

  • Pamper – Allow our staff to help you use a pumice stone to soften and slough away your calluses, so your skin can heal more easily.

Heel fissures are unpleasant and put you at risk for infections, but by taking care of your skin, you can help them heal quickly. Don’t wait for problems to develop before seeking help, especially if you have diabetes. Instead, contact Foot Specialist of Long Island for an appointment to care for your skin. Just call our Massapequa, NY, office at (516) 804-9038 or use the website.

Photo Credit: Tivery Lucky via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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