How to Defeat Dry Skin This Winter

December 4, 2020

There are plenty of positives of winter: snowy walks, cozy evenings by the fireplace, outdoor winter activities and the holidays. One not so great aspect of winter is dry skin.

Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition characterized by scaling, itching, and cracking. It can result from a variety of factors, or be totally natural. Although you can have dry skin anywhere on your body, your feet can be particularly prone to this condition.

Why Dry Skin is Prevalent in Winter

Winter is especially brutal for dry skin. This is the case for a number of reasons:

Dehydration is more evident in winter
Indoor heating and showers can dry out the layer of skin that locks in moisture
Low humidity levels can degrade the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This can lead to flaking and peeling

Generally, humans’ desire to stay warm, either through indoor heating or hot showers, is particularly conducive to having dry skin in the winter. If you’ve ever come inside from the cold and take lengthy hot showers to warm up, you know what we mean.

Beyond peoples’ habits, the environment plays a role. As Harvard Health Publishing explains it, the water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) tends to reflect the level of humidity around it.

Modify Your Home

Start by optimizing your home environment for the winter. Drier air means drier skin. Using a humidifier in the room that you spend the most time can help prevent your feet from drying out.

Keep the temperature on the cooler side as warmer temperatures will quickly dry out your skin.

Use a Moisturizer

One key component to avoiding dry skin is using moisturizing creams and products. Skin moisturizers specifically rehydrate the epidermis (the outermost of the three layers that make up the skin) and seal in the moisture. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker and greasier a moisturizer, the more effective it is. For example, petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils are highly effective as they help prevent water loss.

Use moisturizing products in damp conditions (like after taking a bath, or a shower) to seal in the water. By moisturizing your skin, you can help prevent calluses, blisters, and cracked heels.

Products we carry in-store here at Toronto’s Feet First Clinic include:

Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Lotion Spray
Dermal Therapy Heel Care Cream
Gehwol Refreshing Foot Bath
Gehwol Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream

Visit the clinic any time – no appointment required – for a wide selection of skincare products, footwear, and footcare products.

Skin Ageing and Dryness

Your skin gets drier as you age. It’s inevitable. In fact, more than 75% of people over age 64 have dry skin.

Dry skin and ageing are related through a number of factors: cumulative effects of the sun over time as sun damage can thin the skin’s layer that absorbs moisture, and the production of natural oils slows as we age. Generally, dry skin doesn’t cause serious foot or skin conditions, but they can. These conditions can include chronic eczema, bleeding, or even bacterial infection.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are another side effect of ageing. When the skin on the bottom of your heels becomes overly dry, it can split and crack. This condition is known as Cracked Heels. These fissures can be painful and bleed. If they persist, your heels can become infected.

What You Can do About Dry Skin

Combat dry skin this winter by incorporating (or avoiding) some of these habits into your routine:

Use a humidifier in the winter
Limit yourself to 5-10-minute baths or showers
Use lukewarm water rather than hot water
Minimize your use of soaps. Alternatively, use moisture-rich hygiene products
Avoid deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and alcohol products
Use bath oils
Use moisturizer immediately after bathing or after washing your hands
To reduce the greasy feel of petroleum jelly and thick creams, rub a small amount in your hands, and then rub it over the affected areas until neither your hands nor the affected areas feel greasy.
Avoid scratching or itching dry areas
Use sunscreen in the winter (not just in the summer)
Use a cream or gel a few minutes before shaving
Avoid fabric softeners and use fragrance-free laundry detergents

We Can Help With All of Your Foot and Skincare Needs

We’re confident in our ability to help inform you and solve your concern with the least amount of discomfort possible. Call us to inquire about any concerns or questions you have and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! After a successful 12 years of treating our amazing patients, we’re ready to continue offering only the best foot care services and products. Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

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September 11, 2023

Skin Peeling on Feet: Causes and Remedies

Having peeling skin on your feet can be both uncomfortable and concerning. This condition, often called foot peeling or foot exfoliation, occurs when the skin on the feet sheds in small flakes or larger pieces. Peeling skin on the feet may sometimes lead to itchiness, redness, and even pain. Fortunately, proper foot care can help alleviate the problem and restore the feet to their natural, healthy state. Various factors can cause skin peeling on the feet, and it's essential to identify the underlying cause to determine the appropriate remedy. Here are some common causes and corresponding remedies: Dry skin Dry skin roughens the skin, making it itchy, flaky, or scaly. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma, whereas xerosis is severely dry skin. Cause Lack of moisture and hydration can lead to dry skin on the feet, making it prone to peeling. Dry skin has several causes, including: Heat: Warm temperatures reduce humidity, drawing moisture out of the skin and drying it out. Climate: Living in cold, windy conditions or low-humidity climates can cause drier skin. Too much bathing or scrubbing: Long, hot showers or baths and excessive drying/scrubbing can dry out your skin. Washing your feet too much may also dry out your skin because the washing strips away your body's natural oils. Harsh soaps and detergents: Some soaps and detergents may contain ingredients that can irritate and dry your skin. Age: As we age, the skin begins to thin and produces less water-retaining natural oils. Remedy Keep your feet well-moisturized by regularly applying a thick, hydrating foot cream or petroleum jelly. Ditch the harsh soaps and boiling water when washing your feet. It's also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Athlete's foot Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that affects the skin on the feet. Tinea pedis was named 'athlete's foot' because it is commonly found in people with sweaty feet. Cause A fungus called dermatophytes causes Athlete's foot when it comes in contact with your feet. It's a contagious infection that can quickly spread to others through skin contact. Common sites for fungus include warm, moist environments and shared spaces, like pools, locker rooms, shoes, or showers. Remedy Use over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders designed explicitly for Athlete's foot. Keep your feet clean and dry, and avoid wearing damp socks or closed shoes for an extended period. Eczema or psoriasis Eczema and psoriasis are conditions where your skin may peel on your feet. Cause These skin conditions can affect the feet, causing redness, itching, and peeling. Eczema occurs when you come in contact with an irritant, whereas psoriasis is an auto-immune disease with no cure. Remedy It's recommended to consult a dermatologist for remedies for eczema or psoriasis. They may prescribe topical corticosteroids or other medications to manage the condition. With psoriasis, treatments are designed to prevent skin cells from multiplying. Allergic reaction Cause Exposure to allergens in socks, shoes, or foot care products can trigger an allergic reaction, which then leads to skin peeling. Remedy Identify and try to remove the allergen causing the reaction from your environment. For instance, switch to hypoallergenic socks and shoes if your socks irritate your feet and lead to peeling skin. If that doesn't work, consider swapping your laundry detergent for a product with natural ingredients. Prolonged sun exposure Prolonged sun exposure refers to when you are exposed to UV rays for an extended time without proper sun protection. As a result, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines. Cause Sun exposure to the feet can cause moderate to severe sunburns, damaging the skin's outer layer. Next, your skin begins to peel as the body tries to rid itself of damaged cells. Remedy Protect your feet from the sun by wearing appropriate footwear and sunscreen with a high SPF. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash stemming from an allergic reaction. Typically, the rash forms after your skin comes in contact with a substance or irritant. Cause Irritation of the skin due to contact with certain chemicals or substances. Remedy Identify and avoid the irritant. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may provide relief. Consult a doctor if the condition persists. Pitted keratolysis Cause A bacterial infection affects the feet' soles, creating pits and causing peeling. Remedy Keep your feet clean and dry, wear open-toed shoes when possible, and use antibacterial soaps or topical antibiotics as a healthcare professional prescribes. Poor foot hygiene Cause Inadequate foot hygiene can lead to the accumulation of dead skin, which may peel off. Remedy Practice good foot hygiene by regularly washing and thoroughly drying your feet. Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin, and use moisturizers to hydrate the skin.

September 7, 2023

Foot Arch Pain: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies

Foot arch pain is a common issue that affects many individuals. The foot arch is the curved part inside your foot, consisting of several small bones, ligaments, and tendons. Various factors can cause pain in this area, and it's essential to identify the underlying cause to develop an effective treatment plan. Foot arch pain can be frustrating, limiting mobility and challenging even simple tasks. Today, we explore the causes of foot arch pain and effective prevention and treatment strategies to help you regain footing and enjoy life without discomfort. Read more about common causes, prevention tips, and treatment strategies for foot arch pain. Causes of Foot Arch Pain Flat Feet or Fallen Arches Flat feet (sometimes called fallen arches) occur when the feet have very low or non-existent arches. Collapsed arches cause the bottom of the entire foot to contact the ground. Up to 30% of the population has flat feet, and the condition can cause strain on the ligaments and muscles in the area. Overuse or Excessive Physical Activity Engaging in activities that stress the feet, such as running or jumping, can lead to arch pain. High-impact or sports with repetitive movements are particularly tough on the body as they can overwork the muscles and supportive tendons in the foot. When the arch is pushed beyond its limits, you may experience pain in the region. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition where the tissue at the bottom of your foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. It is one of the leading causes of heel and arch pain. The condition starts with microtears from the repetitive stress of standing upright and weight-bearing. The constant stretching of the plantar fascia causes the fascia to break down, eventually leading to pain during sleep or at rest. Achilles tendonitis Achilles tendonitis is a condition of the tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel (the Achilles tendon). It involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon and causes pain and swelling when running or walking. Since the Achilles tendon helps support the foot, tendonitis in the back of the heel can lead to nearby arch pain. Footwear Wearing shoes that lack proper or have inadequate arch support can strain the arches, leading to pain. Footwear can also be used for the wrong purpose or not fit your feet correctly. Uneven weight distribution or ill-fitting footwear can stress the arch, causing pain over time. Acute Injury or Trauma An acute injury or trauma to the foot can cause arch pain. Injuries like a sprain, fracture, or slip and fall can damage the arch's muscles, ligaments, tendons and surroundings, leading ot arch pain. Prevention of Foot Arch Pain Proper Footwear Choose shoes that provide adequate arch support and cushioning for your feet. Avoid wearing high heels or unsupportive shoes for extended periods. Arch-Supporting Insoles or Orthotics Consider using arch-supporting insoles or custom orthotics, especially if you have flat feet or a history of foot pain. Custom orthotics are corrective shoe inserts with moulded support for your feet. Orthotics act to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities with your feet and arch to improve your gait and manage pain. The correction occurs as weight is redistributed evenly across our muscles and joints. Gradual increase in activity If you're starting a new exercise program or sport, gradually increase the intensity and duration to allow your feet to adapt. Doing too much too quickly can overload your feet and arch, which makes it challenging to reverse. Maintain a healthy weight If you're overweight, losing weight can help alleviate stress on your feet and reduce arch pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises Perform foot and calf stretches to maintain flexibility and strength in the foot muscles and tendons. Here are three lower leg stretching exercises that can reduce the risk of foot arch pain: Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall an arm's distance away, place one foot a step back, and lean towards the wall. Hold for 20-30 seconds. You should feel a light stretch in your extended leg. Towel Curl: Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor, and place a towel before you. Using your toes, grip and curl the towel to scrunch it up. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat. Plantar Fascia Stretch: Sit cross-legged on a chair, and with your hand, grab your toes and gently pull them upwards until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold lightly for 20-30 seconds. Treatment Strategies for Foot Arch Pain Rest, ice, compression, elevation Rest: Give your feet ample time to rest and avoid activities exacerbating pain. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Compression: Use compression socks or stockings if you find inflammation and swelling build-up. Elevation: Elevate your feet and legs above the plain of your heart to help alleviate pain and pooling. See more about the RICE method of recovery in our blog spotlight. Pain relief NSAIDs Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Reducing intense pain caused by inflammation can also help prevent longterm joint damage. Physical Therapy Light stretching (as outlined in the prevention section) can help increase blood flow to the area and encourage healing. However, refrain from forcing stretches, as overworking an inflamed area can exacerbate the issue. When in doubt, consult with a chiropodist on a proper treatment plan, depending on the length and severity of your discomfort. Taping or bracing Taping the foot or using arch-supporting braces can provide additional support during healing. Its purpose is to stabilize and reduce a joint's range of motion. At the same time, tape enables functionality in the affected area. The tape helps lock joints in place to encourage specific movements and function while reducing unwanted movements (like twisting or bending). The actual tape can be either pressure-sensitive (which activates based on the pressure applied) or something as basic as surgical tape. Shockwave therapy Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes high-frequency, high-energy pulses to help promote recovery and muscle repair. A chiropodist determines the frequency, pressure and number of pulses best suited for your injury and can customize the treatment based on the severity of the pain. Night splints A night splint can help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, reducing morning pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis. Surgery In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered for certain foot conditions. Surgery has pros and cons, as it's generally considered a last resort, so we recommend learning more about whether surgery suits your scenario.

August 31, 2023

Foot Callus Treatment: When to Seek Professional Help

Often, a foot callus will go away independently if you change your shoes and eliminate friction and discomfort. Specialized creams and foot soaks can also help speed up the process. But for an unfortunate minority, calluses can become thicker and thicker, eventually causing pain and discomfort and making it necessary to seek foot callus treatment from a chiropodist. Source: iStock At-Home Treatment for Foot Calluses You don't need to rush to the doctor every time you see a callus. In fact, many people will have a mild callus on their foot at any given time, and they aren't typically a medical priority without signs of severity. As far as foot conditions go, they are one of the most common. But it's still a good idea to keep on top of them by practicing foot care from home so you can ensure they don't get worse! Gehwol's Med Callus Cream loosens hard callus layers and may even completely remove a mild callus in up to 28 days. For additional foot health benefits, try Gehwol's Extra Universal Foot Cream, which targets calluses using a combination of natural oils and medicinal ingredients. It also has deodorizing properties and strengthens and invigorates tired feet. Moreover, you can include foot soaks in your at-home callus care routine. Try Gehwol's Refreshing Foot Bath, which keeps the skin resistant to callus formation while smoothening existing calluses. Source: Gehwol Canada Source: Gehwol Canada Seeking Professional Help For Calluses Sometimes taking care of your foot health means visiting your local foot clinic for foot callus treatment from a chiropodist. Here are some signs to look out for: Your callus is causing discomfort Your callus looks inflamed Your callus is very thick Your calluses keep coming back It hurts to put pressure on a callus when walking You see signs of an infection, like pus and drainage. This is especially dangerous if you have diabetes. You just want smooth feet, and to ensure your calluses are treated in a safe, sterile setting. Chiropodists treat calluses using sterilized tools to shave down the area. Following this, they will apply ointment or moisturizing cream to help the skin heal. Your chiropodist can also tend to calluses during a medical pedicure. In addition, foot health specialists can recommend using products to help protect pressure points from friction, like foot protection pads and custom orthotics, to ward off painful, recurring calluses. Source: iStock

June 22, 2023

Understanding the Bones of the Foot: A Comprehensive Guide

The human foot has 26 bones, 39 joints, and over a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments that keep it working properly. Let's learn about the most important bones of the foot, what they do, and their role in foot health. Understanding the Bones of the Foot Tarsal Bones Metatarsal Bones Phalanges Treatment Options for Bone-Related Foot Pain Causes Photo by macrovector on Freepik Tarsal Bones Mount Sinai notes the tarsal bones in the foot are responsible for ankle movement and make up the rear of the foot. There are seven tarsal bones in total: The Talus Bone: This is a small bone, sometimes called the ankle bone, that helps you stand and keeps your ankle moving smoothly. The Calcaneus Bone: Also called the heel bone, this is a large, strong bone at the back of the foot that transfers body weight to the ground. The Tarsals: Five bones that work together to form the midfoot arch. The formation of these bones may pronounce your arch (high arches) or flatten it (flat feet). The height of your arch determines the level of arch support you need from your shoes or custom orthotics. Tarsal bones also act as critical attachment points for various leg and foot muscles. Metatarsal Bones Five tubular bones in the middle and the top of the foot (the forefoot) connect the tarsal bones to the phalanges. Metatarsal bones look similar to each other and are numbered one to five, or from medial to lateral, by healthcare professionals. Each bone contains the following parts: Proximal base: Connects to the tarsal bones Slender shaft: Extends along the forefoot. Distal head: Connects to the phalanges in the toes Metatarsal bones are the most vulnerable to blunt-force foot injuries. Their main function is to support body weight, help with balance and walking, and they play a role in forming foot arches. Phalanges The phalanges are 14 bones that make up the toes. The big toes and other toes consist of different phalanges: Big toe: Consists of the distal (joint close to the top of the toe) and proximal (joint in the middle of the toe) phalanges Other toes: Consist of three smaller phalanges called sesamoids, which look like pea-shaped bones Phalanges bend your toes properly and help with lateral movements, navigating strange surfaces, and balance. Image by brgfx from Freepik Treatment Options for Bone-Related Foot Pain Causes Foot pain often correlates with the bones of the foot, namely blunt force trauma (stubbing your toes, dropping an object on your foot, etc.) and stress fractures. Here are some additional common issues: Osteoarthritis: Causes inflammation and pain via degradation of the cartilage in the joints Bunions: Associated with arthritic changes in the bones of the foot Sesamoiditis: Pain and inflammation in sesamoid bones in the toes Hallux Rigidus/Limitus: Decreased range of motion and stiffness in the big toe joint Hammertoes: Bent and contracted toes caused by arthritic changes Practicing foot care by performing stretches and exercises before and after all activities can help with many of these problems. Gentle exercises can also be a part of the rehabilitation process for healing fractures and trauma. However, if your injury is acute, you should practice the RICE method from home (rest, ice, compression elevation) before beginning rehab. Other treatment options include wearing proper footwear and inserts, taking a safe amount of anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, bracing and taping methods, aligners, and potentially shockwave therapy. You may need surgery if your condition is considered prolonged and severe.

June 15, 2023

Foot Corns 101: Causes, Prevention, and Removal Techniques

Corns are one of the most common foot conditions, and quite frankly, they can be a real nuisance. They can target anyone but may occur more frequently in women and older people. While they aren't usually a cause for alarm, chronic foot corns can be painful and affect your quality of life. Let's look at what causes foot corns and what you can do to prevent and treat them. Causes of Foot Corns The American Academy of Dermatology notes that friction and pressure on the skin can lead to corns. Here are some everyday lifestyle factors that build friction and may lead to corn formation: Wearing high heels often Wearing shoes that are the wrong size Wearing uncomfortable shoes Not wearing socks with your shoes Irregular walking motion / abnormal gait Foot corns are a protective response to friction and an attempt to shield the skin beneath them. The hardened layer is your body's method of preventing skin ulceration. Corn Treatment and Prevention of Corns Preventing foot corns involves attentive foot care and protecting your foot health by wearing the right shoes and avoiding friction on the toes (where corns usually form). Furthermore, NHS explains how your podiatrist or chiropodist can remove corns if they're severe or may be infected. You should also consider consistent corn removal (corns often come back) if you have diabetes, poor heart health, or blood circulation problems. People with these issues can see minor corns become serious, painful wounds. A shoe fitting can help prevent foot corns by guaranteeing a proper fit and preventing friction Here are some safe and common preventative measures and foot corn treatments: Corn removal techniques, like gently shaving down the corn with medical grade, sterilized tools (performed by a chiropodist) Products like toe pads or medicated patches Custom orthotics to properly align your feet and prevent friction Footwear modifications to ensure a better fit (consider a shoe fitting) Keeping your feet clean Soaking a corn in warm water Applying moisturizing products to the toes Remember: never try to remove a corn yourself, as this can leave a dangerous opening in the skin that welcomes infection.

June 1, 2023

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Women

When it comes to custom orthotics for women, improved foot health is just around the corner. These days, women from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits of orthotics, from foot pain management to better posture and mobility. These perks combined reduce the average woman's chance of developing a painful foot condition. Let's look at how orthotics are becoming one of the best ways to support women's health. The Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Women Foot pain management Better posture Improved mobility Foot Pain Management Many women spend most of their time on their feet and use custom orthotics to relieve and prevent pain. WebMD notes top orthotic features that accommodate pain: Alignment and support: This corrects imbalances and abnormalities, distributing weight more evenly and reducing strain on the areas of the feet that need a break. Shock absorption and cushioning: Orthotics with shock absorbing qualities reduce the harsh impact of walking on the pavement and ground. Offloading, protection and injury prevention: Orthotics can offload specific areas of the foot or relieve pressure on injured or sensitive areas. This promotes healing and prevents irritation. Women with plantar fasciitis and sore spots on their feet (like blisters, painful corns, etc.) should try "soft orthotics" that have extra cushioning. "Rigid orthotics" are best for daily walking and working on your feet as they prevent strain and the resulting domino effect (pain throughout the lower extremities, hips, knees and back) that comes with wear and tear. If you're interested in orthotics, ask your chiropodist what type are best for your lifestyle. Posture Standing tall and maintaining good posture is important to a lot of women. It can boost self-confidence and mental well-being, but most importantly, it works wonders for your health by keeping your bones and muscles in proper alignment. Since orthotics address the misaligned position of your feet, they are a successful method of improving posture. According to the Journal of Applied Biomechanics, wearing custom orthotics over a certain period can support postural stabilization. This can help women by preventing circulation issues and the vast array of other problems that stem from poor posture. Better Health notes back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration (which can exacerbate osteoarthritis), rounded shoulders, headaches and muscle fatigue as side effects of bad posture. Improved Mobility For women struggling with daily movements, orthotics can make a world of difference. Many women adopt poor walking gaits to accommodate pain, but don't realize the long-term effects this can have. Moreover, issues like overuse injuries or arthritis can negatively impact quality of life. Luckily, orthotics enhance stability and provide more control with every step, mainly due to the support they give your foot arches. They reduce excessive motion or overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) during walking and ensure each movement has a purpose.

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How to Defeat Dry Skin This Winter

Why Dry Skin is Prevalent in Winter

Modify Your Home

Use a Moisturizer