Everybody wants smooth, healthy feet for the summertime!
After a long winter, summertime means warmer temperatures in upstate New York and open-toed shoes! Unfortunately the summer staple footwear doesn’t offer much support for your feet or heels, causing friction when walking. This rubbing can lead to thick calluses, which can form skin fissures, leaving cracks in your heel. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, you’re not the only one!
Wappinger Falls podiatrist Dr. Yavor Geshev, sees this issue on a regular basis. There are ways you can soften your calluses and smooth out your feet just in time for summer between podiatry visits:
- Moisturizing is key! Regularly apply a thick penetrating lotion (such as Hydrostat) to your feet before going to bed each night or just after a shower when the skin is softest. This routine will gradually soften the calluses and heal the cracks
- Speeding up the process: Consider sleeping in cotton socks after applying the lotion to help lock in the moisture!
- Make an appointment: A podiatrist can remove the dead skin and calluses revealing smooth, beautiful feet for summer!
- CAUTION:If your calluses begin to look yellow, bright red, or start to feel tender, be sure to see a podiatrist right way to treat a possible infection
If you’ve been suffering from dry cracked skin on your heels for sometime, or if it’s started to get painful, let the friendly team at Hollowbrook Foot Specialist get your feet ready for the summer!
By Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM
