3 tips for removing
hard skin on your feet
What is
hard skin on feet?
Hard skin on feet, medically known as calluses or corns, refers to the thickened, toughened areas of skin that commonly develop on the soles of your feet. These areas of hardened skin are the result of repeated friction, pressure, or irritation, often caused by things like walking, running, or wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Hard skin usually appears as yellowish or discoloured patches, and it can range in size and severity.
While it might seem like a minor issue, hard skin on your feet is something to keep an eye on, as it can lead to discomfort and more serious foot problems if you leave it untreated. Proper care and treatment are essential not only for easing discomfort but also for maintaining your overall foot health.
Having hard skin on your feet can really affect both your comfort and your overall foot health. Here's why:
Discomfort: Hard skin can cause discomfort, pain, or tenderness when you're walking or standing, which can make everyday activities less enjoyable. It might even affect your ability to stay active or do the exercise you like.
Risk of cracking: If you leave hard skin untreated, it can sometimes lead to cracks in the skin. These can be painful and may increase your risk of infection.
Changes in the way you walk: To avoid putting pressure on areas with hard skin, you might unconsciously change the way you walk, which can lead to joint or posture problems over time.
Foot health: Hard skin can interfere with your skin's natural flexibility and normal function, which can affect your overall foot health. It may also contribute to more serious conditions like bunions.
Recognising signs of
hard skin on feet
- Dry patches:
One of the earliest signs of hard skin is the development of dry patches on the soles or heels of your feet. These patches may look flaky, rough, and discoloured, often taking on a slightly yellow or greyish tone. Pay attention to any areas that feel rough or excessively dry when you touch them.
- Calluses:
Calluses are thickened areas of skin that form in response to pressure or friction. They usually have a hardened, raised appearance and can vary in size. Calluses often develop on the balls of your feet, your heels, or the sides of your big toes. They might not be painful at first, but they can become uncomfortable over time.
- Cracks:
As hard skin builds up, it can lead to deep cracks in the skin, especially around your heels. These cracks can be painful and may provide an entry point for infections if you leave them untreated.
What are the main causes of
hard skin on feet
- Pressure:
Prolonged standing or walking:
People who spend long hours on their feet, such as healthcare professionals, retail workers or athletes, often experience increased pressure on the soles of their feet. This continuous pressure can lead to the skin thickening over time.
High body weight:Excess body weight adds extra pressure on your feet, especially on your heels and the balls of your feet. This can cause the skin in these areas to harden over time because of the persistent pressure they have to cope with.
- Friction:
Ill-fitting shoes:
Shoes that are too tight or too loose can rub against your skin and create friction. Tight shoes squeeze your feet, leading to increased pressure and rubbing, while loose shoes can let your feet slide around inside, causing friction and blisters. Both situations can contribute to calluses and hardened skin.
Unsupportive footwear:
Shoes that don't offer proper cushioning or arch support can cause more friction between your feet and your footwear. This lack of support can cause the skin to thicken as it tries to protect itself from ongoing rubbing.
Doing activities barefoot:
Doing activities that involve a lot of barefoot walking or running, such as dance or gymnastics, can also lead to friction-related hard skin. Because your feet are in direct contact with the ground, they can develop calluses as a natural protective response to friction.
Hard skin on feet
Characteristics: Hard skin on your feet is typically thick, rough and discoloured. It can be painful when you put pressure on it and may develop cracks in more advanced cases.
Causes: The main causes are repetitive friction and pressure, often from activities like walking and wearing poorly fitting shoes. Dry skin can make things worse by reducing your skin's flexibility.
Prevention: Preventing hard skin on your feet involves wearing well-fitting shoes, moisturising regularly, using protective pads or insoles, and avoiding too many high-impact activities where you can.
Treatment: Treatment options for hard skin on feet include regular exfoliation with tools like pumice stones or foot files, moisturising to keep the skin supple, and using creams containing Salicylic Acid to help soften the hard skin.
How can you
prevent it
Follow these simple steps to help you maintain soft, healthy feet and reduce the chances of developing hard skin:
Establish a daily routine of cleansing and moisturising your feet, and pay special attention to areas that tend to get dry. You can try NIVEA Soft 200ml, which has a lightweight formula with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to leave your skin feeling smooth and nourished.
Build a weekly foot care ritual that includes a gentle exfoliation after a relaxing foot soak.
Regularly check your feet for any signs of blisters, sores, or other changes, and look after them promptly if you notice anything unusual.
Choose comfortable, supportive shoes and take short breaks if your day involves standing or walking for long periods.
3 step routine for
hard skin on feet
1. Soaking your feet:
Soaking your feet in warm water is not only relaxing, it also helps soften hard skin, making it easier to remove. It can also boost blood flow to your feet, promoting better circulation. This is a great way to get your skin ready for exfoliation.
When you're choosing what to use in a foot soak, you might like to try:
- Epsom salt soak: Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate) is known for its muscle-relaxing properties. Dissolve a few tablespoons of Epsom Salt in warm water for a relaxing and therapeutic soak.
- Baking soda soak: Baking soda can help soften the skin and neutralise odours. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to warm water for a soothing foot soak.
While you're using any of these soaking solutions, you can also use NIVEA's Coconut & Jojoba Oil Body Wash, which is designed to cleanse your skin while still leaving it feeling soft and supple. NIVEA has a variety of shower products to choose from that will not only cleanse your body but also pamper your skin.
2. Gentle exfoliation:
Exfoliating hard skin is a key step in foot care. A pumice stone is a natural, abrasive stone that you can use to gently rub away dead skin cells from hard areas. Soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes to soften the skin, then use a pumice stone in a circular motion, applying gentle pressure. A foot file is another good option. Just like with a pumice stone, go gently so you don't damage healthy skin.
3. Moisturising:
Moisturising plays a big role in both preventing and treating hard skin on your feet. Regular moisturising helps protect the skin barrier, stopping it from becoming very dry and more likely to harden.
Moisturisers enriched with nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, such as NIVEA's Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion, help soften the skin, improve its flexibility and reduce the chances of calluses or cracks forming. It also contains a deep moisture serum, which is great for locking in moisture and keeping your skin smooth.
Summary
- If you leave hard skin untreated, it can lead to discomfort, pain and even complications. Ignoring it may result in painful calluses or corns, making every step a bit of a struggle and potentially leading to infections.
- Looking after hard skin early on is really important, as it can greatly improve your overall comfort and wellbeing. Soft, healthy skin not only feels better physically, it can also boost your confidence and help you stay more active in your day-to-day life.
- A simple 3 step routine – soak, exfoliate and moisturise – can help you both prevent and treat hard skin on your feet.
