February 15, 2025

Have you ever struggled with dry skin? About 47% of the Indian population struggles with dry, flaky and itchy skin, and this accounts for at least one third of the dermatology patients in the country. While this skin condition can cause discomfort for many, it may also be embarrassing to a whole lot. The intense weather conditions and the deplorable state of the environmental condition in India can give rise to many skin issues, including dry skin. This skin problem can manifest itself in many different forms like atopic dermatitis or eczema, seborrheic dermatitis that causes dandruff etc. Dry skin can affect people’s quality of life and it is important that you recognise the root cause and treat it accordingly. There are many other causes of dry skin that we will explore in this blog so read on! 

 What Causes Dry Skin on Feet?

Dry skin on the feet can be caused due to various factors ranging from lack of moisture, dehydration to ageing and medical conditions. Let us look into each one of these factors in detail. 

 Lack of Moisture: Firstly, dry and cracked skin on the feet occurs due to lack of moisture. This happens when the skin is stripped off of its natural oils. When this natural oil is lost, it leads to lack of moisture which causes dry skin. 

Harsh Weather Conditions: Extreme weather conditions can be harsh on the skin. In India, when the winter winds whip across, it can steal the moisture from the skin. The dry summer heat in the arid regions can also lead to dry skin. 

 Walking Barefoot: Indians have a habit of walking barefoot. While it does provide some benefits like improving blood circulation, walking on harsh and rough grounds can damage the skin’s protective barrier and cause dry, patchy and thick skin, especially on the edges of the heel. 

 Poor Footwear Choices: Some footwear of low quality, or those that are too tight, made of synthetic material can cause damage to the skin of your feet. This kind of footwear can cause dry skin by trapping sweat. Contrary to this, wearing footwear that exposes too much of your feet can leave it unprotected from dust and dirt, and therefore lead to cracked feet. 

 Excessive Use of Hot Water: Extreme hot water usage for your feet can strip the moisture off your feet. Although using hot water on the dry and cracked skin can feel comforting, it destroys the natural oils present in the skin.  

Ageing: As people age, the skin’s ability to produce moisture lessens and the skin becomes more prone to getting drier. Reduced oil production, a slower cell turnover rate, and a weakened skin barrier make older skin more prone to dryness, itching, and flakiness. 

Medical Conditions: Medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and eczema can lead to dry skin by impairing the skin’s ability to retain moisture. In eczema, the skin barrier is weakened and damaged. The circulation can be derailed in a person suffering from diabetes, and in hypothyroidism, the oil production is decreased significantly. Effective use of skincare products is needed to prevent dryness and discomfort in all of these conditions. 

Dehydration: Dehydration or lack of water in the body can affect a person’s overall health, and this includes the skin. The skin appears to look more dull, loses its elasticity and becomes more prone to irritation, dryness and even cracked feet. 

Other Risk Factors for Dry Skin

The following are the other dry risk factors that can lead to damaged and itchy skin: 

 Age: As we age, our skin tends to produce less oil and hold onto moisture less effectively, which causes dry skin, and increased sensitivity.

Environmental Conditions: Cold weather, low humidity, excessive heat, and pollution can all deplete moisture from the skin, causing it to become dry and flaky.

 Bathing Habits: The next dry skin risk factors include taking frequent hot showers, long baths, and scrubbing too hard. This can harm the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in moisture loss.

Use of Harsh Soaps and Detergents: Strong soaps, alcohol-based sanitizers, and harsh cleaning products can remove natural oils from the skin which causes dry skin and irritation.

 Medical Conditions: Other dry skin risk factors include certain health issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism, eczema, and psoriasis that can impact the skin’s ability to retain moisture, making it more susceptible to dryness.

Medications: Some medications, including diuretics, retinoids, and specific acne treatments, can lead to dehydration and excessive dryness of the skin as side effects

 Occupational Exposure: Jobs that require frequent hand washing, prolonged contact with chemicals, or working in extreme temperatures can contribute to dry, cracked skin.

 Preventive Measures

Dry skin can be a bummer. But here are some ways you can make sure your skin remains healthy and hydrated! 

 Moisturize Regularly: Apply a good moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day to lock in hydration. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.

 Use Gentle Cleansers: Harsh soaps can strip natural oils from your skin. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers that maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

Limit Bathing Time and Use Warm Water: Long, hot showers cause dry skin and lead to moisture loss. Keep showers short and use lukewarm water to prevent excessive moisture loss.

 Protect Your Skin: Wear gloves in cold weather, use sunscreen daily, and cover up when exposed to harsh environmental conditions to prevent moisture depletion.

 Conclusion

Dry skin, particularly on the feet, is a common problem that can be caused by various dry skin risk factors, such as environmental conditions, aging, medical conditions, and daily habits. While it can be uncomfortable and at times embarrassing, understanding its causes is the first step toward effective prevention and treatment. By maintaining a proper skincare routine, staying hydrated, and making mindful lifestyle choices, you can keep your skin healthy and moisturized. Whether it’s through regular moisturizing, using gentle cleansers, or protecting your skin from harsh conditions, small changes can lead to significant improvements.