Exfoliating Heels… Soak in Water vs. Dry Thoroughly?

Calluses on the heels are unsightly and inconvenient for daily life.

People usually make their heels smooth by exfoliating, but what is the correct way to get rid of dead skin?

 

The condition where the heels thicken with calluses and crack like a dry rice paddy is called 'heel keratosis'.

It occurs when the skin on the soles of the feet is pressed and irritated every time you walk, or due to a lack of moisture.

 

When intense physical stimulation persists, the human body naturally forms a stratum corneum to protect the skin.

If this is repeated, the stratum corneum builds up thickly, forming calluses and leading to heel keratosis.

If dryness becomes severe, calluses eventually begin to crack, and bacterial infections can occur in the cracks of the heels.

Most people try to solve this by removing dead skin cells.

It is because a dedicated exfoliating buffer is rubbed onto the dead skin area.

It is a somewhat effective method, but there are precautions to take.

Do not use a buffer on heels that have been soaked in water.

Living cells can get entangled with dead cells and fall off.

 

Gently rub a buffer on dry heels to remove dead skin,

Once removal is complete, apply a foot cream containing disinfectant and moisturizing ingredients.

It is also good to rub the peels of citrus fruits like oranges or tangerines, or the leftover pulp from yuzu tea, on your feet.

The AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) component in fruit peels removes the stratum corneum of the skin and also has a moisturizing effect.

 

The key is to keep your heels as moist as possible.

 

I frequently reapply a moisturizing cream.

 

If the feet are excessively dry, wrap the creamed feet in plastic wrap and leave them for about 10 to 20 minutes.

It is also good to occasionally take a foot bath in warm water. The water temperature should be around 38 to 40°C, slightly higher than body temperature.

If you don't have a buffer at home, when your feet have softened in warm water

You can gently rub a scrub to remove dead skin cells.

 

If the keratosis is severe and difficult to manage at home, you should visit a dermatologist.

You can be prescribed medication containing keratolytic agents.

If thickened calluses are pressing on the skin and causing pain, there is also a method to remove them using laser treatment.

 

 

It is also important to follow preventive measures.

To reduce physical irritation to the heels, do not wear high-heeled shoes.

 

Protect your heels by wearing socks, foot covers, etc.

 

After going out, wash your feet thoroughly and apply plenty of foot cream or lotion to nourish your heels.

Foot creams or lotions contain more moisturizing ingredients than regular lotions or creams, and

It contains keratolytic agents.

 

[Source: Health Chosun]