Are you constantly irritated by your ankles being super dry and flaky, no matter how much moisturizer you apply to them? Then don’t be.
Cause dry skin on the ankle is quite a common issue with everybody. Dead or loose skin can build up in a lack of moisture in that area. Constant use of the same closed socks or shoes, friction caused by walking or running, standing for too long, or wearing ill-fitting shoes, soap, medication, aging, heat, humidity, etc., can cause dry skin on your ankle. So, we need to learn how to get rid of your dry skin on ankle. It may also occur due to medical conditions, such as athlete’s foot, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.
Whatever the reason, it’s necessary to address the reason behind it and find a proper solution.
7 Useful Tips To Dry Skin on Ankle
Dry, flaky, and cracked skin is more prevalent in our heels and soles as these areas have fewer oil glands than other body parts. Dead cells on our skin surface naturally shed and are replaced by new ones. Dead skin cells can accumulate and form thick, scaly patches on the feet if they are not removed. Dry patches can thicken or crack over time, especially on the heels. Thick calluses can make walking uncomfortable or difficult, while cracked heels open the feet to infection.
This widespread but easy-to-cure problem has some fantastic remedies suggested by a podiatrist are down below:
- Exfoliate With a Scrub to Remove Dry Skin on the Ankle:
Exfoliation can do magic. Exfoliation involves a physical or chemical exfoliant to remove the skin’s outermost layer of dead cells. Sugar scrubs help soften hard or broken skin and eliminate dry skin. You may create a simple sugar scrub by combining brown or white sugar, a tiny bit of olive oil, and an oil extract. You can also mix essential oils to make the combination even more fragrant and make your feet tender.
You can also make your scrub by diluting two tablespoons of sea salt or Epsom salt with an equal amount of lemon juice or baby oil.
Most drug stores and pharmacies sell different chemical food scrubs to heal your dry, flaky skin. They contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid that remove dead skin cells on your skin’s surface.
- Using a Pumice Stone or Foot File to Remove Dry Skin on Your Ankle:
A natural lava stone called a pumice stone can help you eliminate calluses and dead skin from your foot.
To perform this foot filing process, you can follow the following steps:
- To soften the dead skin on your feet, soak them in warm water.
- Wet the foot file or pumice stone with warm water.
- Use a foot file or a pumice stone to gently exfoliate calluses or dead skin.
- Use moderate back-and-forth motions when using a foot file and circular motions using a pumice stone.
- Rinse the feet to remove the dead skin.
- Whenever required, repeat step three.
- Use a fresh towel to pat the feet dry.
- Apply cream, lotion, or oil to the feet to moisturize them.
Be careful. If you have any sores or open wounds on your feet, then do not exfoliate.
- Soak Your Feet Once a Week to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Your Ankle:
Soaking your feet will help soften and hydrate your dead skin cells and remove them quickly. Avoid Epsom salt while soaking your feet, as it can dry out your feet more. Instead of salt, mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar into warm water and let your feet soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this feet bathing process every two weeks and experience the change on your own.
- Wear Socks That Can Keep Your Feet Moisturized:
A person can try to wear moisturizing gel-lined socks for additional moisture or make one on their own. Natural oils and vitamins included in gel-lined stockings help to moisturize and restore dry skin on the foot. The person needs to put on a pair and walk around the house in them or while sleeping for a few hours.
People can get the same benefit just by applying moisturizer and wearing a good pair of cotton socks.
- Wear Shoes That Are Comfortable and Don’t Restrict or Rub Your Feet:
Choose flat, well-fitting footwear with solid arch support. It can transform the form of your toes by wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes. Moreover, they can itch your feet, causing blisters and skin cracks. Always wear shoes that fit correctly and are comfortable, especially if you spend the entire day on your feet.
- Apply Moisturizer Regularly:
Frequent foot moisturizing will assist in reducing already dry skin and prevent new dry skin development. After using a pumice stone or an exfoliator, moisturizing the feet will help the skin retain moisture.
While these components can exacerbate dry skin, it is better to avoid lotions, creams, and moisturizers that contain alcohol, additional scents, and artificial colors.
- Use Foot Peel Masks to Get Baby Skin on Your Ankle or Heel Area:
The most popular online trend right now is foot peel masks. You can discard these bootie-shaped sheet masks after one hour. Dead skin may peel off in big patches after a week or longer, exposing the baby-soft skin underneath.
These are the few remedies that are well-known for their successful outcomes. But if these tips do not work, you should immediately visit your dermatologist. In case you are a patient with diabetes, you should go to your doctor before trying these remedies.
And prevention is always better than cure. So, you should use any moisturizer daily that suits you, not stand in one position for long hours or wear any ill-fitting shoes.
This article will guide you to enjoy your baby-skin feet daily! Be happy and stay with us for more tips and tricks for your well-being.
