Dry, Cracked Or Calloused Feet - Simple Treatments to Heal Or Prevent This Painful Condition

It is definitely possible to have soft, smooth and healthy feet. It just takes a little attention, the right tools and proper cream. This article provides information on how to soften your weary feet and at the same time, relieve a little stress.

Get comfortable and get scrubbing

\"dry Face\"

If your feet are calloused, the first thing you need to do is get rid of the hard surface. This can easily be done with a pumice stone. The goal is to be comfortable while in the process so that you have control over the stone and you can see what you are doing. A good hand held pumice stone will do the trick but if you prefer, instead of using one that you hold in your hand, get one that is attached to a long handle or brush.

Once the calloused skin is removed, you can prevent it from reforming by periodically using a salt scrub. Historians have written that the Dead Sea was the location of one of the world's first health resorts. Why - because of the abundant source of clays and salts. Dead Sea mineral salts are a great way to gently exfoliate rough, dry and flaky skin. Look for a product that blends the salt with organic castile soap and antibacterial organic essential oils for extra care.

Exfoliate and Moisturize in one step

If you are a skin care aficionado you are probably familiar with the exfoliating properties of Glycolic Acid but did you know that it is also great for moisturizing dry feet? Glycolic acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is commonly used as a natural acne remedy. AHAs are mild acids that gently remove the dull outer layer of the skin. Certain Alpha Hydroxy Acids are made from citrus fruits, apples and grapes. Glycolic Acid in particular is made from sugar cane.

A foot cream made with Glycolic Acid works by going under the cracked upper layers of the heal or toes and dissolving the "glue" that holds the dead skin together. Look for cream or balms that contain tea tree oil (for its antibacterial properties) as well other essential oils that will help to keep your feet smelling shower fresh all day.

Keep the feet and toes dry

It is important to prevent the cracking from happening in the first place. The best and simplest way is to use a good foot powder made from absorbent baking soda. Look for one that has a pleasant deodorizing aroma. Sprinkle a little into your shoes each morning and at the day's end, and your dry and happy feet will say "thanks!".

Put it all together and get ready to relax

Your foot care regimen is not complete without a good herbal soak. Gather everything you will need before you begin: One large bath towel and one hand towel. If it's your at home pedicure day, please gather necessary instruments (nail polish remover, pumice stone, Dead Sea salt scrub, cotton balls/pads, cuticle stick, nail file, nail clippers, toe separators, Cuticle Butter, and nail polish) and remove your nail polish before beginning.

Fold the large towel in half and place it on the floor. Put a low (at least 8 inches tall) wide basin on top of the folded towel. Fill the basin with approximately 3 to 4 inches of very warm water. Add a generous scoopful of the herbal soak to the water and stir gently. Soak your feet for at least 15 minutes and then lightly dry them with the smaller towel (If you will not be giving yourself a pedicure, rinse your feet in the bath tub, dry well and apply either a softening AHA or tea trea balm, followed by the cuticle butter.) Use a good foot pumice stone to exfoliate any hardened calloused skin and then scrub your feet with a small handful of the Dead Sea salt foot scrub. Dip your feet in the water again to remove all exfoliated skin and then pat them dry. Gently push your cuticles back with cuticle stick, trim toe nails and file your nails. Rinse your feet well in the bath tub with fresh, warm water, pat dry and apply a generous layer of the foot balm and proceed with your pedicure. Be sure to pass nail polish remover over each toe nail after you have applied your foot balm, so that your nail polish adheres properly.

I hope you found this article useful.

Dry, Cracked Or Calloused Feet - Simple Treatments to Heal Or Prevent This Painful Condition

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Grovers Disease Can Be Treated With Various Protocols Depending On The Severity Of The Condition

Grovers disease is a fairly common ailment, primarily occurring in men over 50. While it is generally not serious, it can make those affected seriously uncomfortable. If you are one of the many people who suffer from the symptoms of Grovers disease, there is no need to live with the discomfort. You can get relief fairly easily with a range of topical medications. The first step, as with any illness, is to consult with your doctor and get a definitive diagnosis.

A skin irritation of unknown cause, Grovers generally causes a series of small, round, red growths on the mid-chest and back. Occasionally, the growths will also occur on the thighs and arms. While the growths are not dangerous, they can be extremely itchy. While Grovers disease treatments do exist, there is no known cure. It will usually run its course in six to twelve months, but it can reoccur, sometimes seasonally.

\"skin Irritation\"

Once your doctor has definitively diagnosed Grovers disease, you can begin treatment with any of several methods. Minor cases can usually be treated with a topical corticosteroid or cortisone cream. These medicines will both reduce inflammation and ease itching, however they shouldn't be applied too liberally as excess moisture can exacerbate symptoms. If these methods don't work, your doctor can prescribe accutane or tetracycline pills. Taken over a course of one to three months, these pills will attack the rash from the inside out, causing it to dry out and fade.

If lesser treatment options are not successful, or for more serious cases, your doctor may decide to use UVB phototherapy. While it can be effective in some cases, phototherapy is one of the more rarely used Grovers disease treatments. As many Grovers patients also suffer from extreme sun exposure, phototherapy can cause further damage. For this reason, most doctors will use this particular treatment sparingly.

Other treatments for Grovers disease include antifungal pills and cortisone shots. While the cause of Grovers is not known, most illness resulting in a rash are fungal in origin, thus the use of antifungal pills can help to clear the rash and ease itching. Cortisone is a strong anti-itch medication which is usually effective when applied topically, but in severe cases it may be necessary to introduce cortisone directly into the bloodstream to fight itching and irritation.

One of the most important Grovers disease treatments is to keep the skin dry and avoid any activity which may cause you to sweat. Sweating usually further irritates affected skin and could result in complications such as developing dermatitis. While sweating is known to exacerbate Grovers, it is also more common for patients to experience outbreaks in the winter, rather than the warmer summer months. The reason for this is not known, but it could have to do with sensitivity to temperature extremes of any kind.

As with any illness, the most important step in treating Grovers disease is to see your doctor. Rashes can be caused by many different ailments and it is extremely important that you know exactly what you are dealing with before you try to treat any rash. Once your doctor has diagnosed Grovers, you can begin a course of treatment and you will be better equipped to recognize the symptoms and avoid any complications in the future.

Though it can be frustrating and uncomfortable, Grovers disease does not have to stop you from leading a full, enjoyable life. See your doctor at the first sign of itching or rash and find out which treatments will work best for you. Before you know it, you'll be looking and feeling better and living every day of your life itch free!

Grovers Disease Can Be Treated With Various Protocols Depending On The Severity Of The Condition

Scott LeRoy has been researching and analyzing dermatological applications and treatments for many years. He is a regular contributor to Skin Diseases, a section of Skin Site dedicated to conventional and alternative treatments of various conditions.