Removing rough skin on feet
The K+31 clinic in Moscow is one of the leading places for the treatment of hyperkeratosis. Experienced specialists offer modern diagnostic methods that quickly identify the cause of foot hyperkeratosis. Based on the examination, doctors draw up a treatment plan and give recommendations for home care.
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Causes of foot hyperkeratosis
The disease can develop against the background of exposure to external and internal factors. External factors include improper gait, prolonged wearing of tight or uncomfortable shoes, which can put pressure on the skin of the feet. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can also cause the skin to thicken as a protective response. Some professions that require standing for long periods of time contribute to the development of hyperkeratosis of the foot.
Internal factors in the development of the disease include:
- Psoriasis.
- Ichthyosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Ringworm.
- Lack of vitamins and minerals.
The disease often occurs due to hormonal imbalances, hereditary dermatological diseases, and diseases of the digestive system.
All manifestations of hyperkeratosis can be classified according to the specific type of disease:
- Follicular - characterized by the presence of small pimples caused by blocked hair follicles. This type of hyperkeratosis is rarely seen on the feet.
- Warty - most often seen on the soles as small white or yellowish formations of thickened skin.
- Lenticular - the main symptom is a lot of orange or red papules with a compacted surface.
- Diffuse - affects both the feet and other parts of the body, causing dryness, peeling and cracks in the skin.
Some forms, such as lenticular hyperkeratosis, are most common in older people, while others can appear at any age. In children, the most common are follicular and warty types. It is important to note that the disease can be periodic and disappear on its own after adolescence.
As for specific hyperkeratosis of the feet in children, the most common causes are usually incorrectly selected shoes and various microtraumas. Provoking factors also include a lack of vitamins A and C, metabolic disorders, as well as exposure to cold and hard water.
Methods for diagnosing the disease
Usually, when hyperkeratosis is detected, it is important to determine the disease that caused the appearance of thickened, keratinized areas of skin. A dermatologist actively helps with this, conducting not only an external examination, but also an interview with the patient, examining possible signs of skin problems. The skills and experience of a specialist allow him to recognize the disease based on external manifestations.
In some cases, an accurate diagnosis may require additional research - differential diagnosis. It is used when the symptoms of hyperkeratosis are similar to those of other skin diseases, which also include dryness and flaking of the skin.
If the diagnosis process is difficult, doctors may resort to a biopsy of the affected area of skin, followed by histological analysis of the tissue sample taken.
Treatment of hyperkeratosis of the skin of the feet at home
For many people with hyperkeratosis of the feet, home care can be an effective first step to relieving symptoms.
One of the most common methods is the regular use of pumice or special foot files. They help remove the top layer of rough skin and stimulate skin renewal. It is important to use these tools correctly to avoid damaging the skin.
Regular application of moisturizer or lotion will also help soften the skin and prevent further roughening. It is necessary to choose products specifically designed for the treatment of hyperkeratosis of the foot. They contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, betamethasone dipropionate, urea, which help break down and remove excess keratin.
Home care can be effective for mild to moderate foot hyperkeratosis. If the condition worsens or there is no improvement after several weeks of self-treatment, you should consult a doctor.
Treatment of hyperkeratosis of the skin of the feet in the podiatrist's office
Foot care specialists can offer more intensive and targeted treatments for hyperkeratosis of the foot. Podologists usually perform professional pedicures, which include treating and removing rough skin. They may also offer a peeling procedure to exfoliate the rough layer.
Treatment of hyperkeratosis in the clinic takes place in several stages:
Softening thickened skin using baths.
As the name suggests, this stage involves the use of water. Various aromatic substances and salts dissolve in water. In modern cosmetology, chemical preparations demonstrate the best effectiveness. They are available in the form of solutions, ointments or gels. After the baths, the drug should be applied to clean and dry skin.
Elimination of thickened skin.
Often, disposable instruments are used for this purpose - a scalpel and special blades. During the procedure, the rough layer of skin, separated from young soft tissue, is completely removed. This process requires skill and is therefore carried out only by qualified specialists.
Polishing.
Remains of thickened epidermis are removed using a regular file or specialized polishing devices with ceramic attachments
More intensive treatments include procedures such as hardware therapy. It helps improve the appearance and texture of the foot skin by removing excess keratin.
If foot hyperkeratosis becomes particularly painful, medication may be required. Medications are most often used in combination with other treatments to achieve the best results.
For foot hyperkeratosis, topical creams or ointments are usually prescribed. For proper use, products should be applied to clean and dry skin twice a day. Preparations to combat hyperkeratosis may contain various beneficial components, such as avocado and shea butter extracts, castor oil, urea, aloe and beeswax.
Doctors may also prescribe systemic medications, such as retinoids. They affect the growth and development of skin cells and regulate the production of keratin.
Hardware treatment is considered a modern and effective method for eliminating hyperkeratosis of the foot. It may include procedures such as microdermabrasion or laser therapy.
Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which a specialist uses small crystals to exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin. This manipulation improves its texture and appearance.
Laser therapy involves using a laser to specifically remove rough skin on the heels. It minimizes trauma to surrounding healthy tissue and restores the aesthetic appearance of the feet.
Hardware dry and combined pedicures do an excellent job of treating the problem of cracked feet. Cosmetologists recommend not using intensive wetting to soften the skin, since water-filled skin makes it difficult to work with deep tears. Cracks usually disappear after 3-7 sessions.
At home, you can speed up the healing of cracks by treating them with wax at night. In their absence, it is useful to use Vaseline. It is recommended to regularly moisturize your feet with nourishing creams throughout the day. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, you need to cover the cracks smeared with cream with polyethylene and put on a cotton sock.
- Antiseptic treatment The feet are thoroughly cleaned and washed, then disinfected and the rough areas are treated with agents to soften them.
- Use of keratolytics with enzymes and urea The keratolytic is applied to the dried skin of the foot using a cotton pad or napkin.
- Coating the treated area After applying the product, wrap the surface with a napkin, leaving the drug for the specified time, usually from 3 to 15 minutes.
- Hardware processing using suitable attachments Using a diamond cutter, the master forms a truncated cone in the direction of the crack, which helps open it and remove dry edges.
- Application of healing compounds After removing dust, urea or wax based products are applied to speed up regeneration.
Effective prevention of foot hyperkeratosis
Daily home foot care plays an important role in the prevention of foot hyperkeratosis. It includes regularly moisturizing the skin of the feet, using pumice stones or special files to help prevent the accumulation of excess keratin.
The correct choice of shoes is also one of the key rules for disease prevention. Avoid wearing tight and heavy shoes, heels and sandals. Instead, choose models that fit perfectly and provide adequate support for your feet.
Regular visits to the podiatrist and professional foot care will prevent the development of foot hyperkeratosis and provide you with comfort and confidence in the health of your feet.
The specialists of our clinic “K+31” are always happy to help in caring for the health of your feet. We offer a fast online booking service. To make an appointment with a doctor, call. Indicate to the administrator your last name, first name, patronymic and contact phone number, after which he will book you in at a convenient time. If you need additional procedures during an appointment with a doctor, please inform the call center operator so that he can adjust the appointment time.
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About the disease
Hyperkeratosis is a disease in which the upper layer of skin thickens and there is a violation of the processes of exfoliation of dead cells. The pathological process is caused by the accumulation of keratinocytes as a result of deterioration in the production of proteolytic enzymes responsible for the processes of destruction of protein bonds between cells of the stratum corneum.
The disease often causes pain and discomfort, especially when walking, running and other physical impacts on the feet. If left untreated, the disease can lead to the formation of cracks in the skin, which increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infection.
Keratinization of the epidermis can cause not only physical discomfort, but also reduce self-confidence due to an aesthetic defect. Modern medicine and cosmetology offer effective solutions to combat this disease.