Autumn and Winter Foot Care

As the leaves start to turn and temperatures drop, we tend to shift our focus towards wrapping up warm, but how often do we think about the skin on our feet? During the colder months, your feet require just as much attention as they do in summer—perhaps even more. Here’s why:

The Unique Skin of Your Feet

The skin on the soles of your feet is about five times thicker than the skin on other parts of your body. This thickness, combined with the absence of sebaceous (oil) glands and the presence of numerous sweat glands, makes foot care essential. Our feet rely on external moisture since they don’t have the natural oils that other parts of our body do. During autumn and winter, this lack of moisture is compounded by cold weather, heating systems, and wearing enclosed shoes, all of which can cause the skin to dry out.

Hydration is Key

Dry, flaky skin can be more than just uncomfortable—it can be a sign of something deeper, like a fungal infection. It’s easy to mistake fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, for dry skin because they often appear similarly. If you’ve been using a foot cream and haven’t noticed an improvement, you may need to treat the underlying cause first.

In fact, 30-40% of people suffer from fungal infections of the skin on their feet without realising it. If your skin is persistently dry, itchy, or flaky, consider using an over-the-counter antifungal cream containing Terbinafine hydrochloride (such as Lamisil) for 2-3 weeks before transitioning to a regular moisturising routine.

The Right Foot Cream Matters

Once you’ve ruled out infections, selecting the right moisturiser is key. You want to choose products with ingredients that hydrate effectively:

  1. Humectants: These ingredients draw water from the environment into your skin and also pull moisture from deeper layers of the skin to the surface. One of the best humectants in nature is beeswax. In our clinic, we recommend FF cream by ZW Footcare, which contains beeswax and has a rich, luxurious feel. It’s perfect for keeping your feet moisturised during the colder months and smells wonderful too.
  2. Urea: For those dealing with severely dry or cracked heels, a stronger treatment may be necessary. Foot Mender cream, which contains urea, is designed to tackle tough calluses and hardened skin. It’s easy to incorporate into your routine: apply once daily for a week, then reduce to once a week to maintain healthy skin.

Tips for Autumn and Winter Foot Care

  • Moisturise Daily: After showering or bathing, apply a good-quality foot cream while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
  • Wear Breathable Socks: Wool and cotton socks help keep your feet warm without trapping sweat, reducing the risk of fungal infections (we have the wonderful Peper Harrow socks in stock in the clinic all are very high cotton content and feel amazing)
  • Keep Your Feet Dry: Change out of damp socks and shoes as soon as possible to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.
  • Exfoliate Regularly: Sloughing off dead skin ensures that moisturisers can penetrate more effectively.
  • Choose the Right Footwear: Opt for shoes that are roomy and supportive, particularly if you plan on wearing them for extended periods.

Final Thoughts on Autumn and Winter Foot Care

Our feet do a lot for us throughout the day, and as we transition into autumn and winter, it’s essential to take the time to care for them properly. If you’ve been struggling with persistent dry or cracked skin, or if your current foot care routine isn’t giving you the results you expect, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you keep your feet in the best possible condition, no matter the season.

For more information or personalised advice, feel free to drop us a line or book an appointment with us at SO Podiatry