Dry and Cracked Skin

Dry skin can become cracked and cause itching, especially in the lower extremities of the legs, and allow germs to enter. However, besides talking to your doctor or health care professional about ways to protect your skin and feet, there are several things you can do yourself.

1. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm (not hot) water. Do not soak them, as soaking removes the natural oils, which can lead to dryness and cracking. Use DERMOSOAP - low-allergy, pure vegetable oil soap, containing no color or perfume and developed for individuals with extremely sensitive skin. It has no color, lanolin or fragrance and still is completely moisturizing for your skin, so use it regularly to keep your skin soft and moisturized.
   

2. Dry your feet carefully, especially between toes and around the nails, then choose and apply one of the recommended products below to help moisturize and smooth dry, peeling and flaky skin. (IMPORTANT: Do NOT put lotion between your toes because the extra moisture can encourage fungus to grow.)
   
   You may use 100% PURE SHEA BUTTER, which has many natural skin benefits including natural sun protection (not to be used in place of needed sunscreen in some individuals). Rub it all over the body and hair to protect the skin and hair against rough elements (In Europe, shea butter is often used to replace cocoa butter, which is quite costly).
   
   If you prefer, rub MERINO LANOLIN SKIN CREAM to the tops and bottoms of your feet. This product contains a well define balance of natural Lanolin extracts blended with glycerin to provide a rich, nourishing yet non-greasy and penetrating skin cream that softens, moisturizes and smoothes dry, peeling and flaky skin.
   

3. Avoid very hot baths and showers. If your skin is dry, moisturizing products, such as 100% PURE SHEA BUTTER or MERINO LANOLIN OIL WITH VITAMIN E - a light, smooth and non-greasy oil that penetrates and nourishes the most delicate dry skin can help. You may even add MERINO LANOLIN OIL WITH VITAMIN E to the bath to help prevent dry skin, use where extra oil is needed to condition your hair and scalp or gently remove eye make-up.
   (IMPORTANT: Avoid putting directly into the eye).
   

4. Avoid scratching dry or itchy skin since this can break the skin and open it up allowing infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather. Use mild shampoos and unscented soaps (DERMOSOAP) along with 100% PURE SHEA BUTTER or MERINO LANOLIN SKIN CREAM.

5. It is important to take good care of your skin and especially your feet.

• Check your feet every day for sores and cuts.

• Wear broad, flat shoes that fit your size well.

• Check your shoes for extraneous objects before putting them on.

• Make sure your doctor or podiatrist checks your feet for loss of feeling and proper blood circulation every year.

• Use 100% PURE SHEA BUTTER or MERINO DELICATE SKIN OIL WITH VITAMIN E - an excellent oil to use for existing cracks in the feet and a great way to help them heal faster.

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Fingertips

Alcohol and Lotion

Repeated use of alcohol can thicken the skin, therefore, whenever conditions permit wash your hands with soap and warm water instead of using alcohol, and dry them thoroughly before pricking your finger. Warm water stimulates the flow of blood to the fingers but you may also hang your arm down at your side for several seconds. Another method is to squeeze your finger below the joint close to the tip before pricking your finger.

Regular use of a lotions such as 100% PURE SHEA BUTTER or MERINO DELICATE SKIN OIL WITH VITAMIN E following your blood glucose test will help soften and soothe your fingertips. However, be sure to wash the lotion off your fingertips before your next test. Lotion on your hands many interfere with the accuracy of your reading.

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