Cold Weather Footcare: Essential Tips for the Elderly This Winter

Colder temperatures and lower humidity during winter months combined with age-related factors mean skin dryness on the feet can become a bigger issue than at other times of year. In our latest blog, we take a look at some of the ways to protect your feet and stay mobile this winter.

Why Does the Risk of Skin Dryness for Seniors Increase During Winter?

During the winter, when the weather is generally much colder, the outdoor air holds less moisture causing a low-humidity environment that pulls moisture from the skin. In response to cooler temperatures, we also tend to use our indoor heating more frequently which dries the air around us even further, accelerating skin dryness.

Older skin tends to produce less sebum as the sebaceous glands in older people become less active. The skin tends to get drier with less sebum to keep it soft and moisturised. In parallel the epidermis which forms the outer layer of the skin becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture.

What can you do to Keep Your Feet Healthy This Winter?

Limit Hot Showers and Baths

To stay warm during the winter, many older adults like to enjoy more frequent hot baths or showers. Unfortunately, bathing too frequently can take away natural oils from the skin leading to increased skin dryness. Therefore we recommend avoiding the temptation of more frequent washing as a means to keep warm.

Finding Appropriate Socks

It may seem simple, but choosing suitable socks can play an important part in helping elderly people maintain good foot health during the winter. Here are some of the things to look out for when choosing a good pair of socks that help to maintain good winter foot health:

·         Choose materials that are both warm and breathable - Merino wool, bamboo fibre and thermal blends designed specifically for cold weather are particularly suitable. Meanwhile avoid 100% cotton socks which can hold moisture and stay damp increasing the risk of fungal foot infections.

·         Choose soft fabrics – Thinner, older skin is more prone to irritation and cracking. Look out for labels such as seamless, cushioned or irritation-free which tend to indicate the socks are made from less abrasive materials.

·         Balance comfort and non-restrictive fit – Socks which are too tight may reduce circulation which is a contributing factor to skin dryness whilst socks which are too loose may result in bunching, friction and blisters.

Whilst it is important to keep feet warm, it’s also important not to let them become too sweaty. Try to keep multiple pairs of socks to hand for the winter months so if they do become damp, they can be changed frequently to prevent chilblains and other skin problems.

Don’t Go Barefoot Indoors

When spending long periods of time indoors during the winter, it can feel comfortable to stay barefoot around the home. However, for senior adults it is recommended to wear socks for several reasons:

·         Cold floors may lower skin temperature – This will slow down circulation to the feet making the skin more prone to dryness and cracking.

·         Increased exposure to low-humidity – Bare skin is more susceptible to cracking and dryness from low-humidity air from indoor heating systems.

·         Higher risk of injury – Bare feet are more at risk of blistering, scratches and other minor surface injuries due to friction from carpets or hitting furniture and other objects.

·         Inspect feet regularly – Cracks, cuts and blisters can sometimes go unnoticed when older people have less sensitivity in their feet. This can lead to bigger problems such as ulceration if they are not treated promptly.

·         Increased risk of fungal and bacterial infections – With no layer between the skin and floor surfaces, there is an increased risk of bacterial or fungal infections getting in to cracked skin. This is particularly true of humid environments such as a bathroom where floors are often home to fungal spores.

Choosing Appropriate Footwear

Good footwear for elderly people in winter should be well-fitting, breathable, and insulated. Soft leather or suede footwear can help to keep feet warm but also allow some airflow to prevent excessive moisture loss. A soft, cushioned interior helps avoid friction that can irritate dry skin, and a moisture-wicking lining helps maintain a healthy skin barrier even in dry indoor conditions.

Stay Well-Hydrated

Even a slight level of dehydration can impact the condition of skin in elderly people so it’s important for seniors to stay well-hydrated in winter to avoid skin dryness. Whilst warming cups of tea and coffee in moderation should have little impact, it’s advisable to drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated drinks during the day too.

Choose a Good-Quality Foot Cream

Using a high-quality emollient for the feet with the right active ingredients can help to keep the feet moisturised and healthy. (See our recent blog choosing an effective foot cream for seniors and diabetics for more information.) [https://www.pedistick.com/post/choosing-effective-foot-creams-for-seniors-and-diabetics-what-ingredients-to-look-for-and-why-they]). When feet are hard to reach, PediStick [https://www.pedistick.com/about] can also help with application of the foot cream itself, helping to maintain independence.