Foot skin dryness or xerosis is associated with the alteration of the hydrolipidic film that normally protects skin from the surrounding environment. A variety of physiological and external factors can lead to this condition, acting in combination or separately: aging, hormonal changes, the use of aggressive detergents, the intake of certain drugs (e.g. chemotherapeutical ones) and prolonged exposure to the sun.
Mostly the problem is paid attention after diagnosis of other diseases, but it is important to assess specific xerosis symptoms and the degree of severity early, to identify and counteract any disorders related or facilitated by the altered epidermal balance.
When dryness is linked to biological factors that cannot be controlled directly, such as old age, good practices include the use of topical formulations that can normalize the state of feet and legs hydration.
Precisely to promote the maintenance and restoration of the hydrolipidic barrier, Epitech Group has developed PODIDRAL® line, consisting of two formulations for mild to severe forms of foot skin dryness.
Symptoms and evolution of skin dryness
Skin disorders are a rather widespread phenomenon: the largest and most exposed organ of our body is affected by a range of stresses, which compromise primarily the superficial layer (corneal layer) covered by the hydrolipidic film.
In particular, foot skin dryness is due to a loss of surface lipids (mainly sphingolipids and ceramides), which ensure the proper cohesion of skin cells (keratinocytes) and thus adequate skin transpiration. However, when the barrier is disrupted, there is water loss through evaporation and the progressive drying of the skin, which appears taut and rough.
If dryness is left untreated, symptoms like cracking, flaking and in severe cases fissures and intense itching may occur.
In these conditions the skin is also less elastic, more sensitive and easily exposed to various types of damage, which can cause the development of dermatitis or fungal skin infections.
Moisturizing agents and natural lipids to counteract dry skin
Effective protection of foot hydrolipidic film involves the topical application of moisturizing, restructuring and emollient agents.
The PODIDRAL® FAS LATTE and PODIDRAL® FAS CREMA formulations contain molecules naturally present in the skin surface layer, such as ceramides, urea and glycerin, useful therefore in restoring softness and elasticity.
In addition to these, hyaluronic acid plumps and moisturizes skin in depth, biotin and traumatic acid promote the physiological convergence of keratinocytes and thus the restoration of protective skin barrier.
In particular, PODIDRAL® FAS LATTE has a lighter texture and it’s indicated in cases of mild dryness. PODIDRAL® FAS CREAM, on the other hand, is applicable in case of severe dryness associated with fissures and healed ulcers, thanks to the restructuring properties of the epidermal tissues.
