The easy discoloration of feet and ankles can be caused by a number of reasons. The skin on your feet may be more delicate and thin as compared to others. This thin skin also leads to cracked heels that allow dirt to collect in difficult to clean places. You can try any of the following cures or methods to treat stained feet and ankles:
- Everyday when you get back home wash your feet thoroughly with warm water and soap. Use a pumice stone or a scrubbing brush to really get in between the toes and the chapped skin if necessary. This helps remove dead skin cells and leaves you with softer and smoother skin. Take care when rubbing the cracked heels as this can cause more damage and further infections.
- Dry your feet well to prevent fungal infections and then apply a heavy duty moisturizing lotion. There are some branded creams and lotions specially created for dry and cracked feet. Alternatively you can apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or olive oil to your feet to protect them as effectively. Wear a pair of socks or use slippers after washing and moisturizing for the best results. The warmth of the socks also enhances the absorption of the cream into the skin.
- If your cracked heels are giving you trouble, use a heel plaster to prevent them from cracking further.
- Change your footwear if dry skin and stained feet are a constant problem. It may be better to get a professional opinion from a podiatrist about the correct choice of footwear if you suffer from postural imbalance or bunions.
- Soaking your feet in a basin of warm water and Epsom salts can help soothe dry and cracked skin.
- Stained ankles may be a sign of a circulation disorder. If this is not the case, just make sure you extend your cleaning and scrubbing routine to your ankles and legs as well.
answered by G M