Leaves are not the only dry things you'll find this season! The seasons of summer and winter are the harshest time for feet! You may have noticed that your feet become exceptionally dry in the summer due to too much sun while in the winter they become chapped and cracked due to the cold. In both instances, the lack of moisture in your skin lead to the unsightly and uncomfortable conditions of excessive dryness. 

Your feet are accustomed to staying moist and supple; there are over 250,000 sweat glands between your two feet! In one day, your feet may produce up to a pint of sweat! 

The medical term for rough, dry skin on your feet (or in any other bodily area) is xerosis and it may not just arise due to seasonal conditions. Xerosis may also occur if you wash your body and feet too often or may occur due to malnourishment. Basically, xerosis comes about when the natural oils in the outer layer of your skin become depleted. These oils function to retain water, and in the absence of oil your skin loses water or dehydrates. 

Xerosis affects anyone and everyone regardless of gender, race or age; however incidence rises with increased age. In some cases, other medical conditions may cause xerosis: diabets, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, or Down syndrome. Xerosis is dry skin and may be accompanied by other signs such as scaling skin, cracking, and red/pink patches due to inflammation. Itching may or may not be associated with xerosis. 

If you find that you are experiencing these symptoms, there are several care guidelines that you can follow to diminish the discomfort:

• Take short lukewarm showers just once a day to prevent dehydration 
• After bathing, make sure to dry your skin by patting with a towel rather than rubbing 
• While skin is still moist, apply a oil-based moisturizer (Oil-based moisturizers function to keep your skin hydrated better by preventing water escape from your skin and they work better than water-based moisturizers in that respect). 
• Use a humidifier in seasons where you notice dry skin occurring (A humidifier will put water into the air and reduce the rate of your skin drying out).
• Drink plenty of water!

If you find that your condition of xerosis is still bothersome, make an appointment with by calling Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. at (352) 513-4867! Dr. Nisha Krishnan can help find the right treatment for you! 

The immense variety of nail lacquers and polishes make it hard to choose the perfect product! Whether you want to strengthen brittle nails, lengthen short nails, or just add a little color to your fingers and toes – there is a vast arsenal of products in an infinite palate of hues to satisfy every fancy. However, do not be fooled by the seemingly innocent contents of that small, brightly colored bottle. Did you know that the chemicals in nail polish are potentially hazardous for your health?

The dangers of nail polish are directly correlated with the chemicals used in their manufacture. Most nail polishes are chock-full of a variety of harmful substances. The major toxic compounds that you need to watch out for are toluene and dibutyl phthalate.

Toluene is a clear fluid that is a component of many products: gasoline, paints, shoe polish, and even explosives! This compound allows t the nail polish to stay in its liquid form in the bottle and is responsible for the rapid drying of the nail polish when on your nails.  Toluene is bad for your health because it affects your nervous system causing nausea, headaches, and depression. In addition, toluene induces kidney and liver damage as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. It has even been implicated in the development of cancer!

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a chemical that is used as a binder to improve the endurance of nail polish when applied to your nails. This is the substance that allows plastic ware its flexible properties.  Women of child-bearing age are being asked to avoid DBP because it has been linked to cancer in laboratory rats and the disruption of hormone levels in humans. In addition, this compound may play a role in childhood asthma, lasting fertility problems in newborn boys, and liver toxicity.

Besides toluene and DBP, compounds such as ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and glycol ethers are potential toxins found in nail polish as well!  Why are these chemicals so bad?

Ethyl alcohol – irritant of mucous membranes and suppresses the activity of the central nervous system.

Formaldehyde – neurotoxin that has produced cancer in certain laboratory rats

Glycol ethers – substance that has been associated with birth defects in animals, lower sperm counts in human males whose mothers were exposed to low levels, and higher than normal rates of miscarriage with increased exposure

Take the time to find a product that is DBP and toluene-free! There’s no point in taking an unnecessary risk just to keep those toes colorful!

If you're using nail polish to hide unsightly nails, come into Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. to see how we can work together to solve the issue. Call the office today at (352) 513-4867 to book your appointment! Want to know more about a particular topic or have a suggestion for a blog idea, post your comments right here! 

Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition where the affected person has the uncontrollable urge to keep their body in motion in order to prevent unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations. Body movement relieves the RLS-affected individual’s symptoms.

What are some causes of Restless Legs Syndrome?
There are several associated factors/conditions that may lead to this neurological disorder.

• A family history of RLS has been noticed, suggesting that this syndrome has a genetic component. 
  
• Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia or other vitamin deficiencies may be at risk of developing RLS.
  
• Individuals with unremitting diseases such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s have a connection with RLS (RLS symptoms may diminish by treating the underlying disease) 
• In some instances, child-bearing women may feel symptoms of RLS. The abnormal neurological sensations usually occur in the last trimester. In most cases, RLS symptoms fade away around1 month after delivery. 
• Medications such as anti-nausea drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, anti-seizure drugs, anti-depressant drugs and allergy/cold drugs (Benadryl) may increase RLS symptoms! 
• Caffeine (found in coffee, teas, soft drinks, and chocolate), alcohol and tobacco may contribute to the increased intensity of symptoms of RLS. 
• A recent publication in the journal, Neurology, has shown there is an association between belly fat and Restless Legs Syndrome. This new study found that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater were 42% likely to have symptoms of this neurological disorder than persons with normal BMI (23). 
  

Unfortunately, a majority of RLS cases have no known cause.

How is this disorder treated?
RLS may be caused by several different factors. As such, several different treatment methods are employed to handle the syndrome.

• Iron, magnesium, and folate supplements 
• Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco 
• Normalizing sleep patterns (may be achieved by moderate exercise or hot showers) 
• Hot baths or leg massages
• Change in medications (talk to your doctor) 

These remedies may play a role in reducing RLS symptoms and bring about relief, but do not expect them to completely eliminate the abnormal sensations.

If you feel unpleasant tingling, creeping, “pins-and-needles” or tugging sensations on or in your body, especially in the leg area – you should consult your local podiatrist. When discussing your condition, be sure to inform them of all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you may be taking as well as your smoking and drinking habits. They will prescribe the right treatment/medications to help reduce and may be eliminate Restless Legs Syndrome! Come to Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. for an evaluation. Dr. Nisha Krishnan can help diagnose and treat your problem, call (352) 513-4867 today for an appointment!