What causes the dead skin on the soles of the feet?
The formation of dead or loose skin on the feet is your foot’s natural technique of exfoliating and shedding dead skin cells.
Dead skin can accumulate as a result of a lack of moisture in closed shoes or socks, or from the friction of walking or jogging. It can also develop if you do not care for, exfoliate, or clean your feet on a regular basis.
On the bottom of your foot, dead skin may seem dry, cracked, loose, or dangling. Unless you have an athlete’s foot, eczema, or another form of infection, it is typically not uncomfortable.
If you believe this is the case, get help from a physician. Alternatively, you may choose to remove dead skin for aesthetic reasons or to improve your comfort.
Here are a few methods for exfoliating dead skin.
Attempt these techniques
1. Stone of pumice
A pumice stone is a naturally occurring lava stone that can aid in the removal of dead skin and callouses from the soles of the feet.
How to use:
- In warm water, soak the pumice stone. Additionally, you may soften your feet by soaking them in warm water for ten minutes.
- Gently rub the stone around your foot in a circular or sideways motion to remove dead skin. Concentrate on removing the top layer of skin, rather than the entire region of dead skin, to aid in healthy cell turnover.
- Following that, use lotion or oil to assist in softening your feet.
Never use a pumice stone in places that are damaged or painful.
2. Wax paraffin
Numerous nail salons include paraffin wax in their pedicure treatments.
Paraffin wax is a pliable wax that melts at a temperature of around 125°F (51°C). The wax should not be heated enough to cause a burn or irritation.
Additionally, you may do a paraffin wax treatment at home utilizing an at-home paraffin wax bath or by melting the wax in a saucepan and then pouring it into a basin for dipping your feet.
Several times throughout a paraffin wax treatment, your feet will be dipped in the wax. Wrap your feet in plastic after applying many layers of wax.
After the wax has hardened, it is possible to remove it. Along with the wax, any dead skin on your feet will be removed. Following that, your feet should feel soft.
Use paraffin wax sparingly if:
- You have insufficient blood circulation.
- Your feet have a rash or an open sore.
- you’ve lost sensation in your feet, for example, as a result of diabetic neuropathy
If you use paraffin wax at home, use extreme caution and use a candy thermometer to monitor the wax’s temperature.
3. Scrub your feet
Over-the-counter foot scrubs are available at the majority of pharmacies and pharmacy stores. Choose one with granules to aid in the removal of dead skin.
Alternatively, you may create your own by combining two teaspoons of sea salt with equal parts baby oil and lemon juice.
Apply the foot scrub straight to your foot and gently massage with your hand. Alternatively, use a foot scrub brush or sponge to exfoliate dead skin.
After usage, thoroughly rinse the scrub with warm water.
4. Scrub with oatmeal
You may make an at-home exfoliant out of oats to exfoliate dead skin.
To create the scrub, make a paste by combining equal parts oatmeal and rose water or milk. How to use:
- Allow the scrub to sit on your feet for up to 20 to 30 minutes.
- Exfoliate your feet using a foot brush.
- Rinse your feet with cold water and pat them dry.
- Apply a foot cream on the soles of the feet.
For optimal results, repeat this treatment every other day.
5. Soak in Epsom salts or scrub with Epsom salts
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate crystallized. Magnesium sulfate is a naturally occurring mineral compound.
You can soak your feet in a solution of Epsom salt and water. It can assist in exfoliating and smoothing rough, cracked feet. This, in turn, may assist in the removal of dead skin.
How to use:
- Pour 1/2 cup Epsom salt into a footbath or a full cup into a bathtub filled with warm water to create an Epsom salt soak.
- Allow up to 20 minutes to relax and soak.
- Following that, you may use a pumice stone or foot brush to assist in removing dry skin.
In the shower or bath, combine a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil in your hand or on a bath sponge to produce an Epsom salt scrub for your feet.
Gently exfoliate, soften, and remove dead skin cells over moist skin before washing with water.
6. Soak in vinegar
Vinegar soaks may assist in softening feet and removing dead, dry, or damaged skin.
Almost any sort of vinegar will work. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar are both popular choices that you may already have on hand.
Create the soak with cold water, as hot water may cause the skin to dry out even more. As a general rule, use 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. To begin, soak feet for 5 to 10 minutes.
If desired, use a pumice stone to remove any remaining dry or loose skin following the recommendations above. Before putting on socks, use moisturizer, petroleum jelly, or coconut oil to lock in moisture from the vinegar soak.
Use this treatment only a couple of times a week to avoid aggravating the skin.
7. Peel the baby’s foot
Baby Foot Peel is a popular at-home treatment that takes around an hour to complete. It removes dead skin and smooths your foot.
To use, you’ll cover your feet with the supplied plastic “booties” for up to an hour. They include a fruit acid gel solution and other moisturizers that may aid in the “shedding” of dead skin from your foot.
Adhere to all instructions for usage included on the package:
- After soaking your feet, you’ll use adhesive tape to bind the plastic “booties” to your feet.
- Continue wearing the booties for up to an hour.
- Take off your boots and carefully wash your feet with soap and water.
You must soak your feet every day over the following three to seven days in order for peeling to begin.
While no scientific studies have been conducted to demonstrate the advantages or efficacy of this therapy, it has a sizable internet following of dedicated consumers.
Take care when using
Soak in baking soda
Baking soda is a common at-home therapy for dead skin removal on the foot.
However, some doctors caution that baking soda might irritate the skin, produce redness, and further dry it out. This is because it has the potential to upset the skin’s natural pH balance.
Avoid using baking soda on your feet if you have any skin sensitivities or allergies. Always with your physician or podiatrist before attempting a new therapy.
If you want to use baking soda, only a little quantity (2-3 teaspoons) should be added to a full footbath of warm water for 10-20 minutes.
Following your bath, gently exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone or foot brush in the manner described above. Following that, apply a generous amount of moisturizer.
If you notice any redness or discomfort on your feet while soaking them, remove them immediately from the solution.
Soak in lemon water
Lemon’s acidity may aid in the removal of dead skin cells from your foot.
Using lemon on your feet, on the other hand, may disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, resulting in increased dryness and dead skin.
Avoid lemon if you suffer from any of the following:
on your foot, do you have any wounds or open sores?
possess delicate skin
experience any flushing or irritability
Before using lemon, or if you have any questions or concerns, consult a podiatrist or dermatologist.
If you want to employ this technique:
Prepare a warm footbath.
Squeeze one lemon to add lemon juice. Additionally, you can leave lemon peel pieces in the water.
Allow up to 15 minutes for your feet to soak.
Scrub your feet with a foot brush to remove dead skin.
Completely clean and dry your feet. If desired, use a moisturizer or coconut oil.
Surgical blade or scraper
Allow only a podiatrist or other qualified medical expert to use a razor or scraper to remove a callus or dead skin from your foot.
At home, avoid using razors or scrapers on your foot. This may result in harm to your foot or the introduction of another medical problem.
For instance, if you cut yourself inadvertently, you run the chance of contracting a bacterial infection.
If you’re concerned about dry or dead skin removal, see your doctor about alternative medicine or at-home treatments.
How to avoid dry skin on the soles of the feet
The most effective approach to avoid the formation of dead skin on your feet is to moisturize frequently.
Consult a podiatrist for recommendations on therapeutic oils, ointments, or lotions that will help keep your skin moisturized.
Avoid creams that include alcohol, since they may cause your feet to become even drier. Generally, baby oil or petroleum jelly is safe.
Soak your feet several times a week and gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or foot brush.
Avoid taking hot showers or baths and rinsing with warm water to keep your skin moisturized.