Soaking your feet is an expensive way to relax sore muscles, relieve itchy skin, kill odor-causing bacteria, and prevent dryness
Soaking your feet is an expensive way to relax sore muscles, relieve itchy skin, kill odor-causing bacteria, and prevent dryness. Here are 6 effective DIY foot soaks you can make with things you likely have at home, from plain warm water to Epsom salt, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
6 DIY foot soaks
- Warm water soak: Warm water soaks not only provide a relaxing effect but also soften calluses, especially around the heel area, which can be removed by scrubbing later. Pour warm water into a small tub and soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes. This can be followed by scrubbing with a pumice stone. Scrubbing the feet 1-2 times a week can prevent the calluses from becoming painful.
- Epsom salt soak: Epsom salt is effective at exfoliating the dead skin of your feet and is also a great remedy for smelly feet because it pulls moisture out of your skin, thus preventing the growth of bacteria. Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salt in a small tub of warm water. Soak your feet in the solution for 10 minutes. You can follow it up with a pumice stone scrub. However, make sure to not overdo it as it can dry out your skin.
- Lemon juice soak: Lemon juice is antimicrobial and can help clean the skin. Squeeze juice from 1-2 lemons and dilute with warm water. Soak your feet in it for 10-15 minutes, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid using undiluted lemon juice if you have cracks or sores in your feet, as the lemon juice can cause a burning sensation.
- Vinegar soak: The antimicrobial nature of vinegar helps kill the bacteria or fungi that contribute to foot odor. Put equal parts of vinegar and warm water in a small tub. Soak your feet in the vinegar soak for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure you clean your feet with gentle soap after soaking.
- Baking soda soak: Baking soda soak is an effective home remedy to relieve itchy feet. Dissolve 1/4 cup baking soda in a small tub of warm water. You can also add oatmeal to the mixture. Submerge your feet and soak for about 10-5 minutes. Rinse your feet and pat them dry with a clean cloth or towel. You can apply a moisturizer or oil to your feet to prevent your skin from drying out.
- Essential oil soak: Essential oils can help get your blood flowing and relieve tension. You can use 5-20 drops of any essential oils you like, diluting them in warm water and adding other ingredients for exfoliation or moisturization.
What precautions to take when soaking your feet
Although foot soaks are a great way to relax your feet or help you get rid of skin problems, keep in mind the following precautions:
- Perform a patch test because your skin may be sensitive to any ingredient in the foot soak.
- If you have sores or cuts in your skin, consult a doctor before using a foot soak.
- Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil first before putting them in water.
- If you develop skin irritation after using a foot soak, wash your feet under running water. Get medical help if the skin reaction worsens.
- Avoid hot water soaks if you have uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic nerve disease. Since your feet may not sense higher temperatures, and you may suffer burns.
SLIDESHOW
Common Causes of Foot Pain See SlideshowReferences
Image Source: Getty Images
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