Anyone’s feet can develop dead skin, which not only looks bad but is also unhygienic and can lead to infections if left untreated for an extended period of time. What can you do, then, to permanently get rid of it?
To help you have soft, smooth feet all summer long, this health blog will discuss the causes of dead skin on the feet, 12 home remedies for removing it, and how to prevent it.
Table of Contents
What Does Dead Skin on Feet Look Like?
Dead skin typically appears as dry, flaky, and cracked skin on the feet, if you’re curious about that. Your feet might feel uncomfortable and itchy in addition to being painful.
Dead skin on your feet may be more likely to develop if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that lower blood flow.
People who frequently walk barefoot or in improperly fitting shoes or socks are also more likely to have dead skin on their feet. There are several ways to remove dead skin from your feet if you have it.
You can experiment with over-the-counter medications, homemade cures, or medical interventions.
Causes of Dead Skin on Feet
Your foot naturally exfoliates and sheds dead skin cells by forming dead or loose skin on the soles of your feet.
If your feet are always in closed shoes or socks, a lack of moisture may develop on them, as well as friction from walking or running. It might also develop if your feet aren’t regularly groomed, scrubbed, or exfoliated.
Your foot’s bottom may have dead skin that is dry, cracked, hanging, or loose. Unless it’s caused by athlete’s foot, eczema, or another type of infection, it’s typically not painful.
Consult a physician for treatment if you think that may be the case. In the absence of that, you might want to get rid of the dead skin for cosmetic reasons or just because it’s more comfortable.
In a word, For example:
- Your skin may develop dead skin if you wear shoes that rub against it.
- Dead skin buildup can also occur if you don’t moisturize or exfoliate your feet.
- Dead skin can also develop on the feet as a result of specific medical conditions.
12 Effective Home Remedies for Dead Skin on Feet
Here are 10 super effective home remedies for how to get dead skin off feet for you:
Scrub With Baking Soda
One of the most useful and affordable household items you can keep on hand is baking soda. It works amazingly well to remove dead skin, and you can use it for baking in addition to baking.
You can simply scrub your feet in the shower by making a paste out of baking soda and water. You’ll be astounded by how soft and silky they feel afterwards!
Use Lemon Juice
Another naturally occurring acidic substance that can assist in removing dead skin from your feet is lemon juice. Simply combine equal parts water and lemon juice, then soak your feet for about 15 minutes. Additionally, you can scrub your feet with a cloth dipped in the lemon juice concoction.
Try Dry Brushing
Exfoliating your skin and removing dead skin cells with a dry brush is a great method. Scrub your feet in gentle circular motions using a dry brush or loofah. Working up to your ankles, begin at your toes. Make sure to apply light pressure to avoid damaging your skin.
Soak in Apple Cider Vinegar
An additional effective natural cure for removing dead skin is apple cider vinegar. Simply add one or two cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath, and then soak your feet for about 15 minutes.
Dead skin will be easier to remove thanks to the vinegar’s acidity. If you don’t feel like taking a bath, you can also scrub your feet with a cloth dipped in apple cider vinegar.
Oatmeal Scrub
To remove dead skin cells at home, make an oatmeal exfoliator.
Oatmeal and milk or rosewater should be combined in equal amounts to make a paste to use as the scrub. To use:
- Apply the scrub to your feet and leave on for up to 20 to 30 minutes.
- To exfoliate your feet, use a foot brush.
- Rinse your feet in cold water, then allow them to air dry.
- Apply a foot cream.
For best results, administer this therapy twice per day.
Use Petroleum Jelly
Try applying petroleum jelly to your feet for a more thorough moisturizing treatment. Before going to bed, just liberally apply petroleum jelly to your feet and cover them with socks. You’ll have soft, smooth feet in the morning if you wear the socks over night!
Try An Exfoliating Peel Pad
Another excellent choice for removing dead skin are exfoliating peel pads. You’ll be surprised at how much dead skin comes off when you simply use one pad to scrub your feet in the shower.
Try Tea Tree Oil
A natural antiseptic, tea tree oil can assist in removing dead skin from your feet. To scrub your feet in the shower, simply combine equal parts tea tree oil and water.
The water will help to rinse away the dead skin while the tea tree oil will help to kill any bacteria or fungus that may be the cause of it.
Use Epsom Salt
Another excellent choice for exfoliating the skin on your feet is Epsom salt. You only need to add a cup or two of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak your feet for about 15 minutes.
Dead skin cells will be made loose and easier to remove with the aid of the salt. If you don’t want to take a full bath, you can also scrub your feet with a cloth dipped in Epsom salt water.
Use Listerine Mouthwash
Unusual but successful treatment for removing dead skin from your feet is Listerine mouthwash! Just spend about 15 minutes soaking your feet in a bowl of Listerine.
Dead skin will be made easier to remove with the aid of the mouthwash. If you don’t want to soak your feet, scrub your feet with a cloth dipped in Listerine.
Make a Sugar Scrub
With good reason, sugar scrubs are one of the most widely used techniques for removing dead skin. They’re easy to make and they really work!
To scrub your feet in the shower, simply combine equal parts sugar and oil (coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil work well). Your skin will be scrubbed and moisturized by the sugar and softened by the oil.
Epsom Salt Soak Or Scrub
Magnesium sulfate exists as a crystal in epsom salt. Magnesium sulfate is a mineral substance.
Epsom salt that has been dissolved in water can be used to soak your feet. Exfoliating and smoothing dry, cracked feet may benefit from it. In turn, this might assist in removing dead skin.
To use:
- Pour 1/2 cup of salt into a footbath or a full cup into a warm bathtub to make an Epsom salt soak.
- For up to 20 minutes, unwind while soaking.
- After, you can help remove dry skin by using a pumice stone or foot brush.
In the shower or bath, combine a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil to make an Epsom salt scrub for your feet.
Before rinsing off with water, gently massage exfoliating product over damp skin to soften and remove dead skin cells.
Prevent Tips
Here are some tips to prevent dead skin from forming on your feet:
- Clean: Each day, wash your feet with soap and water. Remove any existing dead skin by using a pumice stone or foot scrubber.
- Moisturize: Once your feet have been washed, moisturize them. This will help keep the skin moisturized and stop the development of dead skin.
- Don’t Wear Tight Shoes and Socks: Fitted shoes and socks are recommended. Uncomfortable socks and shoes can rub against the skin and irritate it, which can result in the formation of dead skin.
- Treat Medical Condition: Attend to any medical issues that could be resulting in dry or cracked skin on your feet. Dryness and cracking can be brought on by diseases like athlete’s foot, psoriasis, and diabetes. Taking care of these conditions will aid in preventing the development of dead skin.
You can keep dead skin from growing on your feet by heeding these recommendations. Taking good care of your feet is essential for aesthetic reasons as well as for avoiding pain and infection.
Consult a dermatologist or podiatrist if you have any worries about the health of your feet.
Conclusion
Usually, dead skin is nothing to be concerned about. Often, you can get rid of it at home. If you have excessive amounts of calluses, cracked skin, wounds, rashes, or dead skin that doesn’t heal on its own or with home remedies, always consult a podiatrist or medical professional.
