The average person will walk 121,000 kilometers before the age of 50, which puts a lot of pressure on the feet. Feet are one of the hardest working parts of the human body, so we should take good care of them. There are many ways to take care of your feet, including removing dead skin and calluses from the soles of your feet. Be aware, however, that using razors or other very sharp tools to remove dead skin or calluses can be very dangerous. So, when removing dead and dry skin from your feet, use a pumice stone and a foot file instead of a razor blade.

Take Care of Your Feet at Home

Soak your feet in lemon juice. Soaking your feet in lemon juice for about 10 minutes can effectively remove excess dead skin and dry skin on your feet. The acid in lemon juice can make dead and dry skin peel off more easily. After soaking for 10 minutes, use a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead and dry skin.

• Foot scrapers or razors are sold in many pharmacies and department stores, but doctors don’t recommend their use. Many countries and regions have laws prohibiting the use of such tools in spa services. The reason is that they can scratch or cut the foot, which can easily lead to infection, especially in a spa environment.

Make your foot cream for cracked heels. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a small bottle with a lid. Add a few more drops of lemon or lavender oil. Cap the bottle tightly and shake the bottle until the liquid inside becomes thick and milky white. Apply the formulated liquid to your feet, especially your heels, to moisturize your skin. You can store the bottle for future use, but remember to shake it before each use.

Oil your feet before going to bed. Start by taking a bath or shower and clean your feet, or just wash your feet without taking a bath. Use a towel to dry your feet, including between your toes. Apply a layer of vegetable oil to your feet, then put on a pair of thick socks and keep them on while you sleep. In just a few days, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your dry feet.

• Oil may leave stains on fabrics such as socks, so you should choose a pair of socks that you don’t mind getting stained by oil. Wearing socks will also help prevent your sheets from getting stained by oil.

Make your sleeping foot mask. Add 15ml of petroleum jelly or similar product and the juice of one lemon to a bowl and stir to combine. You can take a bath or shower, or you can wash your feet separately to get them clean. Dry your feet thoroughly with a towel. Apply the entire mixture to both feet and put on a pair of thick wool socks. After putting them on in the morning, take off your socks and wipe off any excess dead skin on your feet.

• Wearing woolen socks in this case will prevent the mixture from soaking through and staining the sheets. Pick a pair of socks that you don’t mind getting the oily mixture on them.

Try using paraffin wax to moisturize your feet. First, place the paraffin in a large bowl and heat it in the microwave or double boiler to melt the paraffin. Add an equal amount of mustard oil to the melted paraffin. Before dipping a foot into the paraffin mixture in the bowl, check the temperature to make sure the wax is just right to the touch without burning your skin. Remove the foot from the bowl, let the wax dry, and then dip the other foot. Wrap your feet in plastic wrap or place them in a plastic bag. Repeat the same steps for the other foot. Wait about 15 minutes, then peel off the plastic wrap or plastic bag and peel off the paraffin.

• Mustard oil helps strengthen and moisturize the skin on your feet.

Do Your Own Foot Care

First, you need to buy a footbath that is large enough and deep enough so that both feet can fit comfortably in it and that the water can cover your feet. Put a few drops of mild detergent into the foot basin, then fill it halfway with warm water. You can also try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water, which can both relax you and add a little aromatherapy effect. Sit in a comfortable chair and let your feet soak in the water for 10 minutes.

• Use 120ml of Epsom salt instead of detergent. Epsom salt is actually a mineral composed of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium and sulfate both have great health benefits and are quickly absorbed through the skin. Therefore, if your body needs a boost of magnesium and sulfates, an Epsom salt soak is a great way to do it. Both minerals have the effects of increasing serotonin synthesis, increasing energy, reducing inflammation, eliminating foot odor, and improving blood circulation.
• Use 60ml of white vinegar instead of detergent. Vinegar has more benefits than many people realize, and many of them extend beyond cooking. Soaking your feet in a vinegar mixture can help eliminate foot odor and reduce the chance of contracting fungal foot diseases such as athlete’s foot. In addition, vinegar is acidic and helps soften the skin. After soaking in vinegar, dead skin and dry skin will fall off more easily.

Remove dead skin and calluses. Use a pumice stone or foot file to scrub away dead skin and calluses from the soles of your feet. Your feet may need to be bent back so that you can lean over and reach your heels. Also, don’t forget to check your toes for calluses and dead skin.

• Remember to wet your pumice stone before using it.
• Pumice stones, foot files, and emery boards are great tools for removing dead or dry skin from your feet after a foot soak. Although foot scrapers or razors are sold in many pharmacies and department stores, doctors don’t recommend their use. This is because it is easy to scratch or cut your own feet with a foot scraper blade, which can lead to infection.

Care for cuticles and toenails. Use a wooden manicure stick to polish the cuticle of each toenail slightly closer to the root. Then use large nail clippers or specialized toenail clippers to trim each toenail. If you decide to keep your toenails longer, make sure they don’t extend beyond the edge of the toe. Additionally, the entire edge of each toenail should be trimmed evenly. Do not allow the edges of your clipped toenails to bend inward or downward. Otherwise, the toenails will grow into the flesh and cause unbearable pain. After trimming your toenails, use a nail file or emery board to smooth the edges of your toenails.

Moisturizes feet and ankles. Massage your feet, including your toes and toenails, with a good moisturizer. You may also consider using a rolling pin or foot massager to further massage your feet before or after applying moisturizer. Feel free to apply an appropriate amount of moisturizer to your feet when doing this step, but if the cream is not fully absorbed by the skin, be careful about slipping while walking.

If you want to apply toenail polish on your toenails, use a small amount of nail polish remover to remove excess moisturizer from your toenails. Then apply a clear base coat to each toenail and wait for it to dry before applying a second and more coats. Apply 1-2 coats of colored toenail polish and wait for each layer to set before applying the next layer. Finally, apply a clear coat of polish to each toenail. After all the polish is applied, wait as long as possible for the polish to dry before putting on shoes and socks. It’s best to walk barefoot or wear open-toed sandals until you make sure your toenail polish is dry.

• There are two types of toenail polish: acetone-containing and acetone-free. Those containing acetone are better at removing toenail polish, but they are also more irritating to your skin and nails. If your toenails tend to dry out and/or you wash off your toenail polish frequently, you may want to use an acetone-free version. Acetone-free toenail polish is gentler on the skin and nails, but it may be more “laborious” to clean off.

Take Care of Your Feet

Choose the right shoes. One of the best things you can do for your feet is to buy yourself the right shoes to wear. Ill-fitting shoes can cause friction and pressure, causing calluses, corns, and dryness on your feet. To buy the right shoes, you can do the following things:

• Measure the size of your feet. One of your feet may be larger than the other. The shoe you buy should be based on the larger of your two feet.
• Your feet are the biggest at the end of the day. So try on your shoes later in the day to ensure they don’t become tight as your feet swell.
• Don’t rely on the manufacturer’s yardage. Please judge based on the actual feeling of wearing shoes on your feet.
• Look for shoes that are the same size as your feet. Oddly shaped shoes may cause you some trouble.
• Don’t expect the shoes to get longer after a while.
• Make sure the ball of your foot is comfortably wrapped around the widest part of the shoe. Also, the shoes should have enough depth to allow your toes to feel comfortable.
• Check to see if there is 1 to 1/2 inches of space between the end of your big toe and the shoe. You can stand up and make a rough comparison using the width of your finger.

Keep your feet dry. When wearing shoes, try to wear only soft cotton socks, especially when doing physical activities. After exercising that causes your feet to sweat a lot, dry your shoes thoroughly. Don’t wear the same pair of socks two days in a row. If your socks become wet or sweaty, change them as soon as possible. Wash your feet every day, including between your toes, to prevent diseases such as athlete’s foot. Dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks. Taking these precautions can help avoid foot odor and prevent skin problems like rashes and eczema.

• It is best to wear flip-flops or other types of sandals in public areas such as swimming pools or public showers.

Making sure you apply plenty of moisturizer to your feet every day is the best way to prevent dry, cracked feet. Moisturizing your feet is especially important during the cold, dry winter months. Be careful not to walk around barefoot on tile or wood floors after applying moisturizer. You may find it most convenient and safest to get into the habit of applying moisturizer before bed.

• Take the time to moisturize your feet and give yourself a foot massage. Massaging this area not only feels very comfortable but can also promote blood circulation.
• Avoid bathing or bathing in very hot water, as this can dry out your skin faster.
• Use a moisturizer specifically designed for feet, as other types of products may contain alcohol, which can dry the skin faster.

Interestingly, the cause of most foot problems is not walking but shoes. Corns are calluses that develop on your toes when your toes rub against the inside of your shoes. The main cause of this friction is the wrong size of shoes or socks. High heels can also cause corns on the feet because the shape puts extra pressure on the toes and forefoot, which in turn causes the toes to hit the inside of the shoe more often. You can prevent and treat corns at home, but if they become more severe, it’s time to see your doctor.

• Soak your feet regularly in warm water and use a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin and calluses from your toes and feet.
• Wear “eyelet pads” to cushion your toes inside your shoes. But it is best not to use “corn foot pads” containing drugs.
• Get a pair of shoes that fit well and have enough room for your toes. If possible, wear less high heels.

This is really what doctors recommend, so put your feet up when you can. That being said, if you find yourself sitting for a long time, take a moment to stand up and walk around. If you have a habit of crossing your legs when sitting, remember to change your feet occasionally. All of these methods help promote blood circulation in the legs and feet.

Tips

• People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet. If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions for foot care.