The desire of all of us is to have pretty smooth feet. Dry, cracked feet are unsightly and can even be painful. But did you know that baking soda is beneficial for the skin of the feet?
Explications!
Causes of dry and cracked heels
Dry, cracked heels are usually caused by cold, extremely hot baths and showers, insufficient hydration of the feet, the use of soaps that dry the skin or diabetes. Severely cracked feet can be very painful and should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a staple used for many purposes. Adding baking soda to a bath helps detoxify the body, relieve itching, irritation and infection.
It is a very effective and inexpensive substance. That's why we have for you a simple and easy to do at home to have smooth and smooth feet, without having to go to a beauty salon or make expensive pedicures, and this thanks to baking soda !
How to clean your feet with baking soda?
To apply this remedy for your feet, you will need 4 to 5 liters of hot water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
In hot water, dissolve the baking soda and soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes. Rub your feet gently after that with a pumice stone. Then you can moisturize them by putting on a nutritious cream. Then put on cotton socks and wear them for at least two hours.
After the first use, you will notice the difference in appearance of your feet.
Do this treatment every other day for 5-7 days. Then take a break of 7 days and repeat the procedure. Make a total of 3 treatments.
The desired effect of silky and smooth feet will be achieved after 3 treatments.
Benefits of baking soda for the feet
Baking soda is a mixture of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. It dissolves completely in water and is commonly added to oral hygiene and cleansing products as it can help eliminate bacteria, odor and acidity. These properties can also be useful for the skin, it eliminates dead skin, bad odors and prevent the appearance and multiplication of fungi in the nails.
Fungal infections
According to a study published in the scientific journal Mycopathologia, baking soda is a useful antifungal agent against many fungi that commonly infect skin and nails.
People with onychomycosis, which causes thick or discolored nails, can be relieved by regularly dipping their hands or feet in a bath of baking soda.
However, if you suffer from a fungal infection you should ask your doctor if the baking soda bath can help you relieve your symptoms.
Eczema
Eczema is characterized by the appearance of dry skin patches, irritating and inflamed on the body. These symptoms cause the sufferer to scratch and injure the skin, leaving the skin exposed to infections and worsening symptoms.
Baking soda helps to prevent eczema outbreaks and reduce symptoms in sick people. Adding ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda to a warm bath helps soothe irritated skin.
The skin should be well dried and immediately hydrated after bathing.
Psoriasis
Like eczema, baths of baking soda can be beneficial for people with psoriasis. People who suffer from psoriasis usually use oatmeal baths to reduce inflammation. By adding half a cup of baking soda to an oatmeal bath you can reduce irritation and itching.
A person with psoriasis should hydrate their skin immediately after drying it with a towel, as warm water can dry out the skin.
Caution
Baths of baking soda are generally safe. However, this product can be absorbed through the skin and some groups of people should avoid it, such as those that:
- have high blood pressure
- have serious infections or open wounds
- are subject to fainting
- have diabetes
- pregnant or lactating women
- are allergic to baking soda
- consume drugs or alcohol
Some people may have a bad reaction to baking soda. It is therefore recommended to test the effects on a small area of skin at least 24 hours before taking a bath of baking soda.
