I keep a back brush that I purchased for a dollar at the dollar store in my shower, and use it to clean my heels and toes. A light scrubbing with it exfoliates and keeps calluses from forming. It's much easier than bending over to clean my feet.
When out of the shower, I drop a dollop of foot cream or skin lotion on the tops of my feet and use the heel on one foot to spread the cream around the other foot. Rub your feet together, and again, you have not had to bend over. I have thrown my back out before by not using this method!
By Ginny from Murrells Inlet, SC
This page contains the following solutions.
I found if you have chipped toenails, scratchy corns or rough heels that socks tend to stick to them when pulling it on your foot. One day, I decided to turn my sock inside out and wear it.
To soften my feet I use white distilled vinegar. I fill a bucket with just enough hot water to cover my feet and one cup of vinegar microwaved for one minute.
By the end of the day my feet usually let me know they've had enough! Recently after seeing a spa offer foot soaks with various ingredients while you sip tea (for $50 or more!) I realized I could treat myself to a foot spa even though I'm frugal.
I have had planter facetious for years. It comes, I limp, it goes. Until 2019 when it was so bad I suffered every single step, for months. I found some relief with an insole specifically made for this malady, but it was not a permanent solution.
When looking for shoes, an expensive pair of shoes will often last longer than a cheaper pair. Plus the better shoes will be better for your feet, especially if you're on your feet a lot.
I quit buying the nail and foot brush to use in the shower. I started using my old denture brush. I get a new one every few months.
I recently discovered that a soft bristled toothbrush is a big help in getting between toes and behind ankles when in shower or bath.
Soak and massage your feet in a glorious foot bath to relieve tired muscles and soften hard, dry skin.Place enough marbles into the tub to just cover the bottom.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have very thick skinned feet (callused) and I have tried pumice stones, foot scrubs, lotions, you name it, I have tried it but I can't get soft feet. My feet are also very dry and scaly. Does anyone know what athlete's foot is and does this sound like it and if so what do I use to get rid of it?
I saw a commercial recently that did say that some really dry, flaky and callused feet is actually a form of athlete's foot. If you don't want to go to a Dr about it, then I'd suggest going to a pharmacy....could even be at the Wal-Mart and tell them your symptoms and see what the pharmacist suggests using. I know there are over the counter products.
My heels get dry and somewhat callused in Summer when I go barefoot and wear the open back slides all season. I have heard that this is not good but I do anyway and then I just try to put some good lotion on my heels as much as possible.
Good luck!
I like to sand my feet, while they're dry. You can get a paddle with sandpaper on it in the foot care section of the store. I usually do it sitting on the front steps so the "dust" stays outside; but you could do it over newspaper indoors, as well.
I have found it to be much more effective than pumice.
If you bathe or shower in the evening, after you do so, put a heavy lotion on your feet while they're still damp, then put thick socks on. You can buy special foot creams, if you like. (Alternatively, you could soak them briefly, then lotion up before bed.)
I have also seen the ads about the athlete's foot. I am a bit skeptical; BUT see no harm in trying one of the over-the-counter products for a while!
Of course, if you are diabetic, or have other circulation issues, you really ought to ask a doctor or podiatrist.
The ONLY way I FINALLY got my heels, and edges
of feet soft was: (Plan on 1 hour without interruptions
and have CLEAN washable slippers to wear when complete. I do this while watching TV at night, once a week. ) :
In small plactic tub of extra warm water (about 2 gallons) and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn Ultra dish liquid for THIRTY minutes!
Towel dry. Manicure your toenails. Resoak in VERY warm Dawn water. Add 1 qt. boiling water if needed.
(no matter how gross...do this next thing!) While wet, remove damp feet and use your FINGERNAILS(UNLESS YOU HAVE APPLIED OR TIPPED NAILS) and LITERALLY scratch and scrape every single scale off your feet. It takes a few minutes to do this but is WELL WORTH IT!!
Towel dry, then BLOW dry.
Rub Pantene Hair Conditioner onto ALL the surfaces
of your feet. LET DRY/absorb about 15 min.
Use cocoa butter, with SHEA butter if you can find it, from the Dollar Store. I found a STICK form. Rub all over the dryer places on the skin. Keep rubbing until
it seems to be absorbed, too.
Likely causes for the original dryness which I had to fess up to and address:
OxyClean residue on the carpets after steaming.
Bath water too hot too often.
Soap WAY too strong, try better quality that lasts longer and is gentler.
Shoes, especially slippers are flat DIRTY inside.? I spent a hour just CLEANING THEM ALL, which then encouraged me to KEEP them clean. Came from daily gardening and not vacuuming weekly!
Going barefoot EVER/ANYWHERE, wearing no socks, hose.
Forgetting to wash my feet when bathing in a hurry.
OVERwashing my feet with soap when bathing.
Not enough Vit. E and healthy oils in my diet.
This works for me, but must be kept up regularly. Hope is helps someone else, too. Don't give up.
I don't have toenail trouble, so I don't need Lamasil or internal medicine. I needed more self-discipline and to ask more often for God's help. I am a giver more than an asker. I often forget about myself when I get busy helping others.
God bless you.
This happened to me years ago, and here is the solution. Buy some exta strength Moisture Therapy hand cream in the tube by Avon. Rub it into your feet morning and evening and sleep with cotton socks on. Very soon you will have nice smooth feet.
A lady in California shared this with me about 10 years ago. It works.""
My daughter had this problem and she tried the athletes foot spray (walmart brand). Works really well.
My mother taught me the easy and cheap (and safe) way to keep feet soft. Baking soda in some warm water. Sit down, put your feet in the water and relax. I don't have todo it very oftern any more. Those plastic pans that you take home from hospitals are just abou the right size for 2 feet.LOL
Nothing worked for me until I got a calus shaver from bed bath and beyond. I think the brand is Tweezerman. This is a small tool that the nail shops use when you get a pedicure. It comes with replaceable razor blades. At first I was scared to use it, but now, six months of weekly use later, and I've never had a problem. It's the only thing that has worked for me. It literally shaves off the top layers of skin.
I like to go barefoot most of the time. I have the same problem with my feet. I bought a small dremel and I use it on low once a month and it works great! It's fast but be careful not to burn your feet. I've done this for years. Good luck!
I have your problem, too. Here's what I use.
I get my scraper from Cherishop.com. It takes off dead skin, not living skin. I am diabetic, so I like to be safe.
This is used as needed to get to pink, healthy skin.
Every bedtime, rub in high-density cream (it won't fall out when you turn it upside down). If you use an alpha hydroxy or retinol body cream, even better.
If you think you have fungus problems, put Vick's VapoRub over your toes and nails. This may not be romantic, but your lover will never get a cold. hahahahaha
Calluses may mean years of poorly fitted shoes, usually not wide enough. Try shopping at Zappos.com, and make sure your shoes fit.
---> Take either SUGAR or SALT and add just enough cooking oil (any kind) to make a very thick paste then put on rubber gloves and scrub your feet this works MUCH better after a Shower or Bath.
Follow with a lotion or cream with exfoliating fruit or milk acids (Like Kiss My Face Peaches & Cream avail, at Health Food Stores or Trader Joes)
---> One more thing that works. Buy "SCALPICIN" (not the one with cortisone, you want the one that's salicylic acid)
Use a small paint brush to apply the liquid (NOT your hands, as it will make your skin peal) and apply to your rough spots.
The Salicylic acid makes the skin peal much faster than usual. Scalpicin also works on Warts, IF you use it twice a day until your wart is gone.
Longs drugs has their brand for much less, but my Walmart has only the Scalpicin made with cortisone, not the Salicylic Acid.
---> SCALPICIN is made for people that have really bad dandruff and other scalp conditions, so look in the Shampoo isle.
I am the worst as I love to go barefoot growing up
by the beach in So.California
Anyway all week I had been bothered with the very rough skin and dry feeling so today i had a pedicure
at a salon that uses hygenic procedures so you don't
get infections and it was worth every penny (20.00)
I feel like I got a new set of feet.
I probably do this 4 times a year and it is my one
treat that I stick to.
Try a cream called "Udderly Smooth" (can be found at Wal-Mart but you may have to ask where it is located as it is not always with the lotions). It's made to treat cows udders, but very creamy, smoothing and will work wonders for those dry callused areas. The heels of my feet are the worst, and I just rub this in at night before going to bed, makes them feel great, and will take a few days before you'll notice the softer and smoother difference. But it works exceptionally well.
Another product I have used is Phillips Corona Ointment, an antiseptic dressing and lubricant for horses, cows, and pets, which is good, but a bit more greasy to use, but has more medicinial products included to help with cuts, minor wounds, etc. Very good for a lot of things. Used this a lot when growing up on a dairy farm. Not sure if this can be found at Wal-Mart as I have always gotten this at out local feed store outlet, but some pharmacies do carry it.
You'll find a lot of farm animal products are also good for us humans.
Hope this info will be of help to you and others.
THIS WORKS GREAT THE DOCS HAVE ME DO IT FOR THE BAD FEET I HAVE . I HAVE ALMOST NO CIRCULATION AND THE FEET ARE DRY AND NASTY WITH LOTS OF DEAD SKIN AND VERY SORE IF NOT DONE WEEKLY . WARM WATER, DROP OF DISH SOAP AND WHITE VINEGAR ABOUT ONE CUP VINEGAR SOAK EACH FOOT FOR ABOUT S HALF HOUR U WONT BELIEVE THE DEAD SKIN U GET FLOATING AFTER EACH FOOT CHANGE THE WATER MAKE NEW BATCH FOR THE OTHER FOOT WHEN U GET THE FOOT DONE PAT NICE AND DRY RUB TOWEL ON IT GOOD ALL THE DEAD SKIN FALLS OFF ALSO HE HAS ME SOAK MY FEET IN WATER ONCE A WEEK WITH CRISCO OIL TO MAKE MOISTURE OR IF U DONT SOAK IT THEN USE WHITE SOCKS ONLY AND RUB HARD CRISCO INTO FEET LIKE LOTION WHERE SOCKS TO BED AND THEY WILL BE SOFTER IN THE MORNING JUST WASH THE CRISCO OFF BUT WASH THE SOCKS AFTER USING THEM EACH TIME IT WORKS FANTASTIC HOPE YOU TRY THIS IF SO LET ME KNOW HOW IT WORKS FOR YA I AM ON THE YAHOO MESSENGER UNDER needy_reynolds remember thats yahoo my feet are finally looking and feeling fantastic it also helps with my foot pains soaking them this way the tired feel feels much better GOOD LUCK BUT TRY IT YOU WILL NOTICE A BIG DIFFERENCE AND LET ME KNOW
I have the same trouble with calluses during the summer. I buy avons silicon glove lotion and put it heavily on my feet then put on cotton socks. I sleep like this. The skin softens up enough to be taken off with a pumice stone. I have had athletes foot. It is a fungus caused by too much moisture. Your feet would be itchy, red, with skin pealing off, but not dry. Do you have the flaking on both feet and perhaps one hand. My mother has a condition that her doctor treats. He said it is always both feet and one hand or both hands and one foot. A doctor can help. Hope to have been helpful.
I have the WORST feet! Does anyone have suggestions on keeping then callous free, soft and smooth? I sure would appreciate it. I have decided I don't want to wear polish. I am looking for a totally natural look.
I use to have calluses real bad too til I went to the doctor for it cause mine got very painful. He suggested to me and I do this every time I take a bath. Soak your feet and then rub them with a pumice stone, works wonders. I also have foot lotion I put on them before going to bed and they are callus free and feel so good now. I too quit wearing colored polish but I do put clear on and it looks natural and pretty. I also quit going barefoot outside, which the doctor says wil break down the arches over time. Hope this helps ya!
www.aloetherapy.com sells a foot creme called Feet Treet that is the best stuff I have ever seen. My doughter is a Nurse and working 12 hour shifts. Her feet were so dry and callased and her heels would crack and bleed. Big difference after first use. Whole leaf Aloe Vera is the first ingreadent in the cream. Try it and you will love it. jmouse
I use a plumice stone in the bath but when the feet are dry there is a soft one almost like the soft nail files that comes in a block. I use it to sand the feet and heels. I use Berts Beas (you get at health food stores and places like that) for the feet and wear cotton footies to bed. Oh so nice and soft... For toenails fungus we us vicks vapor rub and cover at night with footies. Makes the ole tooties feel so good to pamper them.
I have a pal, who swears by the product called Kerasal. You can find it any grocery or drug store. Hope this helps.
I have been using the Mary Kay Timewise facial bar and a rough wash cloth/loofah. You'll want to get your feet wet, like towards the end of your shower and then remove them from the stream to wash (the bar will melt quickly). Just rub the bar across your foot and scrub with the loofah. I can't believe how soft my feet are!
Treat yourself to a pedicure at Walmart. It is not very expensive about $20.00 and you don't have to have nail polish.
Try this about once a month or more often if you can afford it. This will really get you off on the right foot (no pun intended) and make you feel pampered too.
1. Use pumice or a foot file and file off as much of the callous as possible. There are electric ones that may be helpful if the chore is too great.
Remember to file in one direction only, no up and down moves! Up and down will mess up the surface of the skin and make it prone to crack later on.
2. At night, rub on some Kerasal Exfoliating Moisturizer into the calloused areas before bed.
3. Every day when you shower, use a foot file. That way there isn't too much buildup to take care of at one time.
4. If the situation is this built up, you need daily, not weekly attention to the problem.
I belong to FlyLady's website. She talks about having diabetes & bad feet & swears that once she started wearing shoes most of the time, the condition of her feet improved dramatically. No running around all day barefoot on goddness knows what & bumping, bruising, you get the picture... Said the callouses, etc. disappeared or at least got much better. So, after or in addition to the other suggestions, maybe you want to give shoes a try, unless you do that already. Just a thought.
Also have totally "crappy" feet and have tried many products. Best so far is Miracle Foot Repair- Miracle of Aloe, purchased at Walgreen's in Florida. Website on tube - ontelproducts.com. probably could locate a local store for you.
I had a doctor who told me to use Abolene on my feet every night, and cover with socks. You won't believe the difference!
What can I use to clean my toenails? They are dark/dull around the cuticle area. How can I make them look white and pretty again. I was once told to soak them in Clorox for about 20 minutes a day. Can anyone confirm this? I don't think it is fungus because I do not get pedicures or wear toe nail polish.
You don't have to have pedicures or paint your toenails to get a fungus, sometimes it just happens. But usually it's a thickening of the nail and a yellowish color. I personally wouldn't soak in Clorox, that stuff is a little strong. Think of how your hands feel, slimy and slick, even after a few drops get on them, it's caustic.
I would try straight lemon juice, that helps with whitening of the nails or peroxide? Do some internet research. But I would make sure with a doctor before I start anything, you don't want to mess with something that isn't what it seems.
Good luck!
I think you should see your Dr about it to be sure. Even call his nurse and describe your toenails. Bleach would not be the answer and would be way too strong for your skin let alone your toenails. Hydrogen Peroxide is safe; however I do not know if it will brighten the dark areas.
yep, somewhere I remember reading about using lemon juice also. Vinegar may also be a possibility.
Can you tell me what lotions I can use for diabetic feet that will soften my feet and make them feel normal again or creams that can be use also?
By M J
How do I soften toenails that are hard and brittle?
By Joellen from Bloomington, IL
How can I put medication on my feet when I can't bend to reach my feet?
My friend told me she keeps her feet soft and callous free by rubbing them lightly with a kitchen sponge before she gets out of the shower. She advised a cheap kitchen sponge can do the same as a foot file or pumice stone. Would you agree?
By Onesummer
