Feet Care

Legs (feet) are very important for a person to go here and there. So, you have to take some special care towards your feet and help them to do their job effectively without any pain or discomfort. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an age-old remedy that widely used for treating many foot problems.

The most common form of using vinegar for treating foot problems is soaking. So, here we are presenting you a detailed explanation of apple cider vinegar for feet and its soaking benefits below. Have a look at how to use apple cider vinegar to treat various foot problems.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Athlete’s Foot:

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection called ringworm on the foot. It mostly affects the skin on the feet and if not treated on time then it will spread to toenails and hands. It causes foot itching, burning, scaling and painful rashes, especially in between the toes.

Apple cider vinegar has antifungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that fight against the fungus causing Athlete’s foot. It balances the pH levels of the skin to relieve you from itching and burning sensation. It also has an anti-inflammatory property that treats the pain and irritation caused on the feet.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 5 cups of apple cider vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water in a large bowl.
• Stir it and soak your feet in this water mix for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• After that, take out the feet and dry it thoroughly.
• Do the same soak for twice daily until you get complete relief from athlete’s foot.

Note:

• Or mix ACV and warm water in 1:1 mixture and soak your feet in the detox bath for about 10 – 15 minutes daily for up to 10 days to get relief from athlete’s foot.
• Or simply apply undiluted apple cider vinegar on the affected areas several times a day. If you feel stinging sensations then dilute it with some water and apply it with a cotton ball.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Toe Nail Fungus:

Feet fungus grows commonly in dark, warm and moist environments that affect your toenails and fingernails. If it is not treated properly then it leads to severe pain, discoloration, and crumbling of toenail edges.

Apple cider vinegar fights against this fungal infection with its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It also dries out the feet to prevent the spread of infection along with balancing the pH of the skin.

Steps to be followed…

• Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water.
• Soak your toes in this mix for about 30 minutes.
• After that, dry the feet and massage your toes with oil (prepared by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil in any carrier oil) for a few minutes.
• Leave it to dry naturally and continue doing it for 3 – 4 times daily.
• For quick results, do alternate foot baths using warm and cold water.

Note:

• Or mix 1/3 cup each of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt in 2 cups of hot water. Soak your toes for about 30 minutes.
• Or simply dab undiluted apple cider vinegar on the affected toenails and leave it to get dry.
• Soak the toes in a solution prepared with 1 part of ACV and 2 parts of water for about 15 minutes. rinse with water and dry the feet with a soft, clean towel.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dry or Cracked Feet:

Dry or cracked feet occurs due to standing for long hours, cold weather, wearing improper footwear, certain health problems, being overweight, etc. which makes the feet skin to lose moisture and leaves open cuts that bleed.

Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid that helps to soften the skin and thus makes exfoliation easier to remove the dead skin cells from the feet. The vinegar soak will remove dry and cracked skin on the feet very effectively.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in a basin filled with lukewarm water.
• Stir it and soak your feet in this water for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• After that, take out and scrub it gently using a pumice stone or a delicate brush to get rid of dead skin and dryness.
• Then rinse your feet with water and dry it thoroughly.
• Now apply some natural moisturizers like coconut oil or Shea butter or olive oil.
• Repeat the same process for 4 times a week to get rid of dry feet or if your case is serious, then use it daily.

Note: This process is used to give relief from the tired and sore feet and thus makes you move without aching.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore or Fatigue Feet:

Foot pain can be caused due to a wide range of possible causes like sprains and strains, gout, verrucas, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, standing your ground with flat feet, etc. If not treated, it leads to severe pain and uncomfortable to move on.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium that joints in your body and relieves you from pain. It flushes out the toxins and balances your pH levels in the body.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in a  1/2 gallon of warm water.
• Stir well in a large bowl and soak your feet in it until the water gets cold.
• Repeat it once or twice a week till you got complete relief from the foot pain.
• In this process, hot water helps to relax the muscles and eases your stress and strain by promoting proper blood circulation. Epsom salt detoxifies your body, reduces pain & muscle cramps and helps to balance the sulfates and magnesium in the body.

Note: Or mix 1 cup each of ACV, Epsom salt and sea salt and 1/2 cup of dried lavender in your foot bath filled with warm water. Place your feet in this apple cider vinegar foot soak for a few minutes to get rid of the fatigued feet.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Corn and Callus:

Corns and calluses are painful thick, hardened layers of the skin that develops when the skin tries to protect itself against the friction or pressure caused due to inappropriate footwear, standing for a longer time, etc.

Apple cider vinegar helps to break down this hard structure of the skin and softens the hard skin layers. It relieves you from pain and burning feel with its anti-inflammatory property. It exfoliates the skin to lessen the appearance of warts and calluses.

Steps to be followed…

• Add equal quantities of organic apple cider vinegar and warm water in your foot tub.
• Soak your feet in this tub for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• Then scrub your feet gently with a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.
• Now submerge your feet for another 10 minutes and dry it off.
• Regularize this process for once a week until you cleared the problem completely.

Note:

• To treat warts and calluses, soak your feet in hot water for about 5 minutes and then soak the feet in a tub filled with enough ACV for about 10 – 15 minutes. Dry it gently with a soft towel and repeat it regularly.
• Apply a cotton ball which is soaked in ACV for a couple of minutes on the affected area. Wrap a bandage to secure the ball and leave it for overnight. Repeat the action regularly till you get relief from calluses and warts.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Foot Odor:

Foot odor or smelly feet generally occurs due to sweat in summer or after a long day at work. The smell comes when the sweat is mixed with bacteria due to poor hygiene, stress, hormonal changes, etc. are some of the reasons for smelly feet.

Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature that inhibits the growth of bacteria and dries out the feet to combat the odor of smelly feet.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 cup of ACV and 5 drops of thyme essential oil in 9 cups of warm water in a foot basin.
• Stir well and soak your feet in it for about 20 – 25 minutes.
• After that, pat dry your feet and repeat the same regularly till you cleared the foot odor completely.

Note:

• To clear sticky feet, combine 1 part of ACV with 2 parts of water in a foot basin. Then add a few drops of thyme essential oil (neutralizes the body odor) to this water. Soak your feet for 15 – 20 minutes and dry it.
• If you don’t have thyme oil, then use baking soda. Stir 1 ½ cups of baking soda in 4 cups each of ACV and water in a tub. Soak for 15 – 20 minutes and dry it well.
• Or pour ACV on baby wipes and soak it in the fridge for overnight. Then use these wipes to rub your soles of the feet as often as needed.

Other Apple Cider Vinegar Soaks for Beautiful Feet:

After spending a long day on your feet will definitely make your feet tired and aching. The one who went through foot soaks will know how relaxing these soak. It not only relaxes the feet but also detoxifies it by removing toxins, bacteria, and dead cells.

• Apple cider vinegar will soothe the skin to clear the tiredness and pain with its anti-inflammatory property. It calms down your senses and reduces the aching after a long exhausting day. It exfoliates the skin to clear dead cells, dirt and other impurities and softens the skin.
• Pour 2 – 3 tablespoons of Epsom salt and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in your foot soaking container which is filled with warm water. If you want, you can add a few drops of essential oils. Stir and soak your feet for about 30 minutes and scrub your feet gently. Rinse and pat dry the feet.
• Add 1 cup of green tea and 1/2 cup of ACV in your tub filled with warm water. Stir and soak your feet in this water for about 30 minutes or till the water gets to room temperature. Then start scrubbing your feet and rinse it off.
• Wrap 1 cup of oatmeal in a muslin cloth and place it in your tub filled with warm water. Then add 1/2 cup of ACV in this water and stir well. Soak the feet in this water for about 30 minutes. Scrub your feet and rinse off with water.
• For everyday feet care, you have to mix 1 cup of vinegar and a few drops of essential oils in 2 gallons of warm water. Soak your feet in this water for about 45 minutes, twice a week. Then gently rub your feet with a pumice stone and dry the feet to moisturize.
• For soft, smooth feet, mix 1/4 cup each of vinegar and Listerine in 1/2 cup of warm water. Stir well and soak your feet in this water for about 10 – 15 minutes. This vinegar – Listerine soak will help to exfoliate the skin to clear dead cells and bacteria on the skin. Regular follow-up of this soaking process will help to grab soft, smooth and healthy feet.

Other Health Benefits you can grab by soaking your feet in ACV.

• Relives pain from minor sunburn
• Soothes a bee sting
• Heals cracks and dry skin
• Soothes and relaxes your feet muscles
• Fade liver or age spots
• Heals eczema or swollen feet
• Treats plantar warts and fasciitis

Tips and Precautions:

1. It’s always preferred to use raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that contains mother rather than normal one.
2. It is recommended to keep your feet clean and dry to prevent these infections, as fungus or microbes will love warm and moist areas.
3. Don’t use vinegar when you’re having any open sores, scratches, wounds or cuts on your feet, as it may cause burning sensation and other side effects.
4. Make sure to consult your doctor if you find any rash, redness, irritation or itching after using ACV foot soaks.
   Dilute more of your vinegar if you’re suffering from any irritation or stinging sensation.

That’s all for now about Apple Cider Vinegar for Feet. Hope you’ll give a trial to these ACV methods in treating your foot problem. Don’t forget to share your experience with us.

Most people neglect to take proper care on their feet which in turn makes the skin dry and tough and thereby results in various feet problems like dry or cracked feet, callus, toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, burning feet, foot blisters, smelly or itchy feet, warts, etc.

Everyone (especially women) wants to have soft and smooth feet for not only as a beauty aspect but also to maintain proper health. Due to certain reasons like age, dehydration, poor diet, nutritional deficiency, genetics, environmental conditions, certain health problems, walking barefoot, improper feet care, etc. will cause the feet look dry, cracked and ugly.

Most of us cover the feet with their sandals or socks, as they don’t want to show off their problematic feet to the world. The usage of cosmetic creams, lotions or treatments is cost effective and may cause any side effects on the skin. So, using natural remedies will definitely help you in clearing these feet problems and make it look smooth and beautiful.

Coconut oil is one such natural remedy that exhibits many amazing properties which work well in treating various health and beauty problems from head to toe. So, to get rid of the feet problems, you have to use coconut oil regularly till you retain your confidence and show off those beautiful feet without any cover.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Feet?

Coconut oil has gained its worldwide popularity with its therapeutic uses. This creamy white oil gets penetrated easily and quickly into the skin and absorbed by the skin.

• It is enriched with medium chain triglycerides or fatty acids that help in nourishing and moisturizing the skin to make it smooth and soft just as baby’s skin.
• It has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties that counteract the microbial action and thereby prevent getting any infections.
• It moisturizes and hydrates the skin to prevent dryness or cracks on the heels and also softens the skin upon regular application.
• It exhibits antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve the strain, stress, and pain on the feet and thereby heals aching feet or foot pain.
• It has a great source of vitamin E and antioxidant property that softens the hard skin of the feet and soothes the cracks by simply moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
• It exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells, impurities and other toxins on the skin’s surface and thus strengthens the tissues under feet’s outer layer of the skin.

After knowing how does coconut oil works for maintaining healthy feet then we will pass on to how to use coconut oil for grabbing this healthy and beautiful foot and toes.

The Best Ways to use Coconut Oil on the Feet:

Here are some best and most widely used coconut oil methods for treating all the feet and toe problems. Have a look at these methods and follow them regularly until you get rid of that problem.

Let’s get started…

Method – 1: (Coconut Oil for Healthy Feet)

Coconut oil alone can be applied on the feet to get soft and smooth feet, as it clears dead cells and regenerates new cells. But you have to use organic virgin coconut oil instead of refined one, which are available in the market.

Here are a few ways of using coconut oil on the feet.

• Apply organic coconut oil on your clean feet at night before bedtime. Massage gently for a couple of minutes till the oil absorbed by the skin. Leave it for overnight (by wearing socks) and rinse your feet with lukewarm water.
• Place 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a bowl of warm water. Stir well till the oil dissolved in the water. Immerse your feet in this water and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Dry the skin and repeat it once daily till you get rid of these toe and feet problems.

Method – 2: (Coconut Oil for Athlete’s Foot)

This process is used to cure athlete’s foot. Both coconut oil and tea tree oil have the antifungal property that cures the ringworm on your foot.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 – 2 teaspoons of coconut oil.
• Mix well and apply it on the athlete’s foot affected feet area.
• Massage it gently for a few minutes and then wear your socks after a thorough massage, as this helps to prevent you from slipping.
• Leave it on for a few hours to overnight to soak the feet in this oil mix.
• Do the same process daily until you get rid of athlete’s foot along with its symptoms like inflammation.

Note: Or apple cider vinegar helps to clear the fungus causing athlete’s foot when mixed with coconut oil. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of ACV in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Stir well and apply it to the affected areas of the feet and rinse off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes. Dry and repeat the action regularly.

Method – 3: (Coconut Oil for Eczema)

Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin problem in which blisters develop on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. Coconut oil has medium chain fatty acids and vitamin E and K that help a lot in preventing itching, flaking and also spreading the infection to other parts. It also moisturizes the skin by penetrating deep into the skin to prevent dryness.

Steps to be followed…

• Combine 2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil, 1 teaspoon each of turmeric and raw honey.
• Mix all these ingredients and cleanse & dry eczema affected feet area.
• Apply it on eczema affected areas like a mask.
• Rinse it off after 15 – 20 minutes with water.
• Dry the area and repeat the same regularly for twice a week till you cleared your problem.

Note: Apply simply coconut oil to the affected areas, or else take coconut oil orally to prevent the problem.

Method – 4: (Coconut Oil for Foot Odor)

Coconut oil works as a deodorant and antiperspirant that quickly absorbs into the skin and naturally emits its pleasant scent. It also cures the feet infections to clear the foot odor or smelly feet.

Steps to be followed…

• Take your shower or bath and dry the skin thoroughly.
• Apply some virgin coconut oil onto your feet.
• Massage it gently for a couple of minutes to get well absorbed into the skin.
• Leave it for few minutes to get dried and then wear your socks or shoes or sandals.
• Regularly do the same process till you observe no foot odor from your feet.

Note: Or add few drops of tea tree oil in coconut oil and apply this mix on the clean and dry feet to get rid of the foot odor.

Method – 5: (Coconut Oil for Ingrown Toenails and Hangnails)

Coconut oil helps for the proper growth of ingrown toenails and cures hangnails by preventing the infection and thus promoting the healing.

Steps to be followed…

• Take enough of coconut oil and warm it slightly.
• Apply this warm oil on the areas where your find these nail problems.
• Massage it gently on all over the nails and leave it on for few minutes for the oil to get absorbed into the skin.
• Rinse the area with warm water and dry the skin thoroughly.
• For best and quick relief, follow the same process regularly till you cleared the problem.

Method – 6: (Coconut Oil for Foot Fungus)

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that develops beneath the nail. Coconut oil has an antifungal property that fights against the fungi or other microbes causing infection. It moisturizes to soften the nails and thereby prevents and heals the infection quickly.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 10 drops of tea tree oil, clove oil, garlic oil, oregano oil and peppermint oil in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (melted).
• Stir well and apply this mix on the feet or infected nails.
• Massage it gently for few minutes and leave it to dry for another few minutes.
• Then wear socks and let it soak for few hours to overnight.
• Repeat the same process for 2 – 3 times a day till you cleared the foot fungus.

Note: Or apply warm or plain virgin coconut oil for treating feet fungus.

Method – 7: (Coconut Oil for Sticky Feet)

The combination of coconut oil and baking soda not only moisturizes and softens the skin but also prevent sticky or sweaty feet.

Steps to be followed…

• Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 bucket of water and stir well.
• Then add 4 tablespoons of coconut oil to this baking soda water and mix all these ingredients.
• Now immerse your feet in this solution for a few minutes and rinse with water.
• Dry the skin and repeat the same process once or twice a week before taking bath to get rid of sweaty or sticky feet.

Method – 8: (Coconut Oil for Dry Foot)

The antioxidant property of coconut oil will help to remove the hard patches, dead skin cells, bacteria and other impurities on the skin’s surface. The combination of coconut oil and salt will moisturize the skin and prevent dryness or cracks on the skin.

Steps to be followed…

• Combine 2 tablespoons each of salt and coconut oil in 1 bucket of lukewarm water.
• Stir well and immerse the feet in this water for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• After that, dry the skin and repeat the same process once daily at night before bedtime to make your feet smooth and soft.

Method – 9: (Coconut Oil for Strained Feet)

After having a busy schedule all the day, our feet generally needs some care to get relaxed and feel refreshed. The combination of lemon juice and coconut oil will help to clear the impurities and heals the cracks by moisturizing the skin.

• Extract the juice of 1 lemon freshly and mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in this lemon juice.
• Then add 2 tablespoons of water to this juice and mix all these ingredients.
• Apply this mix on all over the feet by using a clean cotton ball.
• Leave it for about 15 minutes and rinse off your feet with clean water.
• Dry the feet and continue doing the same process for once daily or whenever you feel your feet gets strained to get rid of the problem.

Method – 10: (Coconut Oil for Warts)

Warts are a small non cancerous growth that appears most widely on the feet due to human papillomavirus (HPV). Coconut oil has excellent antiviral, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help you in dealing with this HPV and thereby clears warts on your feet.

Steps to be followed…

• Mix 5 – 6 drops of tea tree oil in 1 – 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and stir well.
• Clean and dry the warts affected skin area.
• Apply this mix on the warts and massage gently for a couple of minutes.
• Leave for another few minutes and rinse the area with lukewarm water.
• Regular application will not only heals the skin but also makes no more signs of warts to appear on the skin.

DIY Coconut Oil Based Homemade Products for Feet Care:

Here are some coconut oil based products that you in protecting your feet. All you need is to use them regularly instead of using chemical commercial based cosmetic products.

Method – 1: (Coconut Oil Foot Cream)

Coconut oil has medium chain fatty acids that help to retain the lost moisture content of the body that in turn helps to prevent the dry or cracked feet. It alone can be used as a foot cream for getting rid of many feet or toe problems like nail fungus, dry feet, cracked feet, athlete’s foot, etc.

Steps to be followed…

• Apply virgin coconut oil in your hands to melt the oil.
• Now rub the oil gently on all over the foot area by concentrating more on the feet affected areas.
• Let it sit for a minute or two and wrap it loosely with either warm towel or cling film.
• Leave it on for few hours or overnight (if applied at night bedtime).
• Now remove the wrap and repeat the same process daily till your condition improves.

Note: Or simply pour 10 drops of tea tree oil, 1 teaspoon of raw honey and 2 tablespoons of lavender hydrosol in 1/2 cup of coconut oil and blend all these ingredients till it forms a creamy white mixture. Transfer this mix to a clean airtight container and apply it to your cracked heels regularly till you get rid of dry or cracked heels.

Method – 2: (Coconut Oil Foot Bath)

This is another effective way of using coconut oil for treating your feet or toe problems like dry or cracked feet.

Steps to be followed…

• Mix 1 large teaspoon of virgin coconut oil in warm water and pour this water in a foot bath.
• Put your feet in this oily water and soak it for few minutes.
• In the meanwhile, you can enjoy reading your favorite book or magazine.
• Then pat your feet gently dry with a soft towel and stroke your skin to get smooth and hydrated.
• Regularize the same process till you cleared the feet problems completely.

Method – 3: (Coconut Oil Foot Scrub with Sugar)

This process is used to pep up the tootsies to make it smooth and soft. It exfoliates the skin to make your toes get ready to show off in the favorite shoes especially to come out in summer.

Steps to be followed…

• Combine 30 grams of brown sugar, 100 grams of softened coconut oil (not melted) and 1/2 teaspoon of any essential oil in a bowl.
• Stir well and pour this mix in an air-tight container.
• Take a generous amount of this oil mix and apply it on the feet.
• Massage it gently for few minutes for the oil mix to get absorbed into the skin.
• After that, rinse the area well and dry the skin properly.
• Continue doing the same process regularly to make your feet free from infections and other problems.

Note: For treating dry feet, mix coconut oil with sugar or salt and use this mix as your foot scrubber to restore the lost moisture and thus to prevent dryness on the feet.

Method – 4: (Coconut Oil as Insect Repellent)

Feet are the most exposed skin area to the insects, mosquitoes, and bugs. In general, we use chemical based insect repellants to protect our skin from these insects or flies or mosquitoes but instead of using those chemical loaded repellents why don’t we use a natural coconut oil as an insect repellent?

Steps to be followed…

• Mix a few drops of peppermint oil (or lavender oil) in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
• Stir well and apply this oil mix on all over the feet and other exposed skin areas.
• Leave it and repeat the same process regularly to protect your feet from the harmful insects or bugs.

Method – 5: (Coconut Oil Mask)

For treating dry or cracked heels on your feet, this mask which is prepared with coconut oil and banana will work best by moisturizing the skin with their natural enzymes and encourages the cell turn over.

Steps to be followed…

• Mash a ripe banana thoroughly and add 2 – 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to it.
• Stir well and apply it on all over your cracked heels.
• Wait for 20 – 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
• Dry the skin and continue applying this mask regularly will definitely help you in treating the dry and cracked heels.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Always use pure, organic and virgin coconut oil for treating any health or beauty problems.
2. Regularly wear clean socks and be sure to dry your feet before wearing, as warm moist environments are more favorable for the fungus to grow.
3. It’s best to avoid going barefoot in public places, as it is the place where the fungal infection will spread easily.
4. Coconut oil will not provide magical results for one-time application. So, you have to apply it regularly without any interruption for grabbing the best results against the feet problems.
5. Make sure to consult your doctor if you didn’t get any relief from the problem from any of the feet problem, as it might be caused due to any other health issue.
6. You can also treat your aching feet, itching feet, peeling feet, diabetic feet, foot rashes or blisters, dry feet, etc. by simply using coconut oil regularly either in the form of scrub or cream or soak.

Hope you’ll give a trial to these coconut oil methods for treating your feet problems. Do you know any other successful methods of using coconut oil for feet? Then share your experience with us in the below comments section.