Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, and people often take it to help with weight loss. Another common use of apple cider vinegar is a remedy for skin conditions. If you have dry or cracked skin on your feet and are curious about how apple cider vinegar works, in this post, we explain what you need to know about using apple cider vinegar foot soak.
The active ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid which is antibacterial and antifungal and can help to:
- Soften skin
- Treat warts
- Prevent and treat infections of the feet and toenails
- Reduce bacteria that cause odour.
HOW TO MAKE AND USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOOT SOAK
Although entirely natural, apple cider vinegar is still powerful and needs to be diluted. To make an apple cider vinegar foot soak, use one part vinegar to two parts warm water. You can also add a few drops of olive oil to the solution for extra hydration.
Using apple cider vinegar foot soak in a foot spa is a great way to relax, and help keep your foot spa free from bacteria. But you can simply use a washing-up bowl. We recommend placing it on a towel to soak up any spills. It is a good idea to check and trim your toenails before soaking your feet.
You need to soak your feet for around 10 to 15 minutes, and we recommend doing this in front of the TV or with a favourite book at hand. When you have finished, you can gently file away any hard skin. Make sure you completely dry your feet, apply moisturiser for super soft feet and put on some nice warm cosy socks. You can safely use an apple cider vinegar foot soak every three to four days.
7 COMMON SIGNS OF FOOT INFECTIONS
Before you put your feet into an apple cider vinegar foot soak, it is worth taking a few minutes to give your feet a health check. Feet are prone to infections from fungus and bacteria that can enter through cuts and cracks in the skin.
Seven common signs and symptoms of foot infections are:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Heat
- Pain
- Smell
- Pus or discharge from cuts or cracks
- Skin discolouration.
Taking care of your feet and toenails with apple cider vinegar foot soak may help to keep your skin healthy. However, you should never ignore pain or signs of a foot infection. If you are worried about the condition of your feet or toenails, don’t be embarrassed to visit a podiatrist. After all, they are foot experts trained to assess, diagnose and treat foot problems.
Infections can rapidly become severe and can even be life-threatening. If you notice any of the below symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.
- Red streaks on the surface of your skin that feel warm
- Fever and chills
- Sudden swelling or redness
- An intense feeling of heat
- Severe discolouration
- Foul odour
FUNGAL TOENAIL INFECTION
Typically a fungal nail infection will occur in toenails, although it can also affect fingernails. It is not usually painful and will initially cause a change of colour in the nail. Other common signs of a fungal toenail infection include:
- Thickening of nail
- Crumbling of the edge of the nail
- Nail lifting from the nail bed or falling off
- Smell.
The fungus that affects nails is the same fungus that can infect the skin, and this condition is known as athlete's foot. Apple cider vinegar foot soak may help to clear up the infection. If you don’t notice any improvement after a couple of soaks, you may need to use antifungal cream to treat fungal infections of both the nail and foot.
FOOT CARE IS SELF CARE
Regarding self-care, foot care might not seem like a priority, but healthy feet are essential for almost everything you want to do. Plus, you always want to feel comfortable taking off your shoes or socks. Your feet deserve daily care and a quick application of moisturiser before bed!
LOVASKIN INSTANT FOOT PEEL Deluxe Kit
Other ways to take care of your feet are wearing cotton socks and cleaning the inside of sandals or shoes if you wear them without socks to stop bacteria and fungus from growing. And if you can’t find time to sit for 15 minutes with your feet submerged in apple cider vinegar foot soak, LOVASKIN INSTANT FOOT PEEL foot care kit will heal and treat cracked skin and make your feet look beautiful again in just 2 minutes.
Your feet matter — give them the love they deserve.
"Love this treatment so much!."
Beth's Beauty - UK
PODIATRISTS, NAIL ARTISTS AND ESTHETICIANS USE LOVASKIN FOOT CARE PRODUCTS, AND NOW YOU CAN USE THE SAME PRODUCTS AT HOME. CHOOSE YOUR FOOT CARE KIT, AND ALWAYS BE READY TO SHOW OFF YOUR FEET.