Foot care at home: Why this simple procedure can be dangerous
Are foot baths beneficial? (Photo: Freepik)
Foot baths may seem like a safe way to relax, but in some cases, they can be harmful to your health. Frequent or excessively hot soaking can cause burns, trigger swelling, and increase the risk of skin and nail infections, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Can they be used for relaxation?
Podiatrist Megan Granthem advises against soaking feet in water for health or relaxation purposes.
Before soaking your feet, make sure there are no ingrown nails or fungal infections. It is also essential to use a foot care product that prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Limit soaking time to just a few minutes, then thoroughly dry your feet with a clean towel. Apply a urea-based moisturizer to hydrate the skin and help remove calluses.
However, this procedure may not be the best solution for most foot problems.
Risks of foot soaking
Fungal infections
Fungi thrive in warm, moist, and dark environments. Frequent foot soaking can increase moisture, creating conditions that may lead to fungal infections.
Skin softening and irritation
Prolonged exposure to water softens the skin, increasing the risk of cracks, blisters, water-filled bumps, or wounds. This is especially dangerous for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Worsening of chronic conditions
For individuals with varicose veins, long soaking sessions can worsen swelling. In cases of diabetic neuropathy, hot water increases the risk of burns and skin injuries that may go unnoticed due to reduced sensation.
When foot baths can be beneficial
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail presses into the skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Over time, this can lead to infection.
Ingrown toenails may result from:
- Injuries, such as stubbing a toe
- Tight footwear
- Cutting toenails too short
Musculoskeletal injuries
Foot baths can help reduce inflammation from soft tissue injuries, such as ankle ligament sprains.
Hot and cold contrast baths may speed up the healing process. Alternating temperatures also improve blood circulation.
You might be interested in:
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
