Every year some new home remedy for foot problems seems to make the rounds. But just because something seems to be popular doesn’t mean it’s safe!
One of our guiding principles as health care professionals is Do no harm. Accordingly, as long as any particular home treatment does no harm, it may be tried, regardless of its medical efficacy. But if a proposed home treatment is potentially harmful to the patient, it must be avoided.
Let me share with you some of the more common “home remedies” that you may have heard of, along with my observations as to their safety or danger:
- Soaking feet in Epsom Salts – Safe
Epsom Salt foot soaks are commonly used to soothe tired, aching feet. Some people use it to treat foot infections.
It is safe for the purpose of relieving aching, tired foot-but don’t make the salt bath so hot that it burns your feet – comfortably warm water is just fine – and be aware that daily use of Epsom Salts may cause the skin to become cracked, dry and flaky. Infections are another matter-foot infections, including ingrown toenails can be quite serious-and the problem is compounded if a person has diabetes. Foot infections should be treated by a podiatrist as often antibiotics are necessary to resolve the infection.
2- Medicated corn and callus pads – Harmful
Medicated pads are sold over-the counter at pharmacies. The are used to “burn off” thick calluses on the bottom of the feet and corns on the toes.
The medication used in these pads is usually Salicylic Acid. USE OF SALICYLIC ACID CAN BE DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY FOR DIABETICS AND PEOPLE WITH POOR CIRCULATION! Salicylic acid can cause second and even third degree burns. I’ve even seen foot and leg amputations resulting from the misuse of this product.
3- Vicks VapoRub for treating toenail fungus – Safe
Vick’s Vapor is a popular home remedy for thick, discolored, fungal toenails.
For some strange reason, this has become a very popular home remedy of late. Vicks VapoRub contains an ingredient called thymol which has been to known to “kill” bacterial infections. However, thickened and yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal organism, not bacteria. So, although use of this product is not be harmful, its effectiveness is questionable.
4- Soaking feet in Clorox® – Harmful
Bleaching agents are often used by people who have thick, discolored toenails-nails that appear yellow or black. Thick, discolored toenails are often common symptoms of fungal toenails. Beaching agents should definitely not be used on fungal toenails.
Clorox® (chlorine bleach) is an excellent bleaching and whitening agent – for clothing, not skin! Bleach is a highly caustic substance and can easily burn skin tissue. NEVER use any bleaching agent to try to lighten or eliminate yellow toenails and discolorations on the skin.