How to Pumice Feet

Co-authored by Catherine Cheung, DPM

Last Updated: November 14, 2023 References

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Pumice, a volcanic rock formation, can be used to smooth and soften your feet. Use a pumice stone to slough away dead skin and reduce corns and calluses. Pumice powder can be used to make indulgent foot scrubs to treat your feet with. Use pumice treatments several times a week to keep your feet healthy and beautiful!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Using a Pumice Stone on Your Feet

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Fill a basin or tub with warm water and add half a cup of Epsom salt (available at pharmacies), then stir to dissolve. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. Remove your feet from the tub.
2
Scrub your feet with a pumice stone. Wet a pumice stone with clean water. Rub the corns, calluses, and dry skin on your feet back and forth. Use gentle pressure to avoid irritation.^{[1]
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- As long as you're gentle and you soak your feet first, pumice stones are easy and safe to use.^{[2]
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  Research source
  Catherine Cheung, DPM. Podiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.}
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Rinse your feet every 1-2 minutes to wash away dead skin. Continue scrubbing gently until your feet are smooth. Rinse and pat your feet dry with a clean towel.^{[3]
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To maintain soft, smooth feet, use a pumice stone on your feet between one and three times a week. If you don't have the time to soak your feet regularly, use the pumice stone after showering when your skin is softest. Rub your feet with the pumice stone for a few minutes each time and always use gentle, circular movements.^{[4]
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Keep your pumice stone clean. Be sure to rinse your pumice stone thoroughly after every use. Clean it after every 3 or 4 uses by scrubbing it with an old toothbrush and an antibacterial liquid soap. Rinse it and allow it to air dry.^{[5]
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- To give your pumice stone a more intense cleaning, boil it in a mixture of 4 cups of water and 2 tbsp. of bleach or vinegar.
Pumice stones should never be shared as they can spread fungus or strains of HPV that cause plantar warts. Avoid sharing a pumice stone with family members, as even one use can lead to the transmission of such foot ailments. Store your pumice stone somewhere outside of the shower or bathroom to ensure that no other members of your household use it.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Making Your Own Pumice Powder Scrub

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Pumice powder is made from a kind of igneous rock that forms after a volcano erupts. the powder is used as an exfoliating element in beauty products, but can also be found as an additive in cement, heavy duty cleaners, and herbal medicine. To ensure that you get the right grade of pumice powder, purchase it from a beauty supply store, or online.^{[7]
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Mix pumice powder with other ingredients to make a foot scrub. Making a homemade foot scrub means customizing it to your needs and preferences. Experiment with ingredients that smell great and have foot-pampering properties. Some ideal choices are:
- Tea tree oil
- Honey
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
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Make a cranberry seed pumice scrub, for instance. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup each of pumice powder, extra fine epsom salt, and cranberry seeds. Add 2 ml (0.4 tsp) of peppermint oil and mix the ingredients together with gloved hands. Transfer your foot scrub to a jar to store it for use.^{[8]
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- If stored in a cool, dry place the scrub should last 1-2 years.
Apply the scrub generously to your feet. Massage it into the skin of your feet in circular motions for several minutes. Rinse and dry your feet, then apply lotion if desired.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

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Do you have any safety tips if I wanted to pumice and soften my feet?

Catherine Cheung, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Dr. Catherine Cheung is a double board-certified Podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction, injury treatment, custom orthotics, bunion surgery, and all general foot and ankle issues. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with the Brown & Toland Physicians and the Sutter Medical Network. She received her BS from UCLA. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Ankle Surgery.

Catherine Cheung, DPM

Board Certified Podiatrist

Expert Answer

Pumice stones are usually easy and safe as long as you're gentle and you soak your feet in water first. However, avoid any of the sharp files that look like little knives, and see a professional if you have diabetes, nerve issues, or neuropathy.

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Warnings

Avoid using foot files with sharp edges on your feet.^{[10]
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Research source
Catherine Cheung, DPM. Podiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.}

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If you have medical issues like diabetes, neuropathy, or nerve issues, see a professional for your foot care.^{[11]
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Research source
Catherine Cheung, DPM. Podiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.}

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