If you’re referring to the viral baking-soda-on-your-feet hack, the dramatic claims are usually exaggerated.
Baking soda can have a mild deodorizing and drying effect, so it may temporarily reduce foot odor caused by moisture. But it isn’t a proven cure for fungal infections, cracked heels, or other foot conditions.
If you want to try it:
- Use a small amount rather than leaving a thick layer on the skin.
- Don’t apply it to cuts, sores, irritated skin, or freshly shaved skin.
- Stop if you develop burning, redness, itching, or irritation.
- Keep feet dry, change socks regularly, and allow shoes to dry between uses.
For itching, peeling, cracking between the toes, or persistent odor, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) may be the cause, and an appropriate antifungal treatment is more effective than baking soda.
And don’t assume that tingling, warmth, or a color change after applying baking soda means it’s “drawing toxins out”—those aren’t established effects.
