Some people develop dark areas on their toes, especially around the joint areas. This can be caused by heredity, sun exposure or ill-fitting shoes. To lighten these areas, you need regular good hygiene and pedicure practices. Commercial skin-lightening creams and solutions are on the market, but plenty of natural home remedies are available as well. Try a few of these if you have problem dark areas on your feet.
Take good care of your body in general, which will result in healthy skin overall. Maintain a good diet, drink plenty of water, limit alcohol consumption, do not smoke, get plenty of rest and eliminate stress in your life.
Exfoliate the dark areas as part of your daily routine. Use a natural scrubbing pad such as a loofah sponge. Wet the scrubbing pad and use it with a natural soap or a homemade exfoliating scrub. Make a paste out of oatmeal mixed with a little honey, brown sugar and milk. An alternative paste is baking soda mixed with a little fresh lemon juice.
Apply sunscreen to your toes any time they will be exposed to the sun to prevent tanning the dark areas further.
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Use fresh lemon juice to lighten the skin. Mix it with equal parts fresh tomato juice and fresh cucumber juice. Leave on the dark areas for a half hour or so, then rinse with cool water.
Mix a paste of turmeric powder with freshly squeezed lime juice and apply to the darkened areas. Leave on for several minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Apply a moisturizer after each skin-lightening treatment, preferably one containing Vitamin E oil and aloe.
Tip
You should perform the lightening methods described above on a regular basis to maintain the lightened areas.
Warning
Some of these skin-bleaching formulas can irritate some skin types. Monitor your skin closely and discontinue use of any remedy that causes redness, itching or burning.
If the dark area on your toes spreads or has swelling or other abnormal symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious skin problem. Consult your health care professional if you suspect any infection or other health problem.
References
Writer Bio
Karren Doll Tolliver holds a Bachelor of English from Mississippi University for Women and a CELTA teaching certificate from Akcent Language School in Prague. Also a photographer, she records adventures by camera, combining photos with journals in her blogs. Her latest book, "A Travel for Taste: Germany," was published in 2015.