Viral TikTok trend experts warn could lead to amputation: 'Very dangerous'

TikTok started as a platform for silly choreographed dances and lip-syncing videos to popular songs. But over the past few years, the social media app has quickly become a breeding ground for viral beauty and healthcare trends.

From makeup tips to convoluted skincare routines and absurd health advice, TikTok’s algorithm continues to feed into the unrelenting insecurities of those looking to improve their health and wellbeing. This can be fairly harmless however, there is a dark side to the world of TikTok "health hacks" that can be downright dangerous.

While it’s easy to get roped into the promise of clear, smooth skin or thicker hair, it’s also important to take advice from social media with a grain of salt — more often than not, these trends taken as gospel by impressionable viewers are quickly disproven by actual professionals.

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Viral foot peels praised for 'baby-smooth' results

If you’ve perused the app recently, you may have noticed an influx of creators and influencers promoting the idea that “hot girls have nice feet”, and sharing results from foot peel masks that supposedly lead to “the softest, baby-smooth feet”.

Naturally, once something gains traction on TikTok, it takes off like a bull at a gate — and foot peel masks are no different.

The hashtag #FootPeelingMask has amassed over 275 million views on the app, while data from the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Centre revealed that Google searches for ‘baby foot peel mask’ increased by over 110 per cent in a 30-day period between June and July alone, and 814 per cent over the past year.

Foot masks typically come with a pair of single-layered fabric socks, packed with exfoliating skincare ingredients. The idea is that you wear the socks for a couple of hours before taking them off and washing your feet. Over the next week, the skin on the soles of your feet will begin peeling, eventually revealing “silky smooth feet”.

But despite the widespread adulation of the popular beauty trend, an award-winning podiatrist has warned of its potential dangers — particularly for those with diabetes or other underlying health conditions.

Experts warn of dangerous foot peel mask side effects

Board-certified podiatrist Dr Jason Gold explained that while these masks may look fun or satisfying, they could actually cause fungal or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, scarring, skin discolouration, and even nerve damage.

“Many available peels contain acids and chemicals that may be unsafe, and if applied incorrectly with too much solution, the skin can burn and peel,” Dr Gold tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “This leaves the skin open and susceptible to bacteria, which can cause infections, and because shoes and floors are often unsanitary, bacteria can enter open skin lesions, leading to infections.”

In extreme cases, infections like these could even lead to surgery. Dr Gold said this may include an incision and drainage of the foot or leg, and even amputation of part of the foot or the entire leg. Yikes!

Sepsis and amputation risks

Sydney podiatrist Dr Nicki Dang also weighed in on the topic over on TikTok and warned her followers of similar side effects.

“I’m really against using and recommending foot peels,” Dr Dang said. “Although it does remove all the dead skin, it doesn’t know the difference between healthy and dead skin.”

People with diabetes, neuropathy (a loss of sensation) or compromised immune systems are also at higher risk — particularly as their skin is typically not as strong.

“(Foot masks) can be very dangerous because it can create a foot ulcer or foot wound, and people with those types of conditions are also at higher risk of developing infections,” Dr Dang added. “In the worst case it can lead to sepsis and unfortunately amputation.”

Dr Gold also noted that as we age, the texture and strength of our skin diminishes, and we are more at risk of skin damage.

“A person with neuropathy may not even feel the peel and may use too much, which increases the risk of a chemical burn,” he said. “Also, when people are immunocompromised, if they have a problem with the skin peel, their body may not be able to mount a healing response, leading to infection and poor skin healing.”

A safer way to peel

Of course results (and reactions) depend on factors such as a person’s circulation, immune status and how long they wait to treat any issues or irritation caused by foot masks. But in all cases, Dr Gold said that the chemicals used in these masks actually disturbed your normal cell structure — hence the peeling.

“However this reaction can also irritate the nerves, leading to burning or sensitivity, and can trigger allergic reactions like hives,” he added.

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To minimise adverse reactions, he recommended starting with only a quarter or half of the foot peel solution if using a peel that you dip your feet into. But people taking blood thinners or those who are diabetic, immunocompromised or neuropathic should avoid the masks altogether.

“It is recommended that you go to a licensed professional, such as a dermatologist or aesthetician, who uses tested products that are safe and effective, and knows how to apply the products to provide the outcome you need without the risk of complication,” Dr Gold added.

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