Budge that stubborn ankle patch

That dry scaly patch on your ankle simply refuses to go and doesn’t allow you to flaunt those sexy legs. Isn’t it? The thick discoloured skin is called dark ankle.  It is caused mainly due to friction – can be with shoes or rough clothes. Some other reasons include, staining of wet clothes, medical conditions like poor blood circulation, tanning, excessive dryness or lack of moisture, rubbing genetics, bruises and unhygienic conditions.

It is essential to remember that the ankle skin is very thin. Though most often the problem can be solved with exfoliants and bleaching agents not all may be that lucky.  Here are some easy to do, non-messy home remedies that WTN brings to you to get beautiful ankles back.

Get sexy ankles with… 

Lemon juice

Lemon is a rich source of antioxidants and a skin bleaching agent. Rub slices of lemon on the patch for 5-10 minutes and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the ankle with lukewarm water and apply moisturiser to it.

The lemon removes the dead cells leaving it clean, bright and soft. The application must be repeated everyday for a week for best results.

Sandalwood & rose water

While sandalwood lightens the skin, rosewater cleans it and makes it really soft with its moisturising properties.

Make a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water (in equal amounts) and apply it on the affected area. Massage for 15 minutes and allow it to dry before washing it with cold water.  Repeat the application for the next few days.

You may also switch sandalwood powder with glycerin.

Baking Soda
Put 2 teaspoons of baking soda in warm water and dip your feet into it for 15 minutes. Wash your feet with running water and dry it. You may also make a paste of baking soda with water and apply it for 15 minutes before washing it away.

Milk & almond paste

Almond is one of the most preferred exfoliant, which lightens the skin and repairs breakouts.  On the other hand, the lactic acid in milk naturally reduces the skin pigmentation.

Make a thick paste of almond and milk and evenly apply it on the patch for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with tap water. Repeat the process for a week. You may also add honey if you so desire.

Lemon-yogurt pack

Turmeric is known for its antiseptic values and lightens the skin. Yogurt reduces skin blemishes and moisturises it.

Make a thick paste with a tablespoon of lemon juice and yogurt. Add two tablespoons of gram flour powder to it and a pinch of turmeric. Apply the paste to the dark ankle and massage it for a while. Leave it to dry and wash with warm water.  Use this remedy for at least 10 days.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is packed with vitamins and minerals has been used for treating skin conditions since ancient times. The phytochemicals present in the gel is an excellent exfoliant, soothes skin irritation, moisturises it and reduces hyper-pigmentation. It soothes skin irritation and moistens the skin.

Massage the gel on the affected area for 5 minutes and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse with tap water. Regular application of aloe vera gel will show great results.

Coconut, castor oil
Rich in vitamin E, coconut oil lightens the skin.

Massage coconut oil over the dark ankles for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water and soap. Cocoa butter or cocoa butter cream also have the same affect. However, you can leave the castor oil overnight.

Salt & manicure shampoo
Add 2 tablespoon of salt and 3 teaspoons of manicure shampoo to a small bucket of warm water.  Soak your feet for 20 minutes and scrub the affected area withpumice stone. Repeat for a few days to see the result.

Potato, cucumber juice

Potatoes are excellent natural bleaching agents with mild acidic properties. You may either place thin slices of potatoes on the dark ankles or use its juice. Keep it for 7-10 minutes and wash off with tap water.  Cucumber juice with few drops of lemon also work well on the scaly patch.

Hydrogen peroxide

Dip a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and place it on the affected area. Keep it there till it dries and wash it off with tap water. Apply it twice a week for best results.

Natural scrubber
Mixgram flour, rice flour, walnut shell granules, curd, lemon juice and milk to make a natural scrubber. Massage it gently on the ankles for good 10 minutes and wash it.

A piece of advice

Till the time the discoloured patch doesn’t go away completely, avoid friction over the area. It would be better to use slip-ons instead of shoes.

-windowtonews