According toHow Stuff Works, several different types of devices are considered foot scrapers.

According toFeet and Shoes Guide, several states banned instruments used to scrape feet during pedicures.

Read on to find out why foot scrapers can be dangerous and what you should use instead.

Woman holding heels scraper

“The thickening of the skin on the feet is protective and can help keep out fungus and bacteria.

Grating this thickened skin is basically opening up that area to bacteria, fungus, and yeast.

That sounds like anything but a soothing pedicure.

Woman holding white jar of foot cream