In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

Donate
Donate

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Removing dry skin from feet before mikveh
October 7, 2022

Question

Is it halachically necessary to remove dry skin from the bottoms of your feet before dipping in the mikvah? I have OCD and sensory issues, and find scrubbing my feet with an exfoliator to be distressing and nauseating. If there are any leniencies here, it would be a big help.

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us.

It is not necessary to remove dry skin for mikveh, as it is a natural part of the body and trying to remove it inevitably leads to more skin peeling off. You should just wash your feet thoroughly in a bath or shower, as you do other parts of the body.

We are sorry to hear of the distress that this has caused you. In general, OCD can present challenges for niddah observance. We encourage you to read our article and brochure on the topic, and to be back in touch with any further questions.

2026: Click here to learn about U’mtzena Menucha, our new, confidential, personalized program for women in Israel dealing with OCD around taharat hamishpacha.



 

Related Q&A

» Steri-strips after cancer surgery

» Tevilah on Shabbat after Yom Tov

» Mikveh second day Yom Tov in Israel

» Washing hair on 3-day Yom Tov

» Mikveh after three-day Yom Tov

» Immersion after colectomy with J-pouch

» OCD, body image, and checking before mikveh

» Removing loose hairs before mikveh

» Immersion with worm infection

» Silver nitrate stains a chatzitzah?

View All Q&A

Facebook
WhatsApp
Email

Related Content

PODCAST: What Every Bride Needs to Know: Reflections on Kallah Teaching

In this two-part episode, Yoetzet Halacha and kallah teacher Lisa Septimus reflects with her guests on what it takes to
Click Here

PODCAST: Navigating Postpartum Depression

In this episode Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus brings on guest Aviva Bennett Tribuch who shares her personal struggle with postpartum
Click Here

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Taharat HaMishpacha

If someone finds themselves frequently second-guessing aspects of niddah observance in a way that causes distress, it might be a
Click Here

PODCAST: Perfectionism, Anxiety, OCD and Mikveh

In this episode Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus interviews Dr. Regine Galanti, clinical psychologist and founder of LI Behavioral Psychology. They
Click Here

Barriers to Immersion (Chatzitzot)

Anything that impedes the mikveh waters from reaching any part of a woman’s body or hair may be considered a
Click Here

Mikveh Preparation (Chafifah)

Mikveh preparation includes bathing, combing hair, and removing chatzitzot. A woman can prepare at home or at the mikveh, and
Click Here

Nails and Mikveh

There is a strong custom to trim nails before mikveh. Accepted practice is also to immerse without nail polish. Some
Click Here

Hair and Mikveh

Ideally, water should be able to reach every surface of a woman’s body when she immerses, including her hair. The
Click Here

Mikveh, Cosmetics & Jewelry

Makeup and jewelry should generally be removed as part of mikveh preparation. It is often permissible to immerse with items
Click Here

Mikveh Checklist

Consult this checklist as you prepare for mikveh, or review it just before immersing.
Click Here

Mikveh & Makeup on Shabbat & Yom Tov

Makeup should be removed before mikveh, and there are restrictions on applying makeup on Shabbat and Yom Tov. This can
Click Here

PODCAST: Clean Enough? Exploring the Necessity of Bathing in Mikveh Preparation

Click Here

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

Call the Golda Koschitzky Hotline

Ask a Yoetzet Through the Website

Consult with a Fertility Counselor

Locate a Yoetzet Halacha Near You

Appreciate Yoatzot Halacha?

Donate

Support our work & allow your donation to make a difference.