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Calluses are thick, hard patches of skin that usually form on the palms or soles, arising when an area of skin is subjected to excessive pressure or friction, such as from tight shoes. The body produces these calluses as a protective measure. Aside from being inconvenient, calluses can also be painful and uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are several ways to remove them. Note, consult a doctor if you are unsure about the cause of the callus or if you have diabetes.
Steps
Apply Common Remedies
Soak your hands, feet, or elbows in warm/hot water for 10 minutes. The callused skin will begin to soften after soaking in hot water. If desired, you can add Epsom salt, bath oils, or even tea to the water.
- Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to the soak if the callus is particularly tough (Warning: do not add vinegar if you have diabetes or poor circulation.)
Use a pumice stone or foot file to buff away the calluses. Be sure to clean the pumice stone or file occasionally. Don’t overdo it; 5 minutes is sufficient. Gradually file the callus over the course of about a month. Stop once you've removed several layers of skin or if you begin to experience pain.
- Avoid using a pumice stone if you have diabetes.
Clean your feet/hands thoroughly. Use a soft towel to scrub the callused areas. Make sure to remove all the dead skin.
Pat your hands/feet dry and apply a moisturizing lotion. Opt for a thicker lotion specifically designed for feet/hands to enhance hydration. Lotions with urea are particularly effective.
- Before bed, wear socks or gloves to help lock in the lotion and moisture.
- Repeat this process every weekend.
Keep your hands/feet soft and moisturized. Reapply lotion after each shower. For the best results, use a richer cream.
- Consistently moisturizing your hands and feet can help prevent dryness and rough patches.
Consider Trying Home Remedies
Use aspirin to soften calluses. Crush 5-6 aspirin tablets and mix them with ½ teaspoon (3g) of lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture to the callus, cover it with a warm cloth, and wrap it with plastic. Leave it for about 10 minutes, then remove it and scrub the callus with a pumice stone.
- Do not attempt this method if you have diabetes, and avoid using it if you are allergic to aspirin.
Try using baking soda. One of the most effective ways to treat corns and calluses is by soaking in warm water. The warm water loosens the dead skin, aiding in the healing process. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a basin of warm water and soak your feet – baking soda has a pH of 9, which is alkaline and can break down the skin's natural barrier.
- You can also create a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water and apply it directly to the callus.
Make chamomile tea for a foot soak. Soaking your feet in diluted chamomile tea can soothe and temporarily alter the skin's pH, helping to dry out sweaty feet. The tea might stain your feet, but it can be easily washed off with soap and water.
Use cornstarch. Sprinkle cornstarch between your toes to keep your feet dry and prevent cracked skin. Moisture can make corns or calluses much more uncomfortable and prone to fungal infections.
- This is an excellent preventive method and should be used to help alleviate discomfort.
Consider using vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and apply it to the corn or callus, securing it with tape. Leave the cotton ball on overnight, and in the morning, scrub the callus with a pumice stone.
- Make sure the cotton ball is placed neatly on the callus to avoid irritating the surrounding skin.
Take advantage of the benefits of pineapple. The skin of the pineapple contains enzymes that can soften calluses and remove them from the skin. Place a small piece of fresh pineapple skin on the callus and wrap it with a clean cloth. Repeat this therapy every night for a week. You can also apply pineapple juice to warts.
Choose the right shoes and use foot support products.
Switch up your footwear. One of the most common causes of calluses is simply wearing the wrong shoes. If your shoes don’t fit properly, calluses will likely form – so make sure to select shoes that fit well. Shoes should hug the foot (without causing pain), match the width of your foot, and allow your toes to move freely.
- Avoid high heels when possible. High heels push all your body weight onto the ball of your foot, which increases the likelihood of calluses. Opt for flat shoes whenever you can; they’re always more comfortable.
- If calluses form on your hands, wearing well-fitted gloves with padding can help reduce the risk of developing them. Be sure the gloves fit snugly; loose gloves may cause irritation by rubbing against your skin.
Use insoles. Foot calluses are quite common, which is why some companies have started producing insoles designed to help eliminate them. Many of these products use moleskin material and can easily be inserted into shoes.
Explore topical treatments and medicated patches. You don’t need a prescription from a doctor to treat calluses. Products like patches or other remedies are readily available over the counter. However, most of these products contain salicylic acid, which may cause irritation or infections that could be more uncomfortable (or even worse) than the callus itself. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, it’s best to avoid these products:
- Diabetes
- Reduced sensation in the feet due to poor circulation or nerve damage
- Poor vision or limited mobility, making it difficult to use the products properly
Advice
- If the situation worsens, try using bottled water.
- Ensure that your tap water doesn’t contain excessive chlorine or other chemicals that can dry out your skin.
- If you have diabetes, be extra cautious when dealing with calluses. Even small skin wounds can take a long time to heal and may lead to infections.
- Apply Vaseline and massage the callus for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, rinse with moisturizing soap. Follow up with a moisturizer once the skin is dry, and repeat the process.
Warning
- Don’t scrub too hard. Excessive peeling of the skin could lead to an infection.
- Don’t attempt to cut the callus at home. Visit a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper treatment.
- If you have diabetes, *never* attempt to remove the callus yourself! This could worsen circulation problems. Consult your doctor instead.
- Avoid using callus-removal products that contain acid; these products tend to dry out the skin. Be especially cautious with over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, as they may cause skin tears.
