How to Remove Calluses on Your Feet

Soak your feet regularly. If you have calluses, frequent foot soaks can help soften dry and dead skin. Soaking in warm water with a gentle soap solution can make it easier to remove calluses.

• Use warm water instead of hot water. Hot water can dry out the skin and irritate your feet.
• If you have diabetes, you should soak your feet daily. Use warm water with a mild soap solution, dry your feet thoroughly afterward, and moisturize them with a bit of moisturizing oil, balm, or baby oil.

Remove Calluses with a Pumice Stone or Foot File. After soaking your feet or taking a shower, use a pumice stone, foot file, or sandpaper to gently scrub away the dead skin from the calluses.

• Pumice stones and foot files are more effective if you wet them in warm water before use.
• If you don’t have a pumice stone, foot file, or sandpaper, you can use a washcloth to scrub off the dead skin.
• After scrubbing, apply a moisturizing cream to your feet to keep them hydrated and soft.
• If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before using a pumice stone to remove calluses.

Protect Specific Areas of Your Feet. Calluses (and rough patches) develop in areas of your feet that rub against your shoes and socks as you walk. You may notice some shoes cause more calluses than others. First, make sure you’re wearing shoes that fit properly to avoid causing calluses or rough spots. Alternatively, you can use over-the-counter bandages (without medicated treatments) to protect your feet.

• These bandages come in various shapes and sizes, for different parts of the foot, or you can use larger square ones and cut them to the desired size.
• Some bandages contain medicated treatments, but you should not use these without a doctor’s guidance.

Visit a Doctor for Foot Examination. If a callus or rough patch becomes too painful or swollen, it’s best to see a doctor to discuss the best treatment options.

• Doctors have the proper tools and equipment to remove excess skin from calluses or rough patches. Never attempt to cut excess skin at home.
• Your doctor may recommend or prescribe an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin) to treat infected or potentially infected calluses or rough patches.

Use Callus Removal Medications. There are several medical products available to help remove calluses that your doctor may recommend.

• A patch containing 40% salicylic acid solution can be applied directly to the callus or rough patch to soften the skin and make it easier to remove. These patches are available over-the-counter at pharmacies under various brand names. If your doctor hasn’t given specific instructions, follow the directions on the packaging.
• Prescription-strength salicylic acid gel is also available for larger areas that the patches may not cover.
• Salicylic acid should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. As an acid, it can cause burns and skin irritation, leading to infection. Your doctor will advise on which product to use, how often, and the proper amount to apply.

Buy Footbed Inserts Tailored to Your Foot Size. Foot deformities can lead to calluses. These deformities might be minor but enough to cause excessive friction in certain areas of the foot against the inside of shoes. Footbed inserts measured to your foot size or custom orthotic insoles can help adjust the foot deformity and reduce the risk of callus formation.

Choose the Right Shoes. Buying and wearing the right shoes is a long-term solution to preventing calluses on your feet. When purchasing a new pair, consider the following factors:

• Ensure the salesperson measures both feet. Most people have one foot larger than the other, so select shoes that fit the larger foot.
• Shop for shoes late in the day. After a long day of walking, your feet swell, so buy shoes based on the swollen foot size. This ensures the shoes will fit comfortably even after a full day of wear.
• Focus on how your feet feel when wearing the shoes, even if the shoe size seems off.
• Choose shoes that match the natural shape of your feet. Many trendy shoes with unusual shapes may cause foot pain and lead to calluses.
• When trying on new shoes, make sure your entire foot feels comfortable, from the toes to the arch and heel.
• Leave about 1-2.5 cm of space at the front of the shoe between your big toe and the shoe's tip.

Keep Feet Dry. Socks are just as important as shoes in keeping your feet healthy and free from calluses. Cotton socks or those made from natural fibers are ideal for keeping your feet dry when wearing shoes. This is especially important during physical activity when you sweat more than usual.

• Let shoes dry out before wearing them again (never wear wet shoes).
• Avoid wearing the same pair of socks two days in a row (if possible), especially if they're wet or sweaty.
• Change wet socks as soon as possible.
• Wash your feet daily as part of your hygiene routine, including the spaces between your toes. After washing, dry your feet completely before putting on socks.
• Consider wearing flip-flops or sandals when walking around public pools or in public restrooms.

Moisturize Feet Daily. Calluses form due to friction between the feet and socks or shoes. However, you can prevent and heal them by moisturizing your feet every day, keeping the skin soft. Moisturizing is even more crucial in winter when the air is colder and drier.

• Do not apply moisturizer and walk around barefoot, as this can be dangerous.
• Make it a habit to moisturize your feet right before bed.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to massage your feet while applying moisturizer. This not only relaxes your feet but also improves blood circulation in the area.
• If possible, buy and use moisturizers specifically designed for feet.

Learn to Prevent and Treat Corns. Corns are calluses that form on the toes rather than other parts of the feet. They are often caused by the shoe's toe box rubbing against the toes. In other words, corns can result from shoes that are too tight in the toe area or from high heels that force your feet downward due to gravity.

• The methods for removing and preventing corns are similar to those for calluses, but if the corn is severe and painful, it's important to visit a doctor for proper treatment.

Rest your feet. Giving your feet frequent breaks is just as important as any other part of your body. Just like other muscles, your feet need rest after long hours of stress. If you often sit cross-legged, try switching legs from time to time to enhance circulation.

Soak your feet in lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice can help soften and remove calluses. Soak your feet in lemon juice for about 10 minutes before using a pumice stone or foot file to scrub your feet.

• While foot razors or blades are available at the pharmacy, they're not the safest choice. They can easily cut your feet, and those cuts are prone to infection.

Make your own healing foot cream. Heels are often among the first places to develop calluses. Keep your heels and the rest of your feet soft and moisturized by creating your own foot healing cream at home. Simply add a spoonful of olive oil to a small bottle, then add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil. Shake the bottle until the liquid turns milky and apply it to your feet, especially the heels.

• You can make this cream in advance and store it for future use, just be sure to shake the bottle before each use.

Apply oil to your feet before bedtime. The best time to moisturize your feet is before going to sleep. In addition to store-bought foot creams, you can use vegetable oils as well. Simply apply a layer of vegetable oil on your feet before bed and put on thick socks. Wear them overnight, and remove any excess oil in the morning.

• Vegetable oil (and other oils) can stain fabrics, including socks and bed sheets. In this case, wool socks are ideal as wool absorbs oil without staining. If you don’t have wool socks (or find them too warm), use an old pair of socks.

Make a nighttime foot mask. Just like your face, hair, and hands can benefit from face masks, your feet deserve the same care. Creating a foot mask at home is simple: take one tablespoon of Vaseline (or a similar product) and the juice from one lemon. Mix the Vaseline with the lemon juice in a bowl and apply the mixture to your clean feet before going to bed. Wear socks overnight and wipe off any excess Vaseline in the morning with a towel.

• Consider using an old pair of socks for this, so you don’t have to worry about Vaseline staining your socks or bed sheets.

Try paraffin wax for foot moisture. Beauty experts often use paraffin wax as part of a pedicure at the spa, but you can also use it at home. Simply melt the wax in a large bowl in the microwave and add a bit of mustard oil (in a 1:1 ratio). Mustard oil acts as a moisturizing agent for your feet. Dip your feet in the wax (once it has cooled) twice, waiting a moment between dips to ensure the wax is dry on your feet. Afterward, wrap your feet in plastic or a bag for about 15 minutes. Peel off the bag and wax simultaneously.

• There are two types of nail polish remover: acetone-based and non-acetone. The acetone version works better at removing polish, but it can be harsh on your skin and nails. If your nails are prone to dryness and breakage, or if you remove polish often, you should use a non-acetone product. The non-acetone remover is gentler on your skin and nails, but it may require more effort to remove the polish.

• Individuals with diabetes (or other conditions affecting blood circulation in the feet) need to pay special attention to the health of their feet. These individuals are also at a higher risk of complications from calluses. It is recommended that they consult a doctor before attempting any home treatments for their feet.