Buzz
Calluses are formed by a buildup of dead skin with a hard center, often appearing above the toes or between the spaces of the toes. They can also develop on the soles of the feet. The formation of calluses is a protective response by the body to friction or pressure, but they can also be painful. Fortunately, most calluses can be treated easily with at-home remedies. If the calluses cause significant pain or if you have diabetes, it's best to seek professional medical treatment.
Steps
Home Treatment for Calluses
Soak the callus in warm water for 10 minutes. Soaking the callus softens the thick skin, making it easier to remove. Fill a basin with warm soapy water and soak your feet for 10 minutes or until the callus begins to soften.
- The soaking water should be warm, but not hot enough to burn your skin.
- Some people find that adding a little apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda to the warm water can also be helpful.
Buff the callus with a pumice stone. After soaking the callus in warm water for a while, you can take a pumice stone, dip it in water, and gently rub the callus in small circular motions or back and forth.
- You can also use a nail file, emery board, or even a rough washcloth or exfoliating sponge.
- Be careful not to rub too hard or file too much skin off, as this could lead to irritation or infection.
- If you have diabetes, avoid using a pumice stone on your feet, as this could slow healing and cause infections. It's best to consult a podiatrist for treatment and guidance.
Moisturize the callused area daily. Moisturizing creams can soften the tough skin on calluses, making them easier to remove. Creams or lotions containing salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea can be especially helpful in softening calluses.
Use pads to prevent irritation. Look for callus pads online or at pharmacies. You can purchase pads specifically designed for calluses or moleskin pads, which can be cut to fit the shape and size of the callus.
Try over-the-counter treatments for stubborn calluses. Follow the instructions carefully and use these products with caution. Most over-the-counter callus treatments contain salicylic acid, which can cause irritation or a burning sensation on the feet.
- If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before using these products, as they can cause irritation and infections.
- Most over-the-counter patches contain 40% salicylic acid, making them potent. However, your doctor may still recommend gently filing off excess dead skin before applying the patch.
Medical Treatment
Visit a doctor to assess your callus. While over-the-counter treatments can be helpful, you should still see a doctor who is experienced with various treatment options. This is especially important if you have diabetes. Additionally, if your calluses are painful or don't respond well to home remedies, you should see a doctor for a referral to a podiatrist.
- Healthcare professionals can help you identify the cause of your calluses so you can directly address the issue. Calluses are mostly caused by ill-fitting shoes, excessive use of dress shoes, toe deformities, posture problems, or gait issues that create pressure on the feet.
- Doctors will typically recommend removing the callus, but they will also advise that the callus will likely return unless the underlying cause is resolved.
- If there's a suspicion of abnormality (such as a bunion or bone spur) contributing to the callus, the doctor may suggest an X-ray or other imaging tests.
Follow your doctor's instructions to manage your callus. These measures may include changing your shoes, using pads to protect your feet from friction or pressure, foot orthotics to redistribute pressure on your feet, or foot surgery to correct deformities or toe issues.
Consult your doctor about using antibiotics to treat an infected callus. In some cases, calluses can become infected. Schedule a visit with your doctor if you notice pain, swelling, or discharge (pus or clear fluid) from the callus.
- If you're prone to infections, your doctor may also recommend applying an antibiotic ointment as a preventive measure.
Preventing Calluses from Forming
Choose well-fitting shoes. Shoes that pinch your feet or rub against the skin can cause calluses. The next time you go shoe shopping, make sure to measure your feet and pick shoes that aren't too tight or too loose.
- Look for shoes that fit well, have cushioned insoles, and feature a wide toe box.
- Take your shoes to a cobbler to widen the toe area where the callus is located.
- Shop for shoes in the late afternoon. Our feet tend to swell more towards the end of the day, so shoes that fit in the morning may not fit the same later in the day.
Choose thick socks to absorb pressure on your feet. Remember that the socks should fit well, be comfortable, and not make your shoes too tight. Additionally, ensure that the socks don't have seams that rub against your callus or any areas that could develop a callus.
Keep your feet clean and moisturize your skin. Washing your feet and applying foot cream daily will help keep your skin soft and prevent the formation of new calluses. Take a few minutes each day to gently scrub your feet with a brush and warm soapy water. Apply moisturizer to your feet after washing.
- Change your socks daily and use a pumice stone regularly after washing your feet. Be careful not to scrub too hard.
Tips
- Do not attempt to peel off the skin from the callus. This can cause further damage and increase pain.
- Wool felt, moleskin fabric, or cotton pads can help cushion calluses between the toes.
- Switching to running shoes and wearing thicker socks regularly can reduce the risk of recurring calluses due to the difference in material.
- Use donut-shaped pads to reduce pressure on the callus until it heals. These products are marketed as helpful for eliminating calluses and can be found at pharmacies.
Warnings
- Because certain medical conditions can increase the risk of infection, individuals with diabetes or circulation issues should visit a podiatrist for proper care. Diabetic patients should never attempt to remove their calluses on their own.
- People with diabetes should never use salicylic acid treatments to treat calluses. Skin ulcers could lead to serious complications.
- Even small cuts on the feet can become infected and cause severe issues, potentially leading to amputation. Be very cautious when removing calluses at home. Never use razors, scissors, or sharp objects to cut the calluses.
