How to get rid of calluses on feet: List of methods
How to get rid of calluses on your feet (photo: Freepik)
Calluses are common issues faced by both men and women. They are uncomfortable formations that complicate people's daily lives, restricting their movement and causing pain. Some methods can help eliminate them, according to Livestrong.
How calluses form
Calluses are thickened layers of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself from friction or pressure.
Calluses can also form on the feet due to tight shoes, poorly fitted socks, or if you don't wear socks at all.
Surgeon Brad Schaeffer noted that most calluses are not painful.
If they become very painful, they should be removed, which can often be done at home.
Exfoliate the skin with a pumice stone
The rough, abrasive texture of a pumice stone can effectively exfoliate hardened skin. It's the best tool for removing calluses at home.
Start by soaking the area in warm water to soften the skin.
When you're ready to exfoliate, gently rub the pumice stone over the callus in circular or sideways motions until you remove the dead skin.
After exfoliating the callus, apply a gentle moisturizing cream to maintain soft and elastic skin.
Special treatments for calluses
Daily use of moisturizers containing skin-smoothing ingredients like salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea can gradually soften calloused skin over time.
It's important to seek medical attention promptly if your callus is painful, red, inflamed, or filled with pus, as these could be signs of infection.
How to prevent calluses on feet
To prevent calluses, wear comfortable shoes with socks. Ideal footwear should have a wide toe box that allows toes to move comfortably.
Regularly trim toenails. Long nails force toes to press against shoes, which can lead to calluses over time.
Also, use moisturizing foot cream. Moisturized skin is less prone to calluses.
Can you cut calluses?
Only a doctor can do this. An orthopedic specialist might use a scalpel or surgical blade to cut away a callus.
If you want to remove a callus at home, a pumice stone or callus removal cream are safer options.
Additionally, Vaseline itself won't remove calluses. However, regularly applying Vaseline or another moisturizer can help keep your skin moisturized, which may prevent new calluses from forming.
Also, we mentioned that you absolutely should not attempt to do this while shaving your legs.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
