Callus is a lump of dead skin with a hard core that develops on or between the toes. It could also form on the forefoot. Simply put, it is a defensive reaction to repeated friction or pressure which, however, causes pain. Fortunately, you can safely treat it with a few home remedies. If it hurts very much or you have diabetes, it is best to consult your doctor to find a suitable cure.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Homemade remedies
Step 1. Soak it in warm water for 10 minutes
This way, you can soften hardened skin and make it easier to remove. Fill a foot bath tub or shallow basin with warm, soapy water and soak the affected area for 10 minutes or until the callus begins to soften.
- The water should be hot, but not too hot to burn the skin;
- Some prefer to add some apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda.
Step 2. Smooth the softened callus with the pumice stone
After the foot bath, take a pumice stone and wet it with water. Rub it gently into the callus, with small circular or transverse motions.
- You can also use a nail file, cardboard file, rough cloth, or exfoliating disc.
- Be careful not to rub vigorously and remove too much skin as it may become irritated or infected.
- Do not use pumice stone if you have diabetes - it could lead to wounds and infections that struggle to heal. Talk to your doctor or podiatrist for proper care and advice.
Step 3. Hydrate the affected area every day
By doing this, you can soften hardened skin and make it easier to remove the callus. Moisturizing creams or lotions based on salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea are especially useful for softening calluses.
Step 4. Use corn patches to prevent further irritation
Look for them on the Internet or at the pharmacy. You can buy pre-made ones or buy a protective moleskin pad and cut it according to the shape and size of the callus.
Step 5. Try an over-the-counter remedy if the callus is stubborn
Follow the instructions in the package insert carefully and proceed with caution. Most callus products contain salicylic acid, a substance that may irritate or burn the skin on your foot.
- If you have diabetes, do not use these products without consulting your doctor. They could irritate and promote infections.
- Almost all over-the-counter treatments contain 40% salicylic acid, so they are very potent. Either way, your doctor may recommend that you remove some dead skin before applying them.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Medical Care
Step 1. Go to the doctor to show him the callus
Over-the-counter remedies are useful, but your doctor will certainly give you a more targeted and effective solution. You need to get prescribed the right medications especially if you have diabetes. Also, do not hesitate to consult him or ask him which podiatrist you can contact if you are worried about pain or if the home remedies used so far are not effective.
- Your doctor will help you determine the cause so that you can address the problem directly. Calluses are often caused by the wrong size footwear, excessive use of heels, toe deformities, or posture problems putting too much pressure on the feet.
- Your doctor or podiatrist will most likely decide to remove the callus, but will tell you that it could come back if you don't fix the problem.
- If you suspect that a physical abnormality (such as bursitis or a bone spur) is promoting calluses, you may be ordered for an X-ray or other imaging test.
Step 2. Follow your doctor's advice
He may suggest that you change shoes, protect your skin from friction or excessive pressure, use orthopedic insoles to better distribute body weight, or undergo surgical correction.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you need to use antibiotics to treat the infection
In some cases, the callus could become infected. If it hurts, is inflamed, or has discharge (pus or clear fluid), see your doctor right away.
If you are prone to infections, he or she may also prescribe antibiotic ointment prophylaxis
Part 3 of 3: Preventing the Appearance of Calluses
Step 1. Bring shoes of the right size
If they sting or create friction, they can promote the formation of corns and calluses. The next time you go shopping for new shoes, try different styles and make sure you choose a pair that is neither too loose nor too tight.
- Find shoes that are the right size and well-padded that give your toes enough space;
- Take them to the cobbler to widen the part where the fingers are lodged and prevent the appearance of calluses.
- Go shopping in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell as the day goes by. This means that if you buy them in the morning, they may no longer be comfortable in the following hours.
Step 2. Choose double socks to avoid friction between the leather and the shoe
Make sure they fit loosely. Also, be careful that they don't have seams that can rub against calluses or cause them to appear.
Step 3. Keep your feet clean and hydrated
By washing and moisturizing them daily, you will keep your skin soft and prevent this problem from returning. Gently scrub them every day for a few minutes with a brush, warm soapy water. When you're done, apply a foot moisturizer.
Change your socks every day and use the pumice stone regularly after washing your feet. When scrubbing it, be careful not to peel off the dead skin too hard
Advice
- Avoid peeling off the layers of dead skin. You will only create more damage and feel more pain.
- Cotton, wool and moleskin protectors can relieve the discomfort of pressure on the calluses between the toes.
- Use the donut-shaped pads to relieve the pressure on the callus until it disappears. They are specially designed for this purpose. You can find them in the pharmacy and supermarket.
- Try wearing sneakers more often with heavier socks to reduce the risk of calluses returning.
Warnings
- Even a small cut on the foot can carry an infection and cause more serious problems, including amputation. Therefore, be very careful when removing the callus on your own. Never use razors, scissors or other sharp objects.
- Since some conditions can increase the risk of infections, people with diabetes or circulation problems should always go to a podiatrist to treat their feet and never get rid of calluses on their own.
- People with diabetes should not use salicylic acid solutions. Skin ulcers can cause serious problems.
