How to Cure Calluses

Calluses are an accumulation of layers of dead skin with a hard core inside, usually appearing above the toes or between the toes. Calluses can also form on the soles of the feet. ^{[1] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to the source} Calluses are the body’s defense response to friction or pressure, but they can also cause pain. Fortunately, most calluses can be treated easily with home remedies. If calluses are causing a lot of pain or if you have diabetes, it’s best to have them treated by a medical professional.

Table of Contents

Treat calluses at home

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Soak the callus in warm water for 10 minutes. Soaking calluses softens the thick skin and makes it easier to remove. Fill the basin with warm soapy water and soak the feet for 10 minutes or until the callus begins to soften. ^{[2] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

The water in the foot bath should be warm but not so hot that it burns the skin.
Some people find that a little apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda added to warm water also helps. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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File soft calluses with a pumice stone. After soaking the callus in warm water for a while, you can dip a pumice stone in the water and gently rub it over the callus in small circular motions or to the side. ^{[4] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

You can also use nail files, nail files, even rough towels or scrubs. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Be careful not to scrub too hard or file too much skin, as this can lead to irritation or infection.
Do not use a pumice stone to scrub your feet if you have diabetes, as this can slow healing and infection. You should see a podiatrist for treatment and guidance. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Moisten the area with calluses daily. Moisturizers can soften the skin on hard calluses, making them easier to remove. Creams or lotions containing salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea can be very helpful in softening calluses. ^{[7] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

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Use pads to prevent irritation. Look for foot pads online or at drugstores. You can purchase patches specifically designed for calluses or mpeskin patches that can be cut into the right shape and size for calluses. ^{[8] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

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Try over-the-counter medications to treat persistent calluses. Carefully follow the directions on the packaging and use these products with caution. Most callus products contain salicylic acid, which can cause irritation or burning in the feet. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If you have diabetes, do not use these products without consulting your doctor first as they can lead to irritation and inflammation.
Most over-the-counter patches contain 40% salicylic acid, so it’s also a potent drug. However, your doctor may still suggest that you file some dead skin on your callus before applying it.

Medical treatment

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See your doctor for an evaluation of the callus. While over-the-counter medications can also help, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor who’s experienced with a variety of treatment options. This is especially important if you have diabetes. Also, if calluses are causing a lot of pain or aren’t responding well to home remedies, you should also see your doctor for a referral to a podiatrist.

A medical professional can help you identify the cause of calloused feet to help you directly deal with the problem. Calluses form mainly due to improper footwear, wearing too many shoes, deformed toes, and posture or gait problems that put pressure on the feet.
Your doctor will usually decide to remove your calluses, but they will recommend that the calluses reappear if you do not address the cause of the calluses.
If an abnormality (such as a big toe deformity or bone spur) is suspected to be contributing to calluses, your doctor may recommend x-rays or other imaging tests. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Follow your doctor’s instructions to control calluses. These measures may include changing footwear, using patches to protect the foot from friction or pressure, foot orthotics to change the distribution of pressure on the foot, orthopedic surgery. or toe problems. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Talk to your doctor about using antibiotics to treat infected calluses. In some cases, calluses can become infected. Make an appointment with your doctor right away if your calluses are painful, inflamed, or draining (pus or clear fluid). ^{[12] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

If you are prone to infections, your doctor may also recommend that you apply an antibiotic cream as a precaution.

Prevents calluses from forming

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Choose shoes that fit. Shoes that squeeze the foot or rub against the skin of the foot can cause calluses. Next time, when shopping for shoes, remember to measure your feet and choose shoes that are neither too wide nor too tight. ^{[13] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

Look for shoes that fit, have cushioning, and have a wide toe.
Take the shoe to a shoemaker to widen the toe of the shoe where the callus is located.
Go shoe shopping late in the day. Our feet usually swell more at the end of the day. This means that shoes bought in the morning may not fit properly in the afternoon.

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Choose thick socks to absorb pressure on your feet. Remember that the sock should fit, be comfortable and not make the shoe too tight. In addition, you also need to make sure the socks do not have seams that rub into calluses or other possible calluses. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Keep your feet clean and moisturize your feet. Washing your feet and applying a foot moisturizer daily will help soften the skin of your feet and prevent new calluses from forming. Take a few minutes each day to gently scrub your feet with a brush and warm soapy water. Apply moisturizer to your feet after you’ve washed them.

Change socks daily and scrub your feet regularly with a pumice stone after washing. Be careful not to scrub too hard.

Advice

Do not try to peel off the skin on the calluses. This action will only hurt more and cause you more pain.
Wool, mpeskine, or cotton balls can help smooth calluses between the toes.
Changing to regular running shoes and thick socks can reduce the risk of calluses again thanks to the difference in materials.
Use donut-shaped pads to relieve pressure on the callus until it heals. These products are advertised as getting rid of calluses and are available in drugstores.

Warning

Because certain medical conditions can increase the risk of infection, people with diabetes or circulation problems should see a podiatrist for care. Diabetics should also never remove calluses on their own.
People with diabetes should never use salicylic acid drops to treat calluses. Sores on the skin can lead to serious problems.
Even a small cut on the foot can become infected and cause a condition so serious that amputation is required. Be very careful when removing calluses at home. Never use razors, scissors or other sharp objects to cut calluses.

Steps

Treat calluses at home

Medical treatment

Prevents calluses from forming

Advice

Warning

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