A tough, thick layer of skin known as a callus may form on your foot when ill-fitting shoes continually rub or put pressure on the same spot. MayoClinic.com notes that if you have no other medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulation problems, you only need to remove calluses if you dislike their appearance or if they hurt when you walk. To remove one, use a basic technique to rub the hard skin away.
Step 1
Soften the callus by soaking your foot in water to make the thick skin softer. Submerge your foot in soapy, warm water, and let it soak for at least five minutes to soften the callus effectively.
Step 2
Rub the callus to wear it down once you've softened it in the warm water. The National Institute on Aging recommends gently rubbing the callus with a pumice stone to reduce its thickness to minimize any pain or tenderness.
Step 3
Keep the area of your foot affected by calluses moisturized to keep the skin from hardening and to minimize friction against your footwear. The PennState Hershey Obstetrics and Gynecology website notes that applications of lanolin cream or petroleum jelly can soften the callus and help relieve discomfort.
Step 4
Protect your feet. Reduce rubbing and irritation that may cause the callus to redevelop by adding gel insoles to your shoes to cushion your feet. Or you can cushion specific spots with protective foot pads sold over the counter to combat corns and calluses.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent calluses from forming in the first place by buying and wearing properly fitted shoes. The National Institute on Aging recommends getting the best fit by trying shoes on in the afternoon or evening when your feet have "expanded" to their biggest size. The institute also suggests selecting shoes that are made of a flexible material and that feature low heels and a thick sole. Buying a shoe that isn't too tight and has a half-inch gap between your longest toe and the end of the shoe will also ensure a good fit.
- Avoid using cutting tools, such as scissors, razor blades or fingernail clippers to trim the calluses on your feet, as you may injure yourself or cause an infection by using an unsanitary tool. Consult your physician instead of self-treating a callus if you have a condition such as poor circulation or diabetes. MayoClinic.com notes that even a minor foot problem such as a callus can lead to a foot ulcer, which can develop into a more serious problem. Your doctor may treat a callus by applying salicylic acid, cutting it or prescribing an antibiotic to combat infection.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Moisturizer
- Protective foot pads
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