Calluses are areas of toughened, thick skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. Although they are harmless, they can be unsightly. MayoClinic.com says that you should see a doctor if your callus becomes painful or inflamed. Minor calluses normally don't require medical attention, and many people treat them with home remedies, including warm water soaks and herbal substances such as tea tree oil. Ask your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat a callus.
Callus Features
Calluses, made up of dead skin cells, normally appear on the soles of your feet -- where they are caused by poorly-fitting or tight shoes -- and on your hands, usually as a result of using hand tools or garden implements. Along with appearing unusually thickened, the skin may be flaky, rough, waxy-looking or dry. Calluses rarely cause discomfort, but MayoClinic.com notes that they can sometimes develop into hard, painful bumps called corns.
Soaking Remedy
You may be able to banish your callus by using a home remedy that combines a warm water soak with the power of Ayurvedic herbs. According to Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.A. Sc., director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM, you should first clean the callus with tea tree oil, then make a paste of 1/2 tsp. of turmeric with 1 tsp. aloe vera gel and apply it at bedtime, covering with a bandage. In the morning, remove the bandage and soak your foot in a bucket of warm water for 10 minutes. Follow the soak by rubbing mustard oil -- available in Indian pharmacies -- into the callus. According to Lad, the callus should fall off after several days of this treatment.
Tea Tree Oil Actions
Tea tree oil is derived from the tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, an evergreen shrub native to Australia. According to Drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed information to consumers, tea tree oil was used as a wound cleaner in World War II, and has documented antimicrobial and antifungal qualities. Tea tree oil can irritate your skin; discontinue use if you experience redness, itching or pain. Ask your doctor before using tea tree oil. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you shouldn't use tea tree oil at all.
Turmeric Actions
Turmeric, botanically known as Curcuma longa, is a mainstay of Ayurvedic healing, where it is used for poor vision, rheumatism and coughs. Traditional Chinese medicine uses it for inflammatory skin conditions and infected wounds. According to Blue Shield of California, the curcumin in turmeric reduces inflammation, and may even combat certain types of cancer, including skin cancer. The website notes that turmeric can cause allergic dermatitis; if irritation occurs, discontinue use. Ask your doctor before using turmeric topically.
Aloe Vera Actions
Aloe vera gel, the sticky latex from the Aloe barbadensis plant, is often recommended by herbalists to soften and help dissolve calluses. Herb Legacy notes that two of aloe vera's constituents, the anthraquinones aloin and emodin, not only have antimicrobial effects, but help to break up lifeless cells. In addition, aloe vera gel contains substances called lignins that can penetrate and soften thick, toughened skin.
Mustard Oil Actions
Drugs.com notes that mustard oil has been used topically for rheumatism and arthritis and as a foot bath for aching feet. The website credits it with antimicrobial activity. Ask your doctor before using topical mustard oil, and don't use it if you are allergic to mustard, breast feeding or pregnant.
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