Here is how to get rid of calluses- soak the callus in warm water, then file the callus to get rid of the harder layers and apply moisturizing cream or lotion every day. You can also use additional padding in your shoes.
Keeping your feet healthy by wearing the right shoes and socks, as well as soaking and scrubbing your feet on a regular basis, can also help eliminate calluses. In case you can get into the habit of doing these things regularly, you can even prevent calluses from forming in the first place. Calluses aren't necessarily a symptom of a medical complication so it shouldn't warrant a rush to the hospital. There are a few natural medications you can employ for your calluses in case you want to get rid of them.
Treatments and remedies for calluses
14 Ways you Can Treat Calluses
Use warm water and Immerse your callus
The first step is to subject your callus spot to an average 20-minute soaking in warm water. Next you can either air dry or gently dab a towel to dry the callus area. Try and softly rub away a callus layer with just your fingers. For you to effectively rub the callus away you need to constantly immerse your callus for consecutive days. Repetitive soaking sessions will enable you to peel off the layers one at a time. Most skin experts will recommend a simple warm-water soak as one of the initial remedies.
Non-medicated callus pads
Callus pads, made up of soft, silicone, and a delicate adhesive, may be used on the affected part and worn beneath shirts, footwear, or gloves. The pads will ward off irritation from your warts during the healing period. Skin care websites recommends you stay away from medicated callus pads that have salicylic acid as its component which results in pain and cracks within your skin surface.
Exfoliating creams
You can make dead skin fall off by using exfoliating creams. If you find manual skin exfoliation tedious, you can switch to exfoliating with the aid of creams and lotions.
Use Exfoliating creams that contain salicylic acid and ammonium lactate For Your Calluses
Effective products that assist removing dead cells contain some of these ingredients urea, salicylic acid and ammonium lactate.To remove the thick layer of dead cells, individuals trying to eliminate calluses need to spread these lotions over a number of days for them to speedup the process. After a number of days you will notice the dead skin get soft and delicate callus will be less noticeable.
A lot of these exfoliating lotions and creams that are remedies for callus are readily available in your local pharmacy or you can order your product online. Be careful when you decide to purchase these products on your own, look at the label to confirm there are no harmful components. If you're not able to figure out what ingredient is harmful to your skin or ones that may cause irritation; the best option is to visit a medical expert such as a podiatrist or a dermatologist to give you the best recommendation.
Apple cider vinegar as a Callus Exfoliator due to Acidic Properties
Apple cider vinegar contains an acidic ingredient that softens the thick callus skin. You need to mix water and apple cider vinegar in the ratio 4:1, immediately immerse your callus in the solution for an average of 20 minutes. After soaking your callus, it will be easy for you to start peeling the top layers of dead skin. Avoid pulling the skin with extra force since peeling the neighboring healthy skin will likely result in contamination.
Castor oil as a Lubricant When Removing Callus
Castor oil contains ingredients that make it a natural skin lubricant. you want to prepare your skin for This lubrication may be effective when you need to rub off callus. All you need is a bucket of warm water quarter-way full and five tablespoons of castor oil. Soak your callus in this solution to lubricate your hard skin and smooth out the callus spot.
Pumice stone For Calluses You can’t see
A pumice stone can be a reliable tool when you're trying to eliminate callus either around your elbows or at the bottom of your feet, were it's out of your view. First, soak your callus for 15-20 minutes. Next, press the pumice stone against your callus and rub in a circle, remember to focus on one section at a time instead of rubbing the whole callus area. This remedy works best with repetitive sessions and will require your patience if you want it to be effective.
File your callus to remove some of the harder layers on Your Foot
A foot file also known as an emissary board is an alternative tool for exfoliation. A file comes with a metal grate and either plastic or a rubber handle. Similar to pumice stones, soften your callus in warm water then start using the file. Alternatively, you can use the file while taking a bath. Keep your skin soft with a moisturizer after filing the callus. Foot files are available in most pharmacies, and you can also order one online.
Sandpaper To Rub Off Calluses
A gentle rubbing from a fine grade of sandpaper is a great alternative for getting rid of calluses. This remedy works best when you combine it with any soaking procedure in this article. Dipping your callus in an exfoliating solution is the first step before using a sandpaper.
After soaking, firmly but gently press the sandpaper against your soft callus and rub in a circular manner to see if parts of the dead skin begin falling off. You will need to repeat this process consistently for you to effectively exfoliate the callus with a sand paper. Never at any time start to rub the sandpaper vigorously to speed up the process, it will only result in injuries.
Epsom salt as a Callus Exfoliator
Epsom salt is a substance that works as an exfoliator. This type of remedy is mostly efficient when you want to rest your hands while simultaneously eliminate a callus. Epsom salt has fine grains that dissolves in water to create a solution that soften and relax your muscles. Take 3 tablespoons of salt and add into a bucket of warm water, soak your callus in the solution to easily peel off the hard skin.
Tea tree oil Solution For Callus Removal
Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial, antifungal, and natural antiseptic properties. Add some drops of tea tree oil in a bucket full of warm water, and immerse your callus until you feel the skin start softening then lift your feet. Avoid soaking your callus in this solution for more than 15 minutes due to the power of this product; it may end up causing skin injury when you dip for a long while.
Baking soda and lemon juice as a Remedy For Callus
This medication includes an acidic ingredient (lemon juice) and a chemical ingredient mostly known as baking soda that sparks a reaction which eases the peeling of your callus layers. Take a basin, add enough warm water then introduce about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a start. Soak your callus within the solution for some few then introduce the baking soda. The baking soda contains fine granules that result in fizz when you add it to the lemon juice; you will end up with extra callus -dissolving powder in the solution.
Wear Protective Cushions To Prevent Calluses
Calluses may last up to week before healing. However, you don't want to slow down the healing process, that's why you need to protect your feet by wearing padded socks to ease the pressure. If you're an athlete, you should consider putting on shoes with padding that will relieve the pressure from areas prone to friction that may result in callus formation. Even if you choose thicker socks or shoe insoles, a little extra padding can go a long way when it comes to preventing calluses on your feet. The extra padding cushions your feet and reduces the amount of friction your feet endure from your everyday walking.
Soak your feet in lemon juice to soothe the callus
Lemon juice contains acid, which can be very useful when softening and getting rid of calluses. Immerse your feet in lemon juice for about 15 minutes before scrubbing your feet with a pumice stone or foot file. Whereas foot razors or shavers can be bought at pharmacies and drug stores, they are not a good idea to use. These products can easily cut your feet, and these cuts can quickly become infected.
Look for products that comprise of salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an effective remedy against calluses. Look for moisturizers, cleansers, or treatments containing this gentle exfoliant. Another fancy exfoliating socks, this brand utilizes the power of salicylic acid to calm and reduce irritating calluses while rehydrating your feet for softer, clearer skin. Patients with underlying conditions that may have a potential effect on the skin, such as diabetes, should visit a doctor before attempting to perform any of the treatments mentioned above.
Treatment of Calluses
3 Ways To Treat Calluses
Treatment for corns and calluses mostly includes avoiding the repetitive actions that result in their formation in the first place. You can help resolve them by wearing well-fitting shoes, using protective pads and taking other self-care measures. If a callus or a corn is persistent or becomes painful even though you try to take care of your callus, you can use medications to relieve the pain:
Cutting away excess skin
Your doctor can trim or cut down a large corn using a scalpel, usually during outpatient visits. doing this own your own at home may result in an injury and that's why you should consult a skin specialist.
Callus-removing medication
Your podiatrist can strap a patch that has 40 % salicylic acid (Clear Away, MediPlast, etc). Such creams are accessible without a recommendation. Your doctor will inform you how frequent you need to replace this patch. They may prescribe the use of a pumice stone,emery board to smooth away dead skin before replacing the old patch. Salicylic acid is also available in the form of a gel usage on larger spots.
Shoe inserts To Prevent Calluses
In case of a present foot complication, a podiatrist will likely recommend custom-made padded shoe inserts (orthotics) to prevent recurring calluses or corns.
Surgery To Correct Bone Protrusions Causing Friction
In rare occasions, your skin specialist may suggest surgery to correct the alignment of a bone causing friction.
Outlook and prevention of Calluses
How To take Care of Calluses?
Taking care of your callus doesn't stop at the remedies, you need to take steps to ensure they don't recur. Put on knee pads or work gloves to prevent you from forming calluses on your hands or on your knees. Moisturize your hands to soften your skin and make it less susceptible to irritation and breaking.
Avoid walking without shoes, and make sure you wear well-fitting footwear that leave enough space for your feet to breathe. Trim your toenails straight across and keep them short to avoid foot irritation. Put on socks and slippers with padding while in the house to prevent callus formation at the bottom of your feet. Leave shopping for shoes until as late as possible. Throughout the day, your feet swell, and you want to size your shoes based on your swollen feet. This guarantees that your shoes are large enough to accommodate your swollen feet and will not become uncomfortable as the day goes on.
When to see a doctor About Callus?
Individuals suffering from diabetes, particularly those with peripheral artery or peripheral neuropathy complication, shouldn't treat calluses on their own and see a doctor or a professional podiatrist. The reason is these people highly susceptible to skin and nerve injury.
