Reduction and Treatment of Calluses

Calluses can develop anywhere on your body, but one of the most common places for calluses to appear is also one of the most frequently used parts of your body -- your feet! These thick and hardened layers of skin are usually harmless, but they can be annoying and sometimes quite uncomfortable. If a callus is causing you pain, you should consult your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions before attempting to remove the callus on your own.

A callus forms when excess friction and pressure are applied repeatedly to a certain part of the skin. The feet and hands are often affected disproportionately compared to the rest of the body because of the significant amount of use they get. Because we are constantly wearing shoes and applying/shifting weight on our feet, calluses often develop on the bonier parts of the feet such as the heel, soles, and toes. In most cases, calluses will heal on their own if the cause of the problem is removed, but you can speed up the healing process by adding a couple of things to your routine.
The good news is that both the reduction and treatment of calluses can take place in the comfort of your own home with a few easy steps that will have your feet feeling smooth in no time!

Tips for Reducing Calluses:
Most people will still get a callus or two on their feet despite their foot care routine. Since your feet are used so often, no one can be guaranteed a callus-free life, but you can significantly minimize the frequency and overall risk of foot calluses with the right habits intact. Treat your feet by protecting the skin and get ahead of calluses by heeding these simple steps before they develop. (1)
1.) Wear shoes that fit and give your feet plenty of room to move -- The main cause of calluses is friction so it’s no surprise that ill-fitting shoes would cause unnecessary chafing on the skin of your foot. If your shoes are too small, your feet will likely rub against the inside seam or stitch. Shoes that are too big allow your foot too much room to move and lead to sliding and rubbing. Finding a shoe that fits properly is best done when your feet are the most swollen at the end of the day. If at any point you notice your shoes rubbing or pinching when they otherwise fit, many shoe shops can stretch your shoes to improve their overall fit and reduce the chance of calluses.
2.) Moisturize your feet -- Plainly speaking, calluses are just a buildup of dead skin made up of compact cells which have been transformed due to high levels of friction in a particular area. The body has trouble shedding this dead skin because of its density and compactness, but keeping callused areas moisturized with lotion or oil can help some of these skin cells loosen up before they get to the point of a hard, full-blown callus.
3.) Switch up your routine -- If you find yourself making the same repetitive motions with your feet, find a way you can switch it up. Whether that means sitting a different way, taking breaks if you frequently drive long distances, or resting more on lengthy walks, it’s important to give your feet a break. Overworked feet can lead to rough calluses and other problems, so make sure you’re prioritizing rest!
4.) Wear socks -- Now that you’ve found shoes that fit, it’s important to wear socks to add an extra layer of protection! Many socks have extra padding in the heel and the ball of the foot where we tend to shift weight and apply extra pressure. This added cushion reduces the friction between your foot and your shoe and minimizes the risk of callus formation.

Tips for Treating Calluses:
Sometimes old habits die hard, and you aren’t able to change your routine before calluses develop. If this is the case, there are plenty of cost-effective at-home treatment options that you can try. These at-home remedies are safe and effective for people with no underlying health problems. Those with conditions that may affect blood flow should consult a doctor before trying the following treatments. (2)
1.) Soak the feet in warm soapy water -- Soaking the callus will soften the hard dead skin. While warm soapy water is effective on its own, adding Epsom salt is a great way to bump up the penetration factor of the moisture that will soften the skin.
2.) Exfoliate -- Once the callus is softened, rub it gently with a pumice stone, washcloth, or nail file. By thinning the callus, you’ll make it easier for your body to naturally shed the dead skin and replace it with new, smoother skin.
3.) Use corn pads -- While corns and calluses are not the same, corn pads can be helpful if you’re trying to treat a callus at home. These donut-shaped cushions relieve friction and shoe pressure that may worsen your callus. Applied like a bandaid, they’re discreet, comfortable, and great for healing your feet.
4.) Apply salicylic acid -- Many corn pads contain salicylic acid, which softens calluses. You can also find salicylic acid in liquids and ointments for easy application that also provides moisturizing benefits. Since most salicylic acid treatments are over the counter, this is another easy, fast, and cost-effective way to start healing your calluses before heading to the podiatrist.

While some degree of callus formation on your feet is normal, it can be annoying and warrant action towards smoother feet. The hardened skin of a callus is your body’s way of protecting you from extra friction and pressure. By changing your foot care routine to include the callus reduction tips above, you can get ahead of calluses and protect your feet before they need to protect you. If a callus does appear, remember that the most important thing is to eliminate irritation. If you have diabetes or another circulation issue, make sure to see your doctor before attempting any treatment at home.

Sources:
1 https://www.slcpodiatrist.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-keep-getting-calluses-on-your-feet/
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946""Calluses can develop anywhere on your body, but one of the most common places for calluses to appear is also one of the most frequently used parts of your body -- your feet! These thick and hardened layers of skin are usually harmless, but they can be annoying and sometimes quite uncomfortable. If a callus is causing you pain, you should consult your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions before attempting to remove the callus on your own.

A callus forms when excess friction and pressure are applied repeatedly to a certain part of the skin. The feet and hands are often affected disproportionately compared to the rest of the body because of the significant amount of use they get. Because we are constantly wearing shoes and applying/shifting weight on our feet, calluses often develop on the bonier parts of the feet such as the heel, soles, and toes. In most cases, calluses will heal on their own if the cause of the problem is removed, but you can speed up the healing process by adding a couple of things to your routine.
The good news is that both the reduction and treatment of calluses can take place in the comfort of your own home with a few easy steps that will have your feet feeling smooth in no time!

Tips for Reducing Calluses:
Most people will still get a callus or two on their feet despite their foot care routine. Since your feet are used so often, no one can be guaranteed a callus-free life, but you can significantly minimize the frequency and overall risk of foot calluses with the right habits intact. Treat your feet by protecting the skin and get ahead of calluses by heeding these simple steps before they develop. (1)
1.) Wear shoes that fit and give your feet plenty of room to move -- The main cause of calluses is friction so it’s no surprise that ill-fitting shoes would cause unnecessary chafing on the skin of your foot. If your shoes are too small, your feet will likely rub against the inside seam or stitch. Shoes that are too big allow your foot too much room to move and lead to sliding and rubbing. Finding a shoe that fits properly is best done when your feet are the most swollen at the end of the day. If at any point you notice your shoes rubbing or pinching when they otherwise fit, many shoe shops can stretch your shoes to improve their overall fit and reduce the chance of calluses.
2.) Moisturize your feet -- Plainly speaking, calluses are just a buildup of dead skin made up of compact cells which have been transformed due to high levels of friction in a particular area. The body has trouble shedding this dead skin because of its density and compactness, but keeping callused areas moisturized with lotion or oil can help some of these skin cells loosen up before they get to the point of a hard, full-blown callus.
3.) Switch up your routine -- If you find yourself making the same repetitive motions with your feet, find a way you can switch it up. Whether that means sitting a different way, taking breaks if you frequently drive long distances, or resting more on lengthy walks, it’s important to give your feet a break. Overworked feet can lead to rough calluses and other problems, so make sure you’re prioritizing rest!
4.) Wear socks -- Now that you’ve found shoes that fit, it’s important to wear socks to add an extra layer of protection! Many socks have extra padding in the heel and the ball of the foot where we tend to shift weight and apply extra pressure. This added cushion reduces the friction between your foot and your shoe and minimizes the risk of callus formation.

Tips for Treating Calluses:
Sometimes old habits die hard, and you aren’t able to change your routine before calluses develop. If this is the case, there are plenty of cost-effective at-home treatment options that you can try. These at-home remedies are safe and effective for people with no underlying health problems. Those with conditions that may affect blood flow should consult a doctor before trying the following treatments. (2)
1.) Soak the feet in warm soapy water -- Soaking the callus will soften the hard dead skin. While warm soapy water is effective on its own, adding Epsom salt is a great way to bump up the penetration factor of the moisture that will soften the skin.
2.) Exfoliate -- Once the callus is softened, rub it gently with a pumice stone, washcloth, or nail file. By thinning the callus, you’ll make it easier for your body to naturally shed the dead skin and replace it with new, smoother skin.
3.) Use corn pads -- While corns and calluses are not the same, corn pads can be helpful if you’re trying to treat a callus at home. These donut-shaped cushions relieve friction and shoe pressure that may worsen your callus. Applied like a bandaid, they’re discreet, comfortable, and great for healing your feet.
4.) Apply salicylic acid -- Many corn pads contain salicylic acid, which softens calluses. You can also find salicylic acid in liquids and ointments for easy application that also provides moisturizing benefits. Since most salicylic acid treatments are over the counter, this is another easy, fast, and cost-effective way to start healing your calluses before heading to the podiatrist.

While some degree of callus formation on your feet is normal, it can be annoying and warrant action towards smoother feet. The hardened skin of a callus is your body’s way of protecting you from extra friction and pressure. By changing your foot care routine to include the callus reduction tips above, you can get ahead of calluses and protect your feet before they need to protect you. If a callus does appear, remember that the most important thing is to eliminate irritation. If you have diabetes or another circulation issue, make sure to see your doctor before attempting any treatment at home.

Sources:
1 https://www.slcpodiatrist.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-keep-getting-calluses-on-your-feet/
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946