If you feel that your feet have recently developed foot calluses that cause irritation and pain, then you may have come to the right place. Foot Callus is a common foot problem that develops when skin tries to protect your pressure points from friction, pressure, or irritation, thus becoming lumpy and less sensitive to touch. While they are not dangerous, they cause constant irritation when you walk and stand. Luckily, you can remove them at home and prevent them from occurring. Learn how to remove calluses at home, prevention from calluses, and when to receive medical treatment for calluses in this article. Get a consultation with the best Podiatrists in Brooklyn.
Callus Removal and Treatment
You can go to several types of professionals for callus removal and treatment:
- Podiatrists: These foot specialists are specially trained in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, including plantar calluses.
- Dermatologists: These skin specialists can offer treatment options for plantar calluses, particularly if they are causing discomfort or have developed complications.
- Primary care physicians: Your primary care doctor can also offer an initial evaluation for plantar calluses and may refer you to a specialist, if needed.
It is important that you consult with a healthcare professional if you’re struggling with a callus, who can assess your specific condition and provide appropriate treatment options based on your needs.
At-Home Methods for Callus Removal
Here are different methods to help you remove calluses at home:
- Epsom salts:
These salts are FDA-approved for various conditions, including soaking minor bruises or injuries. It may help to soften calluses in preparation for other treatments like manual exfoliation with a pumice stone or foot file. You can just add a handful of Epsom salt to a bath or basin of warm water and soak the affected area for 10 minutes. These salts are available in most pharmacies or online.
- Pumice stones:
These stones are light, porous stones that are used to exfoliate dead skin and calluses. These stones may work best if the person has softened the skin. So, the best way to use it is to first soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes before using the stone. Once the skin softens, use gentle circular or side-to-side motion with this stone to remove dead skin cells. A person may need to exfoliate for several days in a row to get the desired results. These stones are available in most drugstores or online.
- Foot files:
A foot file is another tool used for exfoliation. It is made up of a metal grate and a rubber or plastic handle. You can use it while in the bath or shower. After filing down the callus, a moisturizer can help keep the skin soft. After filing down the callus, a moisturizer can help keep your skin soft. These foot files are easily available in pharmacies and can be purchased online.
- Baking soda paste:
Baking soda paste is a good alternative to commercial exfoliating creams because it is easily available and easy to use. To make it, mix two tablespoons of water with enough baking soda to form a paste, then add a few drops of lime juice. Apply this paste to callused areas and cover them with socks, gloves, or a gauze bandage for a few days. It is also a suitable remedy for other skin conditions or symptoms, like itchy skin due to eczema.
- Skin-softening creams:
You can also use heavy moisturizing creams or petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, on callused areas and leave it overnight. This may soften the calluses and prevent the skin from drying out. Wearing cotton socks with moisturizer can help to protect the area and lock in the moisture while sleeping. You can choose from a wide range of petroleum jelly products that are available to purchase online.
Callus Removal: Professional treatment
When it comes to callus removal with medical treatment, your podiatrist can use different techniques to remove your calluses without damaging the underlying skin and preventing the risk of infection. In addition, these procedures can help to improve the appearance of calluses if it doesn’t cause any pain. The common medical options to treat calluses are:
- Chemical peels:
This is an effective way to lower the appearance of calluses and corn on the feet. It is a safe treatment that uses proprietary chemicals in combination with exfoliation to remove hard, scaly patches of skin from the bottom of your feet, making them smoother and softer to touch. Make sure you wear comfortable, open-toed shoes to prevent putting pressure on areas where you feel a little sensitivity. Additionally, regular moisturizers are also recommended to keep calluses from recurring.
- Laser treatment:
It is a good non-surgical option used to address common foot problems, including calluses and corns. This advanced technology produces reliable and durable outcomes in visits to the doctor’s office. Laser treatment can penetrate deep into the tissue of the affected area and cause blood to coagulate in the dermis, which can shrink larger calluses or corns, which then become easily removable. However, it involves a negligible risk of infection or other complications, which makes it an ideal choice for many patients who need effective results without surgery.
- Prescription medications:
In some cases, during a callus removal procedure, medications are necessary. If a topical medication fails to remove callus effectively, the doctor may suggest a prescription oral medication to manage the sensitivity in the area. For example, an oral antifungal medication may be prescribed if there is evidence of an underlying fungal infection. Make sure you take medications as instructed to get optimal results and prevent further complications.
Regular checkups are recommended after callus removal to monitor the area and prevent callus recurrence.
Callus Prevention Methods
Several ways can help you prevent calluses from recurring, like:
- Check your shoe size:
Make sure you wear properly fitting shoes. Avoid shoes that are too large, which make your foot move around when you walk (this friction and rubbing can lead to calluses). Also, avoid shoes that are too tight because they lead to bunions. Keep in mind, your feet grow and change as you age, so make sure you measure your feet size regularly when buying shoes to get the right size.
- Opt for cushion/control:
This helps to protect your feet, especially if you have a lot of bony prominences, as this increases the risk of developing pressure sores, so use adequate insole padding within your shoes. Insole padding helps provide support to the feet of older people when they suffer from fat pad atrophy (the gradual loss of fat pads in the ball or heel of the foot). This can lead to bony prominence, which causes rubbing and leads to calluses.
- Think about shoe style:
Podiatrists often recommend avoiding pointy-toe shoes, as they can rub against the interior of the toe area and cause calluses. Open-toed and broad shoes allow your feet to slide around, creating friction. It also exposes your feet to the open air, which makes them dry out and leads to calluses. Instead, you should purchase shoes that have rounded or square sides, allowing more room around the toe area, and lessening the chances of rubbing. You don’t have to wear sandals; make sure you take some good foot care at the end of the day or take breaks from open-toe shoes occasionally.
- Don’t forget good foot care:
General foot care is not only about preventing the development of calluses but also ensuring the overall health of the foot. To prevent the development of calluses, you should moisturize your feet regularly while preventing the thickening of roughened skin, along with exfoliating with a pumice stone. Any creams with at least 15 to 20% urea (an organic compound that gently exfoliates the skin, along with hydrating it) should be applied to the feet. For a serious case of calluses, soak your feet in a solution of warm Epsom salt, vinegar, and hydrating oil.
- Wear socks regularly:
Wearing the right socks can help you prevent calluses from forming. If you have a callus already, make sure you wear socks that have extra padding on the heel and ball of the foot to prevent further rubbing. Even if you don’t have calluses, socks help to absorb some of the pressure that your feet are subjected to. Make sure it is made from breathable material.
Callus removal and prevention are not difficult; you can easily remove callus at home with the help of the above-mentioned methods of callus removal. In case your callus is severe and has a risk of infection, make sure you consult with a professional for medical treatment.
Need help with callus removal? Visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now! At Doral Health & Wellness, we have Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common.
It’s not a good idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you are in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call + 1 718 367 2555 or send an email to info@doralhw.org.
