The average person walks thousands of steps every day. All this routine walking — along with the shoes we wear on our feet, can have effects on our feet. No wonder we suffer from calluses! So, how to remove calluses from feet at home? Home remedies can be the answer!
Calluses are usually caused by constant pressure on a spot of your feet. Additional layers of skin grow over the soft that is affected until it becomes harder, and a raised bump appears. The body does this to protect your feet from being broken or exposed to irritants.
Calluses are not usually painful and are most often found on your feet, fingertips, palms of the hands, knees, and toes. Walking barefoot, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and working for long hours with your hands are common causes of calluses.
Your skin epidermis gradually develops into the callus. The callus, over time, can evolve into corn, which is a callus with a hardened core.
Although they are rarely severe, extreme pressure and rubbing can cause these calluses to emerge on almost any spot on the skin.
Naturally, you will want to pick up a using sharp object to remove or reduce the callus; doing this will not only injure the skin but can lead to infection and even bleeding.
How to Remove Calluses from Feet at Home?
Fortunately, everyone can get rid of the uncomfortable calluses at home. Although it may take time, frequent exfoliation, moisturizing, patience, and several simple home remedies can help reduce their appearance.
Calluses aren’t life-threatening, so there isn’t usually cause for alarm. Unfortunately, for people that have underlying diseases such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or peripheral neuropathy, it is not advisable to treat these calluses on your own.
Consulting a doctor or a qualified podiatrist can prevent further problems. Individuals with these diseases are more prone to skin and nerve injury.
I have compiled a list of these home remedies that can help you get rid of these unwanted calluses.
Aloe Vera gel overnight
Aloe Vera is an effective overnight treatment for callus or corns. This solution works better with an aloe leaf, but alternatively, using 100% pure Aloe Vera gel is also very efficient.
To apply the Aloe, cut a small portion from the Aloe plant and slice it open, place the cut side against the callus. Afterward, Cover the Aloe Vera on your feet with a bandage, and leave it overnight. The next morning, remove the bandage to reveal the softer, easy-to-scrape callus or corn.
Pumice Stones
Pumice is an incredibly porous rock that forms during volcanic eruptions. The pumice stones are a lightweight, extremely porous stone that can be used to exfoliate unwanted calluses and dead skin.
To use the stone more effectively, the hardened skin has to be softened. By softening the surface, you can reduce the risk of injury and scarring. An easy way to soften the skin is to soak the hardened callus in warm water for about 5–10 minutes before using the stone to peel off dead skin. Adding Epsom salts to the warm water will improve the results of the pumice stone.
Once the skin is softened, the pumice stone should be used in a gentle side to side or circular motion with to remove dead skin cells. Pumice stones don’t work at once. You may need to exfoliate your feet for several days to get the desired solution.
Pumice stones are usually available in most pharmacies and drugstores. Alternatively, you can always shop for them online.
Top tip: If you don’t have a pumice stone, emery board or a foot file, you can also use a soft washcloth to remove away the dead skin after exfoliating. Be patient with the processes of removing the feet calluses. Use the pumice at least once every day to remove only a fraction of the callus at a time. Although this process may take a while, it will pay off in the long run. I recommend repeating this process every day until all the callus disappears.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts have many uses and fortunately, can also be used as an exfoliator. For treating calluses, you can add a handful of Epsom salt into a bowl of warm water, and then soak your affected feet for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Once the hardened area and dead skin soften, use an emery board or pumice stone to scrape off the dead skin layers. Continue to repeat this process to remove the callus bit by bit each day. It should be done after a bath or shower. Although it might take a few weeks, trying to remove the entire calluses at once can make the callus worse especially if you grind too deep into your feet.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
The solution of baking soda and lemon juice is also very useful in fighting calluses. This remedy involves mixing an acid (lemon juice) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to start a reaction that makes the feet calluses easier to eliminate.
For the solution, you will need some warm water, a bowl, and 2 or 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. After about 10 minutes of soaking the affected feet in the solution, add the baking soda. The smooth granules of the baking soda reacting with the lemon juice give this solution additional callus-dissolving energy.
Castor Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar
A solution of castor oil and apple cider is another method of getting rid of calluses. To make this solution, Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water, afterward, add a small cup of apple cider vinegar and soak your feet in the solution for about 15 minutes. The hard calluses soften after soaking in the solution. The softened dead skin should be filed with a pumice stone.
To prevent further formation of this callus, dab the castor oil on the affected area after soaking your feet. The callus should completely disappear after about ten days of continuous treatment.
Turmeric
Turmeric has natural healing and antimicrobial qualities. When turmeric is mixed with the soothing properties of honey, it fastens the rate it heals your callus. To use turmeric for your callus, Mix one tablespoon of the turmeric powder and 1.5 tablespoons full of honey till it forms a thick paste.
Apply the solution to the callus and leave it open it dries completely, afterward, rinse off the dried paste with warm water. I recommend you do this two times a day. It has a fast effect and reduces the size of the callus in two or three days.
Wearing Protective Cushions
A callus is caused by pressure on the feet. Reducing the pressure and forces responsible for creating the callus will help the affected area to heal naturally. Callus pads are cushioned bandages that can prevent calluses from forming.
They are available at pharmacies, and you can purchase them online. They come in different sizes, color, and shapes and are designed for the affected feet.
If the callus appears on your hands, wearing a protective or callus pad glove can also help protect calluses and ensure they heal over time.
Onions
When using onion to treat callus, you should cut a slice of onion and pour two tablespoons full of white vinegar over it. Put the mixture in a glass container, and keep in a warm place during the daytime, after taking a shower at night, cover the affected area with the onion before you go to bed. You can use a bandage or bandage tape to keep it in place overnight.
If the hardened callus is not soft enough to be peeled in the morning, you should repeat the treatment every night until it is soft enough to be removed.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E is excellent for the overall health of your skin and hair. It is also a great home solution for feet calluses. Applying vitamin E oil on the callus affected area helps to soften the hard skin by moisturizing it.
Vitamin E contains antioxidants that help to heal the callus affected feet. To use Vitamin E, Apply it on the affected area and then cover it with a bandage or clean sock and leave overnight. Repeat it every day till the callus heals.
How Should You Prevent Calluses from Forming?
Avoid extra tight-fitting shoes: Choosing a comfortable shoe to wear can prevent calluses from forming. Your footwear should have a thumb’s distance from the first toe to the last toe. Getting shoes that are spacious enough to give your toes wiggle room is advisable. Although, if your shoes are too wide, your feet may slide around and brush against the sides.
Always keep your feet dry: wearing socks can prevent calluses just as much as shoes. To keep your feet and healthy and free of calluses, wearing cotton socks can help in keeping your feet dry inside your shoes. Wearing these socks is very useful, especially during physical activity, when the skin sweats more than usual.
Keep your feet Moisturized every day: Moisturizing your feet every day keeps your feet soft and reduces friction when you rub your feet against your shoes.
Recommendation
It is easy to get rid of calluses on your own. However, some calluses may be very stubborn and hard. If your calluses don’t go away after home treatment, I advise you to visit your doctor. Your doctor can always provide extra medication that may work for you.
CARE TO COMMENT?
I hope you found our how to remove calluses from feet at home article useful.
Now, tell us:
- Did we miss something?
- Do you have any other questions about calluses removal?
If so, leave us a quick comment and let us know!
Read Next
How to Get Rid of An Ingrown Toenail Overnight
How Often Should You Get A Pedicure?
Best Foot Massager Machine