What Is a Foot Callus?

A callus is a hard, thick patch of skin, usually on the foot. It occurs on the parts of the foot that bear constant weight or pressure, or in places that rub against footwear often. Many people consider foot and toe callus a skin problem, but it is actually an orthopaedic problem. A callus can often be treated with simple home remedies.

Home Remedies for Callus

Foot Spas

A warm foot spa can help in softening a callus. It is a relaxing and effective way to soften dead skin. You can add natural products to the water to further soften the skin, like chamomile tea, baking soda or Epsom/bath salts. They help in softening and their antibacterial and antifungal properties prevent skin infections. A pumice stone is an excellent foot spa tool to scrape away dead skin.

Also Read: 5 Common Foot Problems

Natural Skin Softeners

There are many kinds of natural skin softeners available in our homes, like lemon juice, white vinegar, pineapple and papaya. They help in softening the hard upper layer of corns and calluses and in gradually removing them. Pineapple and papaya have potent enzymes that help in disintegrating the physical structure of corns and speed up their drying process, so that they can fall off.

Home-Made Moisturizers

Applying a moisturizing agent to the hardened areas of your feet can help soften them. Easily available products in your home that will work great as feet moisturizers include vitamin E oil, coconut oil and tea tree oil. These help in softening corns and calluses and aid in fast healing. 

When to See a Podiatrist?

While, most often, a callus or corn is not harmful, they could cause problems if they get infected, especially among diabetics. Sometimes, when calluses thicken too much, you may need corn removal surgery to get rid of them. If your corn or callus is causing foot problems, a podiatrist will be able to offer you treatment options based on the severity of your condition.

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