How to Safely and Easily Get Rid of Foot Calluses

Calluses are one of those common foot woes that can make walking or wearing certain shoes uncomfortable. While these hardened layers of skin form as your body’s way of protecting against friction or pressure, they don’t always feel or look their best.

The good news? Calluses can usually be safely treated at home. Here are the two best ways to smooth and soften your feet, plus tips to keep calluses from coming back.

1. Gently File With a Pumice Stone

A pumice stone a natural, abrasive tool is one of the most effective ways to buff away hardened skin, says Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a New York City-based foot and ankle surgeon.

Here’s how to safely remove a callus with a pumice stone:

• Soak Your Feet First
  Soften the callus by soaking your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. This makes the dead skin easier to remove, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

• File the Callus
  Using a pumice stone, gently rub the callus in circular or side-to-side motions. Stop as soon as you reach soft, healthy skin. Filing too much can cause irritation.

• Moisturize
  After filing, apply a gentle moisturizer or a product like Vaseline to keep the skin hydrated. For extra care, cover the area with a moleskin pad to reduce friction and prevent the callus from reforming.

Tip: Avoid over-filing, as it can lead to sensitive or damaged skin.

2. Use an Exfoliating Moisturizer or Callus Dissolver

If you’re looking for a gentler approach, over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers containing salicylic acid, urea or ammonium lactate can help dissolve and soften hardened skin over time.

“I’m a big fan of urea cream to help exfoliate the callus skin away,” Dr. Schaeffer says.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Apply Daily: Use the cream once or twice a day, focusing on the callused areas.

• Be Consistent: Over time, the skin will soften and flake away naturally.

These creams are ideal for those with mild calluses or anyone who wants a low-effort solution.

When to See a Podiatrist

In some cases, it’s best to leave callus removal to the professionals. Consult a podiatrist if:

• The callus is painful, red, inflamed or shows signs of infection (like pus).

• You have diabetes or poor circulation, as even small cuts can lead to complications.

• At-home treatments don’t improve the callus.

A foot doctor can safely remove the callus using specialized tools, reducing the risk of irritation or injury.

How to Prevent Calluses From Coming Back

Once you’ve treated your calluses, take these steps to keep your feet smooth and comfortable:

• Wear Comfortable Shoes With Socks: Choose shoes with a wide toe box that won’t squeeze your feet. Add supportive insoles or orthotics for proper arch support.

• Protect High-Friction Areas: Use felt pads, non-medicated corn pads or bandages on spots prone to calluses.

• Keep Your Toenails Trimmed: Long nails can push your toes against your shoes, leading to callus formation. Trim them straight across to avoid ingrown nails.

• Moisturize Regularly: Apply lotion or petroleum jelly to your feet daily to keep the skin soft and less prone to hardening.

The Bottom Line

With regular care whether through gentle exfoliation or hydrating creams you can safely remove calluses and keep your feet feeling smooth. If calluses become painful or difficult to manage, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist for expert care.

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