Preventing calluses can be done at home using a regular skin care routine.
Calluses are thickening or toughening of the skin, often due to excessive friction or pressure on one area. Calluses are commonly found on the feet, but can also occur on hands and other body parts. While minor calluses do not usually require treatment, thicker and more painful calluses will be removed using various techniques -- or a doctor may need to assess the problem. There are also ways to prevent calluses from becoming too thick.
Callus Shavers
Callus shavers provide the quickest method of removing unwanted calluses from the feet. Feet need to be soaked in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes to moisten the skin. Try adding baking soda to the water as this may further soften the callus area. Pull the callus shaver across the callus in a shaving motion. Shavers are meant to remove only a thin layer of skin at a time.
Home Treatment
There are a few things you can do at home to soften and reduce calluses. If there is a lot of callused tissue, soak it in diluted chamomile tea as this will soothe and soften the hardened skin. Any stained skin can be cleaned with soap and water. Another method is to soak your feet or hands in comfortable hot water for a few minutes and use a pumice stone or callus file to rub off the top layers of skin. Apply a hand or foot cream containing urea to dissolve hardened skin. This can be a daily routine, depending on the severity of the calluses. You may also want to try coating the affected feet or hands in petroleum jelly, wearing either socks or gloves overnight -- your skin will be very soft the next morning. Non-medicated pads may also be ideal to relieve pressure on callused feet.
Topical Medications
Salicylic Acid topical cream may be prescribed by a family doctor or podiatrist to treat more painful calluses. This is a keratolytic, or peeling agent, that works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin, dissolving the substance that keeps the skin cells together and then shedding skin cells. A doctor may instruct you to soak the callus for five minutes and use a pumice stone to remove the top dead layers of skin before applying the medication. Apply a few drops or a thin layer of the cream to the entire callus. Dry for five minutes and cover with a bandage. Do not allow the medication to come in contact with areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, groin or broken skin.
Prevention
To prevent calluses, it is important to wear footwear that fits properly and is supportive of the different areas of the feet. Cushioned pads and insoles can help. A doctor may even prescribe orthotics to correct the problem and prevent further calluses. The most important method of prevention is to follow a regular routine that will prevent calluses, rather than treating them once they exist. Apply moisturizer frequently, particularly when the skin is moist, such as after a shower. Use a pumice stone or exfoliating foot scrub to wear down calluses and keep them from becoming worse.
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