A callus is a rough, thickened area of skin that develops because of repeated irritation or pressure. Improper footwear, hitting the gym, and even hygiene practices are all factors to consider. Calluses usually develop on the palms or soles of the feet.
They are unsightly, irritating, and can possibly cause infections when not treated.
The good news is you donโt necessarily have to see a doctor. There are home remedies you can try, and more often than not, they work. A little bit of research can restore your skin. Read on to learn more.
Source:
Flickr
1. Wear socks or gloves with special creams or petroleum jelly.
Help treat calluses with exfoliating creams or lotions. Skin-softening creams or petroleum jelly underneath socks or gloves help seal in moisture for calluses.
2. Oil from vitamins A and E
Vitamins can help your skin. Just take a needle and prick a vitamin A or E capsule. Apply the collected oil to your callus. Works well when done before sleeping. Keep doing so until the callus is gone.
3. Overnight with aloe
Use an aloe leaf or pure aloe gel by applying the fleshy part of the plant or the gel to the callus. Cover it with a bandage and wait until it softens so you can file it off.
4. Stale bread
Stale bread can help soften your skin. Soak a small slice in apple cider vinegar then tape it to your callus. Works best overnight. Wrap it with clean plastic then wear a cotton sock. There should be an improvement in the morning.
5. Warm, soapy water
Soak feet or hands in sudsy water to soften up the skin. Any kind of soap will do, but epsom salts, which are anti-inflammatory while having a bit of grit, will help. Plus itโs really relaxing.
6. Manual exfoliation
Soften skin in water then submerge a pumice stone, emery board, or foot file in water for a few seconds. Gently go over the hardened skin.Just be careful you donโt hurt yourself. Donโt attempt to remove the entire callus in one go either.
7. Just warm water
Sometimes, a 20-minute soak in warm water will do. Dry yourself and see if a layer of the callus will peel off with just your finger. Several soaking sessions may possibly remove the callus one layer at a time. A warm-water soak is the first remedy recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology after all.
8. Sandpaper
Sandpaper can help get rid of calluses. Soak your callus first and pair with a soaking solution for best results. Be gentle with the sandpaper and if there is resistance or pain, repeat the soaking process.
9. Baking soda and lemon juice
Start with warm water, a basin, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice so you can soak your callus. Add in the baking soda. The reaction with the lemon juice should help give it extra callus-dissolving power.
10. Salicylic acid
Moisturizers, cleansers or treatments that contain salicylic acid can help calm and reduce irritating calluses. It will also help rehydrate your skin.
11. Soak in tea
Warm tea is also be good for the skin. Mix chamomile tea or tea tree oil in water. That will dry out your skin and if it stains, soap and water will help remove them.
12. Cornstarch
Rub your skin with cornstarch to keep them dry. That prevents calluses from getting irritated. This also helps soothe painful calluses and corns.
13. Vinegar wrap
Soak a cotton ball in vinegar then tape it to your callus. Works best when left overnight. Rub the area with a pumice stone and make sure the vinegar touches just the callus.
14. Leave it alone
Calluses can soften overtime. Itโs best to get proper fitting shoes and socks to avoid unwanted friction. Checking your posture when walking helps too.
15. Try a medicated patch
There are dedicated products for stubborn calluses. Itโs best to check with your dermatologist if you find that home treatments donโt work or the callus becomes bothersome. Let the doctor decide for you.
16. According to doctors
Watch for more information from doctors who are members of the American Academy of Dermatology
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
