Whether it’s summertime or not, we all want to be proud enough of our feet to show them off to the world. And let’s face it, we get tired of wearing shoes all the time, right? So when we want to just slip into some sandals or even go barefoot, we want to make sure our feet look healthy.

But what if you notice your feet are developing calluses? How can you get rid of them?

Understand Why Plantar Calluses Develop

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), calluses “are areas of thickened skin that develop to protect that area from irritation.” When they develop on the bottom of your foot, then you’re dealing with a plantar callus.

Since they develop as your body’s defense mechanism to friction and pressure, you can avoid developing foot callus by eliminating the source of that friction or pressure. Doing so will make the callus disappear.

Home Remedies For Calluses

What if you’ve developed tough calluses that don’t want to go away on their own? Let’s consider how to remove calluses with some home remedies that have proven effective in getting rid of them.

Foot Soaks For Calluses

A foot soak for calluses is the most popular and recommended go-to treatment option. Soaking your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes can make it easier to remove the thickened skin one layer at a time with just your finger. 

Additionally, you can try adding any of these products to the warm water to increase effectiveness:

• Epsom salt. An anti-inflammatory that also has a rough texture that’s useful when rubbing off the layers of the callus. Use about 2-3 tablespoons.
• Apple cider vinegar. Its acid content helps soften the hard skin of a callus. Use a mixture that’s four parts water and one part apple cider vinegar.
• Castor oil. This oil contains properties that make it a natural skin lubricant to lubricate and soothe the tough skin. Add about five tablespoons to your warm water.

However, it’s vital to attempt various soaking sessions to get rid of calluses completely.

Non-Medicated Pads

Pads can help protect calluses from friction and pressure, allowing them to heal on their own. Keep in mind that you can find over-the-counter medicated pads, but they can irritate healthy skin and lead to infection.

Pumice Stones

Another effective tool for getting rid of calluses is the pumice stone. It’s a light, porous stone that’s commonly used to exfoliate dead skin and remove calluses.

When Should You Visit Your Local Podiatrist For Calluses?

If you’ve tried all these home remedies and anything else that people have recommended but haven’t been able to get rid of your calluses, then you should visit your local podiatrist. It’s vital to know that you should never attempt to cut your calluses off or shave them. You will risk injuring foot tissue or getting an infection from cutting too deeply.

Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle will effectively deal with your calluses using padding, insoles, and certain types of abrasive treatment procedures. Contact us today and schedule your appointment so you can show off your healthy feet to the world again.