What Works Best to Reduce Calluses
Often, when the skin on your foot continually rubs in a certain area, a thickened, tough layer of skin forms, called a callus. While calluses can develop easily, the good news is that treating them is just as easy! In just three simple steps, you can reduce and eliminate calluses before they take over your feet: Pad, Soften & Exfoliate.
#1 - Pad
We are often asked why orthotics are listed as a product for callus management. It’s because soft padding can actually prevent and slow down the build up of tough skin by minimizing the friction that causes calluses in the first place. The pedag Viva Sport Full Length Semi-Rigid Orthotic is an effective, cushioned shoe insert that will help prevent calluses from forming.
Padding specific areas that develop calluses is another way to go. Dr. Jill's Gel U-Shaped Callus Cushion, Dr. Jill's Gel Dancer's Pad and Dr. Jill's Gel Ball-of-Foot Cushion are three great choices.
#2 - Soften
Once calluses have already developed, you can slow their buildup while continuing to soften the skin. Three great choices to try use Urea, a powerful skin softening agent and are listed in order of increasing strength:
Pedicurian Dry Skin Relief Cream 20% Urea
Pedicurian Intense Softening 30% Urea Stick,
RevitaDERM 40 Physician Formula Callus Remover KERATOLYTIC EMOLLIENT
#3 - Exfoliate
The last step is to gently remove the callus by exfoliating the thick skin. This can be done manually with a variety of scrubbing tools, exfoliating scrubs or ‘chemically’ with an exfoliating agent in an ointment. Choose the method you would be most comfortable with, but *never* use a blade. If the callus is very thick and painful, see a podiatrist to have it professionally removed.
Ointment:
Kerasal Original Exfoliating and Moisturizing Foot Ointment - This *Podiatrists Favorite* dual action formula both exfoliates and moisturizes, softening feet as it rehydrates them. An ideal way to use this ointment is to apply it before bed, put on a pair of socks, and let it do its magic overnight. You’ll see noticeable results in as little as 1-3 days, and as a bonus, it’s budget friendly!
Scrubs:
Gilden Tree Exfoliating Foot Scrub - A creamy, deep-cleansing scrub that works to exfoliate and moisturize dry skin on feet, leaving them smooth and soft.
Footlogix Exfoliating Seaweed Scrub - This unique formula is optimally blended with essential oils and polished pumice to exfoliate the skin without being abrasive.
Tools:
Feet First Spa Buffing Pad - Gentle, diabetic friendly and budget minded.
Spongelle Pedi Buffer - Cleanses and gently exfoliates.
Footlogix Professional Stainless Steel Foot File - Salon Techs’ favorite tool!
Professional Foot File/Smoother - Gently removes calluses with the coarse side, and leaves the feet smooth with the medium side.
Pedinova III Electric Nail and Foot Care Kit - Your ultimate foot care tool.
Combo Gift Pack:
Pedicurian Terra-Cotta Pumice Stone & 30% Urea Stick - Softens and exfoliates.
As with any persistent foot problem, if you can’t get the relief you need on your own, see your podiatrist for professional follow-up.
As you can see, there are plenty of great options for helping you easily treat annoying calluses at home. Chances are, one or more of them will work for you!