Foot care & preventing callus forming

Calluses usually can be effectively treated by relieving symptoms, determining the underlying cause of mechanical stress, counselling on proper footwear, regular foot care and treatment of dry feet and callus removal.

Prevention

Preventive care for calluses includes careful selection of proper footwear. Shoes that provide effective arch support and have a shock-absorbing rubber sole reduce the risk of developing a callus. Proper regular foot care can also reduce the risk of developing a callus and the discomfort that occurs after callus formation. Protective and palliative care includes moisturizing and padding callused skin. Regular moisturizer use helps keep callused skin moist and supple.

Callus removal

Debridement (Callus removal) helps to even out the skin surface and reduce thickening and abnormal pressure distribution. A small amount of callus is left to provide the bony area with some padding.

Orthotics change foot mechanics by correcting functional problems or redistributing body weight. The goal of orthotics, similar to certain other therapies for calluses, is to reduce pressure and friction and allow the skin to rest.

Warm-water soaks to prepare for callus removal

  1. Fill a tub with 5 to 6 inches of warm water, and then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of a foot soak product. You can also substitute 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Stir the water using your hand, then put on some music and soak your feet in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Take your feet out of the water and dry them off completely with a towel. Make sure the areas between your toes are dry, too. Allow your feet to air dry for a few minutes.
  3. Examine your feet carefully and find calluses or other areas of really dry skin. Gently rub the areas using the flat portion of a pumice stone or foot file by moving it in a circular motion to exfoliate the calluses and dead skin. Use the pumice stone as often as twice a week until the calluses are gone.
  4. Apply a moisturizing product to both feet right after exfoliating. Do this twice a day to the entire foot area, including the tops of the feet. Use a cream that lists lactic acid or urea in the ingredients list; these moisturize and help slough off dry, dead skin cells.
  5. Apply a moisturizing and exfoliating product before going to bed each night. Put on cotton socks before going to bed. Wash the solution off the next morning.

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