A foot callus is an accumulation of dead skin cells that form and harden as a result of friction or injury. They appear grey or yellowish and form a bump. They are not contagious or caused by a virus, which is a common misconception. Although foot calluses do not look great, they are not really an issue unless you find them painful.
People who commonly suffer from foot calluses, are women who wear heels or shoes that are too tight and create pressure on the feet. Those with feet that are particularly bony are also at risk.
To help prevent calluses, you can follow the steps below:
Wear shoes that fit
Getting comfortable shoes is the first step to preventing calluses. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose; they shouldn’t rub off your feet and make them sore.
Your socks should also fit properly as rubbing caused by them can cause calluses. If you’re a woman who loves to wear high heels and can’t give them up, pad them with foot pads which are designed especially for that purpose. These pads however, may only provide temporary relief and will not fix your calluses.
Use foot care creams
There are many inexpensive foot care creams on the market containing salicylic acid or other exfoliants that will help remove dead skin from your feet. They will also soften existing calluses.
Use a home foot bath
You can reduce the size of your foot callus by soaking your feet in warm water and using a pumice stone. This can also help prevent new calluses from forming. It is recommended to use a foot scrub to help exfoliate and smooth your feet before using a pumice stone or callus shaver. Do not cut the callus yourself as this should only be done by a specialist as it is easy to get an infection during this stage.
If you are suffering from a lot of callus discomfort and none of the above works for you, consult a specialist.
