Calluses: What to Do?

Calluses appear as a protective reaction to repeated rubbing or pressure, typically due to improper shoes. Calluses can also appear on the hands due to frequent use of tools. However, calluses on the feet are the most painful and bothersome, and people who have them are desperately trying to get rid of them.

Do not confuse calluses with corns. The latter are imperfections of the corneal skin with a central core made of hardened keratin, which hurts when pressed. Corns generally appear on the joints of the toes and on the soles of the feet directly behind the toes.

Popular Remedies

Remedy for Calluses #1: Another way to fight calluses is by making a paste by crushing 5 or 6 aspirin tablets and mixing them with a tablespoon of water and lemon juice. This paste should be placed on the calluses and wrapped in a hot towel for 10 minutes. The heat will allow the paste to penetrate and soften the calluses. Finally, scrape them with a pumice stone. This way, they will come off more easily.
Remedy for Calluses #2: Soak several leek leaves in wine vinegar for about twenty-four hours, then apply them to the callus, which can then be gently removed with a non-cutting and disinfected instrument.
Remedy for Calluses #3: There are different popular remedies for calluses, but the most traditional one consists of gently scraping them with a pumice stone, then rubbing them with a raw onion cut in half, and finally placing a few drops of arnica tincture on top.
Remedy for Calluses #4: This traditional remedy consists of placing a crushed garlic clove (or you can mix it with olive oil) on the callus, which helps soften and remove it. Finally, cover it with cloth.

Recommendations
If you have calluses on your feet, it is recommended to do the following:
- Do not cut a callus. There are many tools available in pharmacies to cut calluses, but it is advised not to use them, as they can expose you to infection or even bleeding.
- Put pads in your shoes. You can get temporary relief from your calluses by using pads made of material that is higher than the callus, which protects it from contact with the shoe, or you can use cotton to prevent the callus from rubbing against the shoe.
- Keep your toes separated. If you have calluses between your toes, keep them separated with cotton and also apply baby powder to help absorb moisture.
- Be careful with your shoes. Sometimes shoes can contribute to the formation of calluses.