Generally, calluses are only removed if they are cracked, painful, or very thick. Cracked calluses should be removed by a medical professional to prevent them from getting infected. Painful calluses, on the other hand, can make walking difficult. If your calluses are very thick, you should remove them at home, since they can become painful or cracked. To remove calluses at home safely, you should first soak your feet in warm water before rubbing them with a coarse pumice stone.
Calluses are thick areas of skin usually caused by constant friction or pressure. They typically occur on the bottoms of the feet. These thickened layers of skin usually help protect the affected area from irritations, but they can become painful or cracked.
Painful calluses are usually caused by the thick, hardened layers of skin pushing into the softer tissues underneath. This foot pain can often make it very difficult to walk. If your calluses cause you pain, they should be removed.
You will usually be able to remove painful calluses at home. If the area is still tender or sore after you remove them, however, you should consider seeing a medical professional. The pain could be caused by a more serious problem.
Sometimes, calluses can also start to crack. Any open wounds, including cracks, can create an opportunity for bacteria and other micro-organisms to enter the body. This can often cause an infection, which usually requires antibiotics to treat.
Attempting to remove calluses that have started to crack by yourself can result in more bacteria getting into these open wounds, as well as further injury. Instead, you should consider seeing a medical professional, such as a podiatrist. He will often be able to remove calluses safely and painlessly.
If your calluses are simply thick, you should still consider removing them. Very thick calluses are not only unattractive and rough, but they will also usually become painful and crack, particularly if they get very dry. You can use a few tools to remove calluses, like razors, metal files, and pumice stones. Doctors usually advise against using razors, however, since these can cause deep cuts if they are used improperly.
Before you remove calluses, they should first be softened. This can be done by soaking the affected area in warm water for several minutes. After the area is removed from the water, it should be rubbed with a callus file or a pumice stone. When using these pedicure tools, it is important not to rub too hard, as this can remove too much skin. After the sloughed off skin has been removed, you should also apply a thick moisturizer.