If you’ve ever experienced hard, rough skin on your feet, you’re not alone. We’re talking about calluses on feet; people have had these calluses since ancient times.
In this article, we share important information about calluses, how they form, and the best ways to remove and prevent them.
Removing calluses can sometimes seem like a chore, but with the right approach and careful measures, you can make your feet feel smooth and healthy again.
Whether you’re struggling with stubborn calluses, corns, or calluses, here you’ll find valuable advice to give your feet the attention they deserve.
A callus is actually a kind of protective shield that your skin forms in places where there is a lot of pressure and friction, such as your feet. You can see it as a natural way for your skin to strengthen itself.
Under your feet, there is normally a thin layer of callus that acts as a kind of cushion to protect your skin from daily wear and tear.
Calluses form when your skin cells are produced faster than they are normally shed. This happens in response to repeated pressure and friction on a specific area
The epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, responds to this by producing more cells and thickening itself. This thickened area is known as a callus.
It is important to understand that certain factors can worsen callus formation. For example, wearing tight shoes that put pressure on specific areas of your feet can cause calluses.
Also, if you suffer from foot deformity, this can lead to excessive pressure on certain parts of your feet and therefore to callus formation.
In addition, sweaty feet, which are often associated with moist conditions, can increase the chance of calluses. The moisture softens the skin and can lead to more friction and pressure, making calluses easier to form.
Calluses are recognizable by the hardening and yellow color of the skin.
It is usually caused by excessive pressure on the feet. Underlying this is often incorrect footwear or an incorrect position of the foot as a result of flat feet or overpronation.
It can feel uncomfortable when walking. In addition, calluses can crack and lead to foot fissures or heel fissures, which can be very painful.
A corn, also called a heloma, is a local thickening of the skin that occurs as a result of repeated pressure or friction. They often occur on the feet, especially on the top of the toes or on the sides of the sole of the foot.
Corns are often confused with calluses, but they are actually different. A corn is like a small, round, raised piece of skin that grows inward, while a callus is a thickening of the upper layer of skin.
There are several ways to remove a corn, such as using a corn plaster. But if the corn is in a difficult-to-reach place, it is advisable to go to a professional podiatrist.
If you are looking for an effective way to remove excess calluses from your feet at home, a file or rasp may be just what you need. Before you begin, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Make sure you choose a file or rasp that is specifically designed to safely remove calluses. These tools are usually made of metal, with a coarse surface that gently and effectively removes layers of dead skin and dead skin cells.
Before you start removing calluses, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
Start by filling a bowl with warm water. Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot. Add some mild soap to the water. Soak your feet for about 10-15 minutes. This will soften your skin and make the callus easier to remove.
After soaking, use a mild soap to wash your feet thoroughly. Remove any dirt and soap residue. Gently dry your feet with a towel. Make sure your feet are completely dry before proceeding.
This is the most important part of the procedure. Use a callus file or pumice stone to gently remove the callus. Work in a light, downward motion and do not apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the healthy skin.
Continue filing gently until you notice the callus starting to disappear. Be patient; it may take a while.
After removing the callus, it is important to hydrate your feet well. Apply a foot cream to keep your skin soft and supple. Massage the cream into your feet, including the areas where you removed calluses.
Calluses in hard-to-reach places can be quite annoying. You may have tried to remove it yourself, but that can be painful and frustrating.
Fortunately, there is a better option: go to a podiatrist for professional callus removal from your feet.
A podiatrist has special tools and methods to effectively treat your feet. In addition, they can advise you on how to care for your feet to prevent recurrence.
You can find a podiatrist at pedicure.nl
Calluses are caused by excessive pressure and friction on certain areas of the skin, causing the skin to thicken.
While it is possible to remove calluses yourself with a callus file, it is advisable to seek professional help to prevent damage.
Calluses cause hardening and yellowing of the skin, often accompanied by roughness and discomfort when walking.
You can reduce callus formation by regular hydration, well-fitting shoes, and avoiding excessive pressure on your feet.
Yes, risk factors include obesity, incorrect foot positions, poorly fitting shoes, dry skin, and certain medical conditions.
Moderate callus formation is normal and protective. However, excessive callus formation can lead to pain, corns, and fissures.
It is recommended to seek professional help
With camphor spirit or PediSpray®, you can treat your feet to strengthen the skin, which can prevent foot blisters and callus formation.
PediSpray contains camphor spirit, which has a firming effect on the skin and also helps against sweaty feet. The feet remain in better condition, and less callus formation occurs.
