Excessive pressure or friction can cause calluses to develop in almost all parts of the skin. Calluses usually occur on the feet, toes, and palms. Wearing tight footwear, barefoot walking, instrument playing, and working with hands are common reasons behind calluses. Calluses don’t mean a medical emergency.  If you want to get free from calluses without using best callus removers, because their looks scare you, there are natural home remedies that you can give a try.

Treatments and solutions for calluses

Warm water

Prior to trying anything else, you should soak the callused area in warm water for 20 minutes. After drying the skin, check if you can softly rub the callus layer off by your finger.

 During several soaking periods, you can entirely remove the callus one layer at a time.

 The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a gentle warm-water soak as the first remedy.

Pumice stones

Pumice stone is a light, porous stone used to remove dead skin and calluses.

This stone works best after you soften the skin. The easiest way would be to soak the callused region in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before applying the stone.

Once the skin is soft, use gentle rounded or lateral motions with the pumice stone to drop dead skin cells. It may be necessary to exfoliate for several consecutive days to get the desired results.

Epsom salts

Soften your calluses with Epsom salts while preparing for other remedies, like manual exfoliation with a pumice stone.

Add a handful of Epsom salts to a bath or basin of warm water. Then let the affected skin soak for 10 minutes.

Use moisturizing lotion daily.

Experts suggest you apply a moisturizing lotion daily to soften existing calluses and avert future ones.

Lotion hydrates and renews the skin on your feet and elbows. Glycolic acid combined with vitamin E gently loosens and rejuvenates the affected skin of your feet.

Non-medicated callus pads

You can apply callus pads, made of silicone, and a mild adhesive, to the damaged area. You can wear it beneath shoes, socks, gloves, or shirts. These pads will save you from irritation while the callus heals.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that you should skip medicated callus pads. Because it has salicylic acid, which can irritate your skin and breakthrough it.

When to visit a doctor

People with diabetes, especially with peripheral neuropathy or peripheral artery disease, should not treat their own calluses.

They should rather consult a doctor or professional podiatrist. This is because; they are at a higher risk of skin and nerve injury.

People with severe calluses must consult a doctor or podiatrist.

Summary

Calluses may be uncomfortable and awkward but are rarely a reason to worry.

A few simple home cares can free you from calluses, including softening or loosening the skin.

Preventive measures, like comfortable footwears and protective gloves, reduce risks of developing calluses.

Diabetes patients should avoid treating their own calluses. People with severe calluses would like to consult a doctor or podiatrist.