Having healthy and pretty feet year-round is important, but it becomes even more important during the summer when we’re ready to show our feet off in some cute sandals or while sashaying on the beach.  An estimated 87 percent of adults in the U.S. have some type of foot problem and one of the most common problems is calluses. Calluses may not be as painful or unsightly as their good friends, corns, but they are just as rough and tough.

LIKE BlackDoctor.org on Facebook! Get Your Daily Medicine…For LIFE!

The patches of tough skin usually form on the ball or heel of the foot, where the most weight is placed. As we get older, the padding on the bottoms of our feet become thinner, causing calluses to develop more easily. If you’re between pedicures or want to care for your feet inexpensively at home, there are several natural do-it-yourself remedies to get rid of calluses and prevent them from forming.

How To Remove Corns (A 6-Step Process):

1. Soak the corn or callus in warm water. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the skin softens.
2. File the corn or callus with a pumice stone. First dip the pumice stone in warm water, and then use the stone to gently file the corn or callus. Use circular or sideways motions to remove dead skin.Be careful not to take off too much skin: Doing so could cause bleeding and infection.
3. Apply moisturizing lotion or cream to the area daily: Look for a moisturizing lotion or cream with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea. These ingredients will help gradually soften hard corns and calluses.
4. Use padding: To protect calluses from further irritation during activity, cut a piece of moleskin – available at your local drugstore – into two half-moon shapes and place around the callus. To prevent a corn from making contact with your shoe, surround the corn with donut-shaped adhesive pads – also available at drugstores.
5. Wear shoes that properly fit: A common cause of corns is a shoe that isn’t the right size and shape for your foot. To get the right fit, shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet may be slightly swollen. In addition, ask a clerk to measure your foot, and choose shoes that aren’t too loose or tight.
6. Keep your toenails trimmed: Toenails that are too long can force the toes to push up against your shoe, causing a corn to form over time. To remove this pressure, keep your toenails trimmed.

READ: Major foot & toe problems that may have you rubbing your feet

Callus Removal: A 3-Step Process

If you’re serious about getting smooth feet, you can effectively remove calluses using a three-step process of soaking, scrubbing and drying. Experiment with the different techniques until you find the method that works best for you.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE!

Soaking

• Baking soda: Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes to remove the dead skin.
• Chamomile tea: Brew a kettle of chamomile tea and soak your feet for 30 minutes. Rinse your feet with soap and water to remove any staining from the tea.
• Apple cider vinegar: Soak a slice of bread in ACV for 10 hours to form a paste. At bedtime, apply the paste to your calluses and wrap your foot with a bandage or plastic bag. Wear overnight and rinse feet with warm water in the morning.
• Epsom salt:  The classic soak! Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salt to soften calluses and draw out toxins. The salt also helps scrub the calluses off.

Scrubbing

• After soaking your feet or while in the shower, use a pumice stone or foot file to rub away calluses. The warm water will soften your feet before the rub down.
• Rub your feet using a vigorous, circular motion until the skin turns pink.

READ: Diabetics: Why Your Shoes Matter

Drying

• Towel dry the feet completely to remove any moisture.
• Sprinkle cornstarch on your callus to keep the area dry and prevent any infections.

How To Prevent Calluses

After you’ve taken the time to care for your feet and get them callus-free, you’ll want to keep them that way. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent calluses from reappearing:

READ: Diabetes: 8 Things Your Feet Need You To Do Everyday

• Wear shoes that fit properly.  Calluses can form when the size and shape of your shoes aren’t correct for your feet. Next time you buy new shoes, test them out in the store or have a salesperson measure you for the right fit.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• If you plan to do a lot of walking or running, coat the trouble spots of your feet (like the heels and base of the bases of the toes) with petroleum jelly to reduce friction.
• Switch up your shoes. Wearing open-toe sandals are especially likely to cause your feet to develop calluses. Give your feet a break by wearing gym shoes every few days.
• Wear shoes made of natural materials, like leather, so that your feet can breathe.

READ: Get Sandal-Worthy Feet

Your feet have an important job of holding up the weight of your world and need to be at their best to perform effectively. If you notice pain or cracked, red, hot skin, please see your doctor immediately. Please note:  If you are a diabetic, you should not self-treat any foot issues without speaking with your doctor first.

READ: DIY Mojito Foot Scrub

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Diabetes center for more articles and tips. 

Join the conversation and share this story