The development of calluses on the feet is a natural process. Anyone who perceives calluses as a blemish or even has complaints such as pain or cracked feet should remove them. Callus removal is often possible with self-treatment. In stubborn cases, however, professional medical callus removal by a specialist can also help.
Here you will find further information and selected specialists for callus removal.
The formation of calluses is a natural protective reaction of the skin. The skin thickens and becomes less sensitive to pressure. As the soles of the feet are exposed to high levels of stress, calluses form here particularly often.
There are no pain-sensitive cells in the callus, as it consists only of dead tissue. Overloading the feet and the resulting calluses can also cause corns to form. These usually form on the toes.
Warts, especially plantar warts, are also covered by a layer of cornea. However, they are caused by viruses.
Calluses can also be caused by
from their normal position.
Many people find calluses unpleasant for aesthetic reasons. They therefore seek the advice and help of professional chiropodists. You can also treat calluses yourself using special callus-removing products.
A foot bath is recommended as preparation before callus removal. This makes it easier to remove the callus and avoid skin irritation.
Various methods can then be used to remove calluses:
The pumice stone is a tried and tested callus remover. It can be used to remove calluses relatively easily. However, pumice stone treatment irritates the skin. The skin then tries to protect itself against this, causing calluses to form again. Skin-friendly treatments are therefore far more promising.
Callus creams are particularly effective for calluses that are less pronounced. This callus-removing agent works just as well as a pumice stone, but is much gentler on the skin. Callus creams also contain care substances that benefit the feet.
One of the best means of removing calluses is the electric callus remover. It is suitable for both thin and thick calluses. It removes calluses safely and gently.
We do not recommend rasps with a metal coating as these can be particularly sharp-edged.
The foot bath is not only perfect for softening calluses. With a sufficiently high salt content, the skin also receives additional moisture. The mixture should always contain 10 percent salt. Table salt or Dead Sea salt are best suited for this.
Foot baths with oil containing urea are also suitable for very dry skin. It is stored in the deeper layers of the skin and binds the water there.
A foot bath should not last longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Diabetics should end the foot bath after 5 minutes at the latest.
If the bath is too long, the healthy skin under the callus can also soften. This is problematic during the subsequent treatment with a callus-removing agent: it may no longer be possible to feel the transition between the healthy skin and the callus.
Enough callus must be removed to ensure that the feet can move freely. The treatment must not be painful. If the skin hurts, for example when using a pumice stone, too much callus has been removed. This can also cause a wound.
If the callus is rather thin or the skin of the foot is very dry, a foot scrub is often sufficient.
It is also important to use the right foot cream afterwards. The best ingredients are
Aloe vera also has a healing function.
A callus-dissolving agent can also be used to treat calluses or warts. These include, for example, agents containing
contain.
Salicylic acid can also be used in the form of ointments, plasters or solutions to remove calluses. This active ingredient can be contained either individually in combination with acetic acid or lactic acid. The three active ingredients are effective against both calluses and warts.
If the callus is very pronounced, it is advisable to remove the dissolved callus with a plane.
A tried and tested callus-removing remedy from the pharmacy is deer tallow ointment. This ointment consists of a mixture of beef tallow and soft soap. Before using it, the feet must be washed thoroughly and then dried very well.
Tea tree oil is particularly suitable for softening the hard spots. This should be applied 3 to 4 times a day. A quicker alternative would be apple cider vinegar. The acid can soften the calluses and ensure that they partially peel off.
A solution of 100% aloe vera can dissolve calluses. Milking fat can also help. To do this, rub a thick layer onto your feet in the evening and wear socks overnight.
Lemons can also help to remove calluses. Cut them in half and rub the open side over the callus.
Particularly thick callusesare difficult to remove by self-treatment. A specialist can help here. A visit to a specialist is also recommended for severely cracked calluses or many warts.
Cracks serve as a gateway for bacteria and germs to enter the skin and should therefore be treated. Otherwise
can develop.
As part of medical foot care, the callus is removed and the skin cracks are treated.
Professional callus removal shows the best results © Kzenon | AdobeStock
For some people, there are increased risks associated with callus removal. These include diabetics and haemophiliacs. These patients should first consult their doctor. In these cases, it may be advisable to seek professional foot care.
Do not use the corneal dissolving agent for self-treatment near mucous membranes or on the face.
The purpose of callus-removing agents is to remove calluses. Healthy skin can also be affected. Care should therefore be taken to avoid healthy skin. Zinc paste or Vaseline can help with this: Rub it into the surrounding healthy skin. This prevents corrosive substances from reaching the skin.
Always wear gloves when handling callus-removing agents.
It is also important to note that corneal exfoliants can also interact with other medications. In the case of some diseases and health disorders, some medications must not be used at all.
You should therefore read the package leaflet before using the product. Under "Contraindications" you will find a list of medications that are not compatible with the product.
The use of salicylic acid may be contraindicated in
lead to health problems. People suffering from kidney disease should also refrain from using it.
Undesirable effects can occur if the salts contained in salicylic acid pass through the skin into the body in large quantities.
Always wear well-fitting shoes. Shoes should not pinch or rub.
Regular foot baths keep your feet healthy and supple. Oils, bath additives or footbath tabs can improve the effect. Apply cream to your feet afterwards. After a bath, the skin is very receptive to such care products.
It is best to try on new shoes in the afternoon. This is when the feet have fully "unfolded".
Take the strain off your feet regularly, especially if you have to stand or walk for long periods. Take breaks and give your feet time to regenerate.
Regular, correctly performed exercise also prevents calluses and pain. There are special exercises for this. However, the feet should be slowly accustomed to all exercises and stresses.
Massages and walking barefoot can relax the feet.
Pain when walking or calluses on the toes can also indicate a deformation of the foot. In this case, have a doctor check whether such a deformation could be the cause. Healthier footwear or orthopaedic insoles can often help here.
When removing calluses, a combination of
works best.
In the best case scenario, no new calluses will develop after callus removal.
If the callus is very pronounced, treatment with a callus-removing agent can last up to eight weeks. In some cases it may take even longer.
