Calluses are painful parts of toughened skin area, which develop when the skin area is exposed to excessive friction, pressure or some other skin irritation. The affected skin area usually becomes thick and hard.
Calluses commonly appear on the feet and can cause discomfort and pain when you walk. They can also occur on the fingers, hands, or anywhere on the body where there is excessive pressure or friction.
Generally, this problem is not serious but must be treated because it can lead to other skin problems, such as skin infection or ulceration. It can also cause pain, swelling and tenderness if not treated. Many times, just by eliminating the source of the pressure or friction is simply enough to aid a callus to restore on its own.
You can treat calluses at home with simple home remedies.
Home Remedies for Calluses
There are many natural remedies for calluses. However, from a personal experience, I strongly recommend these great remedies because in the past few years I’ve tried everything! These 6 are definitely the most effective ones:
- Epson Salt Soak
Toss a handful of Epsom salt into a sink of warm water. Next, soak your feet (or other affected part) for about 12 minutes. When the dead skin is softened, take a pumice stone to exfoliate the affected area. You should continue to do this procedure every day after a shower or bath. It may take a few days, but trying to eliminate the whole thing at once will make your callus worse, so don’t grind too deep.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Fill a sink with warm and soapy water. After that, pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and soak the feet in this mixture for 20 minutes. When the callus is softened enough you can use a pumice stone to rub off the layers.
- Aspirin
Crush 4-5 aspirin tablets and combine them with equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. Mix well in order to make a paste, then rub it onto a callus. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then gently rub off with some pumice stone.
- Lemon
Before sleeping, squeeze some juice from one lemon on a cotton gauze, or cut some slice of lemon peel, then put it over the callus and secure it with a bandage. Next, cover with a cotton sock overnight. Repeat it every night until the callus totally disappears.
- Castor Oil
Natural oils like castor oil is also a great remedy for calluses and corns. Use a cotton gauze to dab 5-7 drops of this oil onto the callus, then cover with friction tape in order to keep it from moving. For corn on the toe, you can put a cotton swab around your corn. You should wear socks in case the oil leaks through.
- Onion
Onion is truly effective for treating calluses because is acidic in nature. Moreover, it has incredible anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. You can sprinkle 3-4 drops of lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar) and a pinch of salt on an onion slice. Put the slice on the callus. Wrap the food in plastic wrap and leave it overnight. Repeat the procedure until the callus disappears completely.
Note: If you have diabetes you must consult your doctor before trying any of these home remedies for treating calluses.
Conclusion:
Treating painful calluses involves eliminating the cause of the friction or pressure and getting removing the thickened skin. You should try to wear comfortable and flat shoes instead of very high-heeled shoes in order to avoid problems with calluses in future.
Use these home cures to get rid of painful calluses and corns.