A callus is a common skin condition that is hardened, thick, and rougher than the surrounding skin. Calluses often appear on the bottoms of feet but may also grow on other body parts, including the hands and knees. Calluses may range in size and form, but they should not be mistaken for corns, little patches of hardened skin resembling bumps.

Even though they seem terrible, calluses are painless. The Cleveland Clinic reports that calluses may become painful if their thickness exceeds a certain threshold, but they aren't usually sore. But dried callouses on the foot are unsightly and don't feel nice when touched. Before we discuss ways to avoid callus on foot pads or treat those that have already developed, it's important to understand their causes.

Causes Of Callused Feet

While dry skin or fissures are usually not life-threatening, they may be unsightly and painful in some areas. Dry skin is often only a transitory skin condition caused by things you can manage in your surroundings. The following, however, are some of the main causes of dry, cracked skin on the toes, heels, and feet:

• Athletes foot
• Skin aging.
• Shoes with open backs.
• Poorly maintained feet.
• Extended standing on hard surfaces.
• Wearing shoes that press against your heels.
• Having weight issues.
• Lack of moisture.
• Mineral deficiencies like zinc and iron can affect heel health.

Ways To Soften Your Callused Feet

Moisturize Your Feet

Keeping your feet moisturized reduces and prevents dry skin. Hydrate your feet to preserve moisture after using a pumice stone or exfoliator. Avoid lotions, creams, and moisturizers with alcohol, artificial colors, or scents. These compounds might worsen dry skin. Instead, use corn and callus removers with humectants, emollients, and occlusives like urea, aloe, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, and coconut oil to soften and moisturize the skin.

Soaking Feet

Softening the skin is important before brushing away callouses, particularly if your feet are cracked. You need a foot soak to get the skin of the callus on the foot pads ready for exfoliation. You won't have to scour the globe for exotic ingredients; a simple combination of milk and honey in warm water will suffice.

On the other hand, if you'd rather have something pre-made, you may find solutions that include antibacterial tea tree oil and similar substances like corn and callus removers. In addition to being a necessary evil, soaking your feet before you clean may help you avoid overstraining yourself. We want to soften the skin; therefore, exfoliating is gentle yet effective. If you detect changes, avoid over-exfoliation, which may cause skin irritation.

Pumice Stone

After your feet have been bathed well and the skin is soft, use a pumice stone for a great exfoliation. A pumice stone can do wonders if you have dry patches or callouses. Although calluses aid in protection by softening the skin gently, they thicken excessively, causing the skin to become rigid and even fracture when moved.

You must always keep your pumice stone clean to avoid becoming a habitat for germs. Sometimes, soak it in a cleaning solution or bleach and give it a good rinsing to keep it clean. The pumice stone's inherent cracks are great for exfoliating dead skin but may harbor germs and dirt if not regularly disinfected. Following this step will make Your foot care regimen more effective and sanitary.

Specialized Feet Cream

Most foot creams won't work on severe callus on foot pads. At that point, a more potent remedy should be considered. Contact a doctor after trying high-quality, over-the-counter remedies to get the most out of your money. A fungal infection may be exacerbating the problem in certain instances.

Physicians may recommend topical moisturizers like urea or ammonium lactate to rehydrate dry skin. Following this, use a normal lotion to keep your skin in good condition. The pharmacy has great over-the-counter treatments, but they may be more pricey. Think about applying 20% urea lotion. The keratolytic effect of this component helps chemically exfoliate dead skin cells, making your feet smooth and fluffy. However, it goes beyond your feet. It smooths elbows and knees, too.

Avoid Peeling Calluses

It might be tempting to tackle heel skin problems, such as peeling or cracking when you see them developing. However, this is incredibly bad for your feet' health. Do not risk severe infections by peeling skin or cutting callouses alone. Performing this procedure, which is frequently called "bathroom surgery," is risky.

To avoid complications, having a professional take care of your foot is best. They will have the necessary equipment and knowledge to manage the matter quickly and efficiently. Professionals utilize sterile equipment and operate in clean conditions to remove dead skin properly and without creating problems. Their elevated position lets them see your feet more clearly, improving their foot treatments' safety and efficacy.

Hydrating Feet Socks

If you want to amp up the dampness, go for gel-lined socks and similar products to corn and callus removers. Natural oils and vitamins are integrated into these socks to moisturize and mend dry feet. On the other hand, you might use cotton socks and your preferred moisturizer to get equally good results. Use a thick layer of foot moisturizer before you turn in for the night.

First, slip on some cotton socks that allow air to circulate. This will allow the moisturizer to do its job as you sleep. Getting your feet clean is as easy as removing your socks each morning. Your feet will feel much better after following this regimen, and they will be much softer and smoother. Finding the correct items and being consistent are the most important things. Better, more pleasant feet in the morning are possible with just a little nightly care.

Choose Closed-Back Shoes

High heels are more likely to become damaged when you wear sandals or other shoes with an exposed back. Shoes with closed backs are preferable in this situation, particularly if you have foot issues. Wearing socks and closed-toe shoes can shield your heels from anything that might worsen the problem.

An inexpensive pair of shoes is often the best option when dealing with damaged heels. Wearing them always helps the callus on foot pads recover faster and prevents further harm. The key is to provide your feet with the optimal conditions for recovery, and one way to do so is by selecting correctly fitting footwear. Regular foot care, including wearing the right shoes., greatly improves the chances of avoiding or effectively treating cracked heels.