A foot callus is formed when thick, hardened skin accumulates over areas of continual friction or pressure usually on the sides and soles of the feet.
There are times when internal or external factors disrupt the equal distribution of body weight on your feet. Areas of the foot that are not used to that kind of repeated pressure tend to harden or thicken as a defensive measure. Incorrect footwear is also a common cause of calluses on the soles of the feet and sides of the big toe.
While unsightly and uncomfortable, calluses are actually a protective mechanism—the body’s way of protecting the skin on the feet from breaking down under constant irritation. This protection is especially important for seniors, who have very thin skin on the feet; diabetics, for whom a break in the skin can lead to a life-threatening infection; as well as athletes, runners, dancers and anyone else that experiences constant friction during activities.
However, calluses can become particularly hard and thick, leading to extreme discomfort; in some cases, very painful too, with the risk of complications. For this demographic, it becomes specially important to treat foot calluses with specialized foot care products and techniques, where the calluses are softened and reduced to desirable levels to restore optimal foot appearance and health.
FOOT CALLUS TREATMENT
Typically, eliminating the cause of irritation (for example, ill-fitting shoes) can stop a foot callus from getting worse; however, a stubborn foot callus will remain. While it’s tempting to take drastic measures to remove a callus by using a razor, rasp or other type of shaver or sharp instrument, this is never recommended—even if done by a licensed pedicurist. These procedures are not only dangerous but are actually outlawed in many areas throughout the world. Instead, proper foot callus treatment involves softening and reducing the foot callus formation. In this way, the feet are made more comfortable and attractive, while still offering appropriate protection from friction and pressure.
Be Careful when using strong, chemical foot callus removers which contain high concentrations of caustic ingredients such as salicylic acid and potassium hydroxide can cause irritation and even chemical burns on fragile skin. Also avoid thick salves or heavy emollients. While these products initially seem to soften calluses, they are greasy, slow to absorb and usually provide temporary results. There products might seem appealing for an easy, quick fix but please understand that some of the chemicals in these products are very harsh which can lead to more issues.
The best foot callus treatment begins with a professional pedicure using callus removers that contain gentle, but highly effective ingredients. If you suffer from foot calluses, look for non-aggressive treatments which contain ingredients such as Urea. Urea is a natural end product of metabolism and a humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Urea also has excellent exfoliating properties which help to unlock skin cells which are tightly packed together (such as the cells that comprise a stubborn foot callus!) without disturbing the natural skin’s natural processes. Urea is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Urea is used in a variety of skin care products to target general skin dryness or medical conditions associated with dry or itchy skin. Urea can also help exfoliate dead skin buildup and may help target fungal infections.
Having healthy and beautiful feet year-round is important. We do not want you to be embarrassed to wear sandals in public.
Book a pedicure with Upkept today! Ask us about how we can help you with your callused skin!
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