Callus Removal

When a body part continually rubs against something, and the tender skin forms a protective barrier of hard skin to protect the area it feels is in danger of an injury, that tough formation is a callus.

The most common place for calluses is on the hands and feet. There are several very good over the counter products especially for callus removal. Creams that, when rubbed into the calluses, cause them to slough off. 

Callus removal is not something that can be accomplished over night, and some calluses really do protect the skin and are better left alone. Guitar players tend to have callused fingertips, and it keeps them from getting sore fingers from playing. 

People who do hard, physical labor, such as carpenters, tend to have them on their hands.

When you have calluses on your feet, they can actually become painful, when they cause pressure between the affected area and the object upon which they rub. 

Just like it takes time to build up calluses, once you have them, it takes time to get rid of them.

Home Remedies for Callus Removal:

Pumice Stone:

There are many ways of removing calluses, but they all have to do with soaking, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin. 

I recommend using a pumice stone, or superfine grit sand paper (500 or 600 grit, you find most often in automotive stores or home repair stores) to begin the exfoliating process, some people will use specially designed files for that process. 

They are very abrasive, and, especially in diabetics, are a huge ‘no-no’. Once you have begun the exfoliating, soak in very warm water. 

You can do this in the tub, or however you want, and you can even add epsom salts, or fragrant essential oils. Get off as much of the calluses as you can, rinse well, and massage in essential oil or body butter, then put on socks or gloves (to hold in the moisture.)

When you are done, carefully dry your feet, then apply one of the over the counter exfoliation creams.

Many people do this at bedtime, and awake to find softer, smoother skin.

Sugar Scrubs:

You can use an inexpensive home made alternative to the expensive sugar scrubs you see in salons. 

In a clean, dry jar (an old cosmetic or cream jar, cleaned, works well) fill 3/4 full of granulated sugar. Add enough mineral oil to form a loose paste then add a fragrant essential oil if you want. 

Peppermint, spearmint, sandalwood, or musk oil are my favorites. Mix all this together.

After your soak in a nice, warm tub, scoop out some of this sugar scrub, and gently massage, not just callused skin, but hands, elbows, knees, feet–anywhere you want to have smooth, soft skin.

Loofah Soled Slippers:

Wearing moist loofah soled slippers after each bath, helps exfoliate the dead, callused skin from your feet.