If you’re looking for how to remove the callus on your heel, then you’re in the right place. The good news is that you can treat this type of heel pain very quickly and easily at the comfort of your home.
Most times, calluses on the heel of your foot are caused by friction and pressure from walking. They can also be a consequence of wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or playing sports like soccer and tennis.
In this article, I’ll show you how to properly remove heel callus so that it doesn’t hurt anymore. I’ll also show you some common causes and how to prevent them from coming back so that you can get back to living your life in comfort and style.
What Are Calluses?
Calluses are a thickening of the skin that develops as a result of repeated friction and pressure. They often develop on the outer side of your heel, right around where your shoe strikes the ground.
Calluses can also form on the soles of your feet or your palms. To keep it simple, they form typically in areas where you use more friction. Although they’re not harmful, you need to remove them from time to time before they become too large or start to cause discomfort.
How to Remove Heel Callus
If you have dry and cracked heels or calluses, it can be very unsightly and uncomfortable. However, there are many ways to remove these painful bumps, such as using a pumice stone, callus remover, or a foot file to cut away the thickened skin.
You can also soak your feet in warm water to soften the skin. Here are some tips on how to remove heel callus and care for your feet.
1. Soak in Warm Water
If you are looking for a way to remove heel callus, relieve stress, and unwind, then this is your best bet. Soaking your feet in warm water is an effective way to feel refreshed, soothe any aches or pains you might be experiencing, and at the same time get rid of calluses.
All you have to do is soak your feet in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften the skin so that the callus can be scrubbed off easily. And if you are able, you can also add a little vinegar to disinfect your feet and eliminate foot odor.
SEE: 14 Easy Hacks to Help You Get Rid of Shoe Odor
2. Use a Foot File
A foot file is a household item that can also be used to remove calluses. It has one side for filing and the other for smoothing out any roughness. It’s an efficient tool that you can use to get rid of those pesky calluses on your heel.
The best time to use the foot file is after bathing or showering, as it will soften the callus so that it will come off easily. To begin, locate the callus and gently slide the entire surface of the foot file over the area for several seconds.
Gently move the foot file back and forth along your heel while applying little pressure. Finally, rinse your feet with warm water, and then rinse off the foot file under the faucet.
3. Try a Pumice Stone
Pumice stones are an excellent way to remove calluses because they are made of rough materials that scrape the top layer of skin off gently without damaging the underlying tissue.
When you’re ready to use the pumice stone, wet it with water or an all-purpose soap. Next, rub your heel in circular motions until you’ve completely removed any areas of build-up, then rinse off your feet with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
You can find these stones in your local drugstore. They’re usually located with foot scrubs, creams, and bath salts near the nail polish aisle. You can also buy them online or at a local beauty store.
4. Soak in Epsom Salt
One of the most effective ways to remove heel callus is by soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt. Epsom salts are often used to treat sore muscles, but they also help to remove calluses from the feet.
Trust me, it’s painless and actually quite relaxing. All you need to do is fill a tub with warm water, add Epsom salts, and soak your feet.
The salt will help soften your skin, making it easier for you to slough away dead skin cells from your heel. Soak your feet for at least an hour, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
SEE: How to Remove Dead Skin From Feet: Clean And Soothe Your Feet With These Easy Remedies
5. Use an Exfoliating Cream
Another way to remove a callus is by using an exfoliating cream to get rid of all the dead skin cells that caused the callus in the first place.
A good exfoliating cream will help remove the callus on your heel and dry out any moisture underneath to help prevent it from recurring. It can also leave your skin looking smoother and brighter. To do this
Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry to soften up the skin (doing this makes it easier to remove dead skin cells). Next, apply the exfoliating cream to your dry heels and rub it in circular motions for about 2 minutes. Finally, rinse off any excess with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
SEE: Hair Removal Wax: A Great Hack to Skincare
6. Invest in a Callus Remover
A callus remover is an instrument used to remove calluses from the foot. It can be either a handheld device or a machine. It can help soften, break down, and remove these hard-to-remove layers of dry skin on your feet.
The callus remover works by buffing away the dry, rough skin on your heel making it feel softer and more supple. To get started, make sure the remover is dry and clean before use to avoid infections.
Next, apply pressure with the remover to the callused area until it is removed. Finally, rinse off the area you treated with soap and water, and dry with a towel.
7. Try Sandpaper
Sandpaper is an abrasive material people use for various purposes. One such use is to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating your heel regularly with sandpaper can help to remove the dead skin cells and calluses on your heel, making your skin smooth and healthy.
To get started, moisten the sandpaper with water (this helps soothe any irritation and can be more effective than a dry application). Next, wrap the sandpaper around your finger and gently rub the callus until it starts to soften. Finally, rinse your feet and apply some moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
Before you start, make sure you have a flat surface and plenty of sandpaper. You’ll also need to use a file to get rid of the top layer of the callus before sanding.
7. Exfoliate with a Loofah
A loofah is a sponge that is made from the fibers of certain plants. It is shaped like a long tube and has tiny holes on one side. These holes make it perfect to scrub your heels with because it helps you remove dead skin cells and unclog tiny pores.
To use a loofah, rinse it well before use, then rub gently in a circular motion for about one minute. Next, rinse thoroughly and hang to dry to prevent mold growth.
For best results, use a loofah sponge on your heel every day in the shower or bath to help remove heel callus before applying your favorite body wash or shampoo.
SEE: 15 Natural and Effective Ways to Cure Dry Feet at Home
9. Baking soda and Lemon Juice
You can complete this easy treatment in 10 minutes or less with no expensive creams or tools required. In addition, this recipe only requires two ingredients, baking soda, and lemon juice.
The baking soda acts as an exfoliant to rub away the dead skin cells while the lemon juice helps to neutralize bacteria in affected areas. These two ingredients work together to soften hard skin for painless removal.
- Fill a tub with warm water.
- Take 1/4 cup of baking soda and dissolve in the water.
- Take 2 tbsp of lemon juice and add into it.
- Soak your feet for 15 minutes to soften the skin.
- Use a pumice stone to gently rub the area until the callus softens.
- Rinse off with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a moisturizer afterward.
Causes of Heel Calluses
- Standing on hard surfaces
- Friction from ill-fitting shoes
- Frequent and prolonged contact with water
- Walking barefoot on sandy beaches
- Standing, walking, or running for a long stretch
- Dry skin, genetics, certain diseases, or an injury to the foot can also cause heel calluses
How to Prevent Heel Callus
- Soak your feet regularly in soapy warm water
- Invest in padded insoles
- Wear shoes that fit
- Practice proper foot hygiene
- Wear socks regularly
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Always apply foot powder if you have sweaty feet
FAQs
What happens if I cut off a callus?
You might end up injuring the tissue of your feet and getting an infection. It’s highly important to refrain from cutting off your callus especially if you’re diabetic to avoid ulcer wounds, see a doctor instead.
How can I remove callus fast?
Slather your feet with lotion or petroleum jelly, and then put socks over the moisturized area for 15 minutes. Next, peel off the callus with a pumice stone using circular motions to break up layers of dead skin.
When do I need to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you are a diabetes patient or you have an underlying illness. You should also see a doctor if these home treatments do not work and you notice any sign of infection.
Conclusion
Our feet are the most neglected body parts and we don’t even know it. They take a lot of punishment, and quite frankly, they suffer a lot. We wear shoes that squeeze and cramp our feet, we shuffle around on hard floors, and we stand all day.
Also, they’re one of the most neglected parts of the body when it comes to the application of skincare products and general self-care. For instance, when we’re in a hurry, it’s easy to skip a few steps in our routine, like moisturizing our feet.
All these things can cause painful calluses to form on the heels of the feet, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes without pain. It’s very important to take the time out to properly care for your feet and remove heel callus by at least performing one of the above tips.
Thanks for reading.
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