During the summer months, nothing is better than flip-flops and sandals or even walking around with bare feet. But if you have calluses on your feet, you might feel discouraged over their appearance. Most people forget that day in and day out, their feet are carrying them all over the place, and it is natural for calluses to develop. Yet, calluses are not permanent; you can even start softening up those calluses today and be rid of them by the end of the week!
With a little luck and some effort, you can once again have silky and soft feet by following these tips:
How Do Calluses Develop On Feet?
In order to get smooth as silk feet, you should first understand how and why calluses occur. That way, you can prevent them later on. Calluses are thickened skin that forms in places where there is a lot of pressure and friction throughout the day. The affected layer is known as the stratum corneum, or the top layer of the epidermis. Calluses and corns are your body’s way of protecting the soft skin on your soles from damage.
One of the main reasons calluses occur is wearing the wrong shoes. Think about the last time you wore a pair of shoes that were too big or too small. Both cases result in discomfort. When your shoes are sliding around on your feet or chafing, this causes friction. Aside from getting blisters, you may also notice that the skin in these frequently chafed or abraded areas begins to harden rapidly.
So, the first step to getting silky smooth feet and toes is to wear appropriately sized shoes.
Signs and Symptoms of Calluses
Calluses do not usually hurt, but they can restrict movement at times. And sometimes, the location of the calluses can create more pressure and cause pain.
Here are other symptoms and signs of calluses:
• Hard, thick patches of skin
• Flaky, dry skin
• Bumps
• Pain and tenderness near the affected patch of skin
• Rounded or conically shaped bumps
• Pain or other interferences when walking or playing sports
Where Do Calluses Occur?
Calluses occur in several places on the feet. Depending on where they are located, the calluses can get larger and cause issues. Knowing where calluses are bound to develop can help you effectively target currents ones and prevent others from forming later on.
Here are main locations calluses form on feet:
• Near or between the 4th and 5th toes
• On the outer edge of the 5th toe, where the toe may rub against the inside of a shoe
• Near the metatarsal arch
• On the ball of the foot
• On the bottom and outside of the big toe
• At the heel of the foot
• Between the 1st and 2nd toes, especially if there is a lot of friction from flip-flops
Tips For Getting Rid of Foot Calluses
Now, how do you soften those calluses? The good news is that you do not have to run out to the store and buy a ton of foot care items. Most likely, everything you need is already in your house. Simply open the pantry and the refrigerator—you will find everything you need to soothe and remove calluses from your feet.
What You Need
There are many ways to remove those dead skin cells from your skin and get rid of calluses, but the best way requires only two ingredients: baking soda and a liter of warmed milk.
What You Do
Warm the milk enough that it is tepid to the touch—not too hot, not too cold. Next, pour the warmed milk into a bowl that is wide enough for you to soak the soles of your feet. Keep your feet submerged in the milk for about 25-30 minutes.
The lactic acid in milk helps break down the dead skin cells in the epidermis and softens the calluses, making it easier to remove them.
Once you have soaked your feet, you will notice that the soles are much softer. While your feet are still slightly wet, rub some of the baking soda onto the calluses. Massage lightly. Scrub a little too. This process will exfoliate the skin gently. Then let the baking soda sit undisturbed for another 10 minutes.
After those 10 minutes have passed, rinse off your feet. Repeat this process twice a week. You will get rid of those calluses in no time.
Other Methods of Getting Rid of Foot Calluses
If you find that the milk and baking soda method does not work for you, or if you do not have dairy milk in your home, don’t worry. There are other options! Here are a few for you to try:
• Apple Cider Vinegar: By mixing 1 part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water, you create a luxurious foot bath that will penetrate those pesky rough patches and loosen the calluses over time.
• Epsom Salt: Excellent for reducing inflammation and exfoliating, Epsom salt can relax your skin. Pour it into some warm water (or take an Epsom salt bath) and soak for about 20-30 minutes.
• Castor Oil: If you have a painful callus, you can rub some castor oil on it for lubrication throughout the day. The oil will also penetrate the hardened skin and assist in softening the callus so you can eventually peel it off.
• Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: The mixture of acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate does wonders for your week. The reaction between these two ingredients can assist with dissolving calluses. Just mix the lemon juice and baking soda into warm water and soak your feet for about 25 minutes.
• Moisturizer: In the same way you moisturize your face to keep the skin supple and soft, you can moisturize your feet. It is best to do this in the evening. Rub some moisturizer on your feet, paying special attention to the calluses, and then put on some breathable cotton socks. Sleep with the socks on overnight. When you wake up in the morning, your feet will be much softer.
Be gentle when attempting to remove calluses after one soak. Do not pull on the calluses too much, even when they are soft, since it can injure the skin and cause bleeding. Give these solutions some time to work their magic.
