10 Ways to Remove Calluses Naturally

A callus is a thick area of skin which has become relatively dry and hard due to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Since repeated contact is required for callus forming, they are most often found on feet because of frequent walking. Calluses are generally not harmful, but may sometimes lead to other problems, such as skin ulceration or infection.

You can removing calluses naturally. It's quite simple to do, and you can use items that are already in your home.

N.B. Never try to remove calluses by cutting or slicing them. The risk of infection is too great. Besides, there are easier, less painful ways to remove a callus.

Photo: lipglossjunkie

The process of removing a callus consists of three steps: soaking, rubbing and drying. Here are a few natural alternatives to each of them. You can alternate between each of them to find the one that suits you best.

Soaking
4 alternatives to soak your callused feet.

1. Soak your feet in chamomile tea to soften hardened skin for about 30 minutes. Don't worry if your skin gets stained because you can remove any tea stains easily later with soap and water.

2. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to warm water and soak the affected area. This will help dissolve the dead skin and begin the healing process. Soak for approximately 30 minutes.

3. Soak a bread slice in apple cider vinegar for about 10 hours o form a paste. Before going to bed put the paste on the callus and secure with a bandage. wrap it in a plastic sack and leave it on overnight. Remove in the morning.

4. Soak the callus in warm water with Epsom salts. The warm water softens your skin, and the salts help scrub the corn or callus away.

Scrubbing
2 ideas on how to best scrub the callus away.

1. Using a foot file or pumice stone rub the calluses away. Use the file after you have soaked your feet or at the end of a shower, when your feet have been softened by the warm water. Rub your feet with a vigorous, circular motion. If you have a heavy buildup of calluses, rinse your feet often by dipping them back into the water. Also, rinse the pumice stone to get it wet again and remove the dead skin. Work until the skin turns pink for best results.

2. Another great way to scrub away unsightly a callus is to take a barefoot walk on a wet, sandy beach.

Drying
Dry the area completely. It is important that you don't allow this area to remain damp. Use a towel to remove all moisture.

Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch on the area. This will ensure that the area stays dry. It will also help ward off infections.

Or you can:
- Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, one teaspoon dried chamomile and one clove of crushed garlic. Apply the mixture to your callus once or twice daily until it is gone.

- Cut 2-3 raisins in half and put them on the affected area, (with the cut facing the skin), secure with a plaster overnight. Repeat daily until the callus reduces or disappears.

- Use 1 onion slice, sprinkled with a few drops of lemon juice, and some salt. Tape them to the callus overnight. Repeat daily for a week to remove the callus easily.

- Crush 5 aspirin pills, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon water to form a thick paste. Apply to the affected area and cover with a plastic wrap. Cover with a wet towel. Let sit for about 30 minutes. After rinsing with warm water, rub the callus with a wet pumice stone.

Repeat daily for beautiful, healthy feet.

How to prevent calluses
Even if you remove your callus, don't forget where it came from. Prevent calluses from reappearing by taking care of your feet.

Keeping your skin clean and dry can help ward off calluses.

Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly.

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to calluses.  Open-toed sandals are especially likely to cause your feet to develop calluses, so wear some enclosed tennis shoes with socks every few days to give your feet a break.

Wear shoes that breathe. Shoes made from natural materials, such as leather, allow more air flow to your feet than shoes made from synthetic materials.

Sometimes calluses can be confused with more serious medical conditions. It's best to consult a doctor about any health issue.

You should stop trying to treat your callus naturally at home and see your doctor if it is red and feels hot to the touch, if it cracks, bleeds and looks blue or if it doesn't improve after several days.