Calluses are a skin condition that hardens and thickens. Generally, this skin problem often grows in the skin area of the palms of the hands, to the tips of the toes, heels, feet, elbows, or knees. So, how to get rid of calluses?
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How to get rid of calluses with home remedies
Calls can form when the skin is subjected to repeated or excessive friction or pressure.
This condition not only causes the feet to feel uncomfortable when rubbing against footwear or the floor, but also causes pain.
Although it is not a serious skin disease , how to get rid of callsuses on the feet and hands still needs to be done. Moreover, when accompanied by pain.
Before deciding to go to the doctor, there are various ways to remove callsuses with home treatments that can be done, namely:
1. wet your feet in warm water
One of the home remedies that can be done as a way to get rid of callsuses on the feet and hands is soaking the feet or hands in warm water. Do this step for about 10-20 minutes.
Soaking your feet or hands in warm water can help soften the buildup of thickened skin, making it easier to clean.
You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt to the bowl of warm water. Epsom salt acts as an exfoliator that can help soften calluses.
2. Use a pumice stone
After soaking called feet or hands in warm water. You can rub the callused area with a pumice stone to remove the thick, hardened skin cells buildup.
Do this step slowly in a clockwise circular motion. Don’t rub the called area too hard so it doesn’t get infected or bleed.
After scrubbing, rinse your feet with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
3. Apply moisturizing cream
If you’ve soaked your feet or hands and scrubbed them with a pumice stone, you’ll need to apply a moisturizing cream or lotion.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you look for a moisturizing cream or lotion that contains salicylic acid, urea , or ammonium lactate.
The reason is, this content can help soften callsuses gradually while moisturizing the skin.
So that the results feel maximum, make sure you apply it regularly according to the instructions for use listed on the product packaging.
4. Use foot files
How to remove calluses with home treatments can also use foot files . Foot files are special tools that work to exfoliate piles of dead skin cells.
It comes in the form of a brushless comb, but comes with metal and rubber or plastic handles. You can use this tool like rubbing a pumice stone.
However, before that you need to soak your feet in warm water first. Use after bathing, rinse thoroughly, and apply a moisturizing cream to keep skin smooth.
How to get rid of callsuses on feet and hands with natural ingredients
In addition to the various steps above, you can also do how to get rid of callsuses on your feet using natural ingredients that you have at home.
Even so, please note that further research is needed to prove the effectiveness of this natural ingredient.
If you want to rely on it as a way to get rid of calls, it would be better to consult with your doctor before deciding to use it. The various natural ingredients in question include:
1. Baking soda
One way to get rid of calluses on feet naturally is with baking soda. The way it works is claimed to be similar to an exfoliator cream that functions to exfoliate a pile of thickened and hardened dead skin cells.
You simply mix 2 tablespoons of water with baking soda to taste in a small container. Stir well until the texture forms a paste.
Apply it on the clean callused area. Then, wrap it in a sock or a gauze bandage so the baking soda paste doesn’t get dirty around you. Do this step every night regularly and clean the next day.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also believed to be a natural callus remedy. The acid content in apple cider vinegar is thought to be able to soften hardened and thickened calluses.
You can mix water and apple cider vinegar to taste with the ratio of the amount of water more. Then, soak called feet or hands for 20 minutes.
If done regularly, the thickened and hardened calls will slowly peel off. However, remember not to pull hard immediately because it is prone to causing injury and infection.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. To get rid of calluses, you can pour a few drops of essential oil into a container of warm water.
Then, soak the called feet or hands for a few moments. However, remember not to soak it for more than 15 minutes. The reason is, the content of tea tree oil is very strong and can damage the skin layer if exposed for too long.
4. Epsom salt
Epsom salt is often used as a natural remedy for callsuses for a number of skin problems, one of which is calluses on the soles of the feet. This salt has a function as a natural exfoliator that can help exfoliate skin cells.
You can use it by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a bowl of warm water. Then, soak the feet or hands affected by calls in the solution.
Medical treatment to remove calluses on feet and hands
If home treatments don’t show any change, or if it causes more discomfort, you are advised to consult a dermatologist or a podiatrist.
Likewise, if you suffer from diabetes and experience calls, it is better to consult a doctor first.
Your doctor may prescribe a number of medications or perform certain procedures as a way to remove callsuses on your hands and feet. Here are various alternatives that are commonly prescribed by doctors.
1. Salicylic acid cream
Creams or lotions containing salicylic acid are one of the most common types of calluses prescribed by doctors. In addition to cream, this content is also given in the form of a patch .
Salicylic acid is a class of keratolytic drugs that works to treat thickened, dry, and scaly skin problems.
The way salicylic acid works is by softening keratin, the protein that is the outermost part of the skin structure. The use of this drug can relax the scaly skin so that it is easily removed.
Your doctor may prescribe calls containing salicylic acid in combination with other medications to maximize the process of removing the thickened top layer of skin.
2. Operation action
You may be advised to have surgery if you have deformities or structures in your feet and toes that cause calls to grow again. Usually this procedure involves removing or repairing the structure of the bone tissue.
In addition, surgery may also be recommended by your doctor if the calluses cause severe pain that makes you uncomfortable and makes it difficult to walk.
Tips to prevent calls from growing again
In addition to doing the various ways to remove callsuses above, you also need to take precautions so that this skin problem does not appear again in the future.
- Use shoes or sandals that are comfortable and according to the size of the foot.
- Wear socks or pads in your shoes to reduce the pressure on your feet and cause calls.
- Trim fingernails and toenails regularly.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
If you have tried various ways to get rid of calluses and tips to prevent them but to no avail, even the callsuses are painful and getting worse, it’s time for you to consult a dermatologist or a podiatrist .