You can remove excess calluses yourself in several ways:
- Sanding, grating or filing. You can do this with a pumice stone, a special callus grater or a foot file. After sanding, grating or filing, always rinse your feet with water and then apply a foot cream . That way they stay nice and soft. Tip : Soak your feet in a foot bath with baking soda before sanding to make it easier to remove calluses.
- Vinegar . Make a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water and rub this on the callus. Then put on socks and leave it on overnight. The next morning you can easily remove the callus with a pumice stone, rasp or file. Tip : don’t have vinegar at home? You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar.
- Callus cream . Callus cream contains ingredients that soften callus, making it easier to remove. Always read the instructions before use.
- Callus plasters . Callus plasters, like callus cream, contain ingredients that soften calluses. Always read the instructions before use.
- Calluses . Calluses contain a special gel that loosens excess calluses. Always read the instructions before use.
Note: if you have diabetes, it is better not to remove calluses yourself. Diabetics have an increased risk of foot problems. Go to the pedicure or podiatrist for foot care.
When should you visit a pedicure and podiatrist?
Have you followed the above advice, but still suffer from excessive callus? Then go to a pedicure. This can remove stubborn calluses and tell you more about the cause and the appropriate solution. Your pedicure can have a so-called blueprint made of your feet. This shows you where the pressure is too great. You can then be referred to a podiatrist. A podiatrist can correct the position of your feet with the help of therapy or special soles.
How can you prevent excess callus?
Fortunately, there are effective ways to remove calluses, but if you don’t tackle the cause, the callus will come back in no time! Of course, prevention is better than cure. We put together a few tips for you:
- Wear well-fitting footwear that minimizes pressure and friction on your feet.
- Don’t wear flip flops too often, as the friction of the sole against your heel will cause calluses.
- Use a support sole, which distributes the pressure of your body evenly over your foot.
- Take care of your feet with a special foot cream, which keeps the skin soft and supple and prevents callus.