Foot calluses are common but unattractive. Sometimes when calluses get very thick, your skin can crack and become painful, making it challenging to wear your favorite shoes. There a few ways to manage your calluses. Certain types of acids can be used to remove them.
Significance
Your foot callus is actually thickened skin that forms to protect your foot from irritation caused by pressure or friction. This is a common complaint of runners and other athletes, ballerinas and individuals who wear high heels, snug shoes or spend a lot of time on their feet. Calluses can also become more problematic during the winter, because central heating dries the air.
Considerations
If you are healthy, you can treat your calluses with over-the-counter products. Since your calluses are caused by friction and pressure, it is also important to consider what you are doing to cause the problem. Using acid removers will help in reducing the dry, dead skin, but your callus will develop again unless you change the environment your foot is exposed to.
Expert Insight
According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, wearing socks is an important step you can take to prevent callus formation. Be sure that your socks fit well and that they do not have a seam that presses against your foot when you put your shoes on. Polyester and cotton-blend socks are best because they are able to wick moisture away from your skin better than 100 percent cotton socks. Not wearing socks can result in calluses and blisters on your feet.