Image source: Hammacher

Callus is thickened, hardened and dry part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area that has been subjected to friction, high pressure or both. It usually forms on the hands and feet. Though it is not harmful by itself, it may cause skin irritation or skin infection. Most of the times, these yellow or grey dry skin patches cause pain when you walk or wear shoes. You should not ignore them else they turn rough and large. Try few of these home remedies to get rid of your callus.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, which helps to heal the callus. Add one cup of apple cider vinegar in a tub of warm water and soak your feet in this mixture for 15-20 minutes. Scrub the callus with a pumice stone or scrubber after taking your feet out of the water. Usually, it takes 7 to 10 days to soften and peel off the callus. (And by the way, soaking your hands instead of your feet in the mixture would be beneficial if you have a callus on your hands)

2. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is widely used to treat a lot of skin related problems. You can either use a bath salt that contains Epsom salt or use it directly. Scrub your feet (or hands) with some Epsom salt and then add some of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water. Soak your feet in this warm water for 15-20 minutes and scrub off your feet with a pumice stone or a scrubber. You will see that within a few days, you can peel off your callus.

3. Vitamin A And Vitamin E Oil

Oils rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E help to treat and heal callus. All you have to do is rub some oil rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E on the callus and wear a pair of socks to cover it. Leave it as it is overnight. Repeat every night till the callus heals completely. Wheat germ oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, apricot oil are few of the oils that are a rich source of Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

4. Cornstarch

Many a times, callus forms between the toes, in between the cavity where water and sweat are easily stored. This moisture worsens the problems caused by callus. The best way to keep the moisture away is to rub some cornstarch or corn flour in between your toes. If your feet sweat a lot, you should use socks made of organic cotton instead of the ones made of synthetic material.

5.Castor Oil

Castor oil is another oil that helps to easily get rid of callus. Dab a small cotton ball with some castor oil and place it on the callus. Secure it with a bandage and leave it overnight. Within few days, your callus will be gone.

6. Raisins

Raisins are soft, gooey and rich in anti-oxidants. It sounds weird, but raisins help a lot to treat callus, but instead of eating them, this time you have to apply them topically on the affected area. Cut raisins in half and put them on the callus, now secure them with a bandage and leave them to do their work overnight. Repeat this process every night, till you get desired results.

7. Baby Powder

Another way to reduce the moisture retention from your toes is to use baby powder. Sprinkle and rub some baby powder between your toes, this will absorb all the sweat that your feet produce throughout the day. It is advisable that you put baby powder between your toes before wearing your shoes in the morning. In case your feet tend to sweat a lot, try wearing open footwear or remove the footwear every once in a while or whenever possible and let your feet breath.

8. Chamomile Tea

Tea, everybody’s favorite, but now again, like raisins you don’t have to drink, you have to soak your feet in it. Soak your feet (or hands) in diluted chamomile tea for 10-15 minutes and scrub it off with a pumice stone or scrubber. Of course, you can enjoy soaking your feet with chamomile tea while sipping a cup of chamomile tea.

So here were a few tips to make your callus suffer instead of you suffering with them.