Feet Care

Time can easily go in the winter season but taking skin care in this wintertime is not an easy task. It poses many skin related problems like dry skin, cold feet, cracked heels, chapped lips, rough skin, etc.

Feet are the major part that was affected in the wintertime. The feet become dry, hard and thickened skin around the rim of the heel. It is more common in people who are suffering from diabetes, eczema or aged.

There are no oil glands on your feet’s skin and when it is exposed to cold weather, prolonged standing, lack of moisture, low humidity and certain medications, it will result in dry or cracked feet.

To overcome this problem in wintertime and to enjoy your winter with smooth and healthy feet, you have to follow some simple tips regularly with little care.

Winter Tips to Keep your Feet Soft and Healthy:

Here are some of the best tips that pamper your feet and make it soft and smooth. Let’s get started.

Tip – 1: (Warm Water Soak)

Soaking your feet in warm water for once a week will help to keep them healthy and crack-free. It softens the hard skin and removes the dirt or buildup on your feet and heels.

• Fill the foot tub with warm water and mix some mild liquid soap in it.
• Stir well by adding a handful of sea salt in it.
• Soak your feet in this water for about 15 – 20 minutes.
• After that, scrub your feet gently by using a pumice stone to clear dead skin cells.
• Then rinse your feet with normal water and dry them using a soft towel.
• Apply a foot cream (or any natural oil) to all over your feet.
• Wait for a minute or two and wear a pair of clean cotton socks.
• Repeat the same process for twice a week and then continue it for once a week to get rid of cracked heels, cold feet, and strained feet.

Tip – 2: (Brown Sugar Scrub)

The small granules of brown sugar will give the best scrub to your feet, as it scrubs away the dead skin cell and keeps your feet soft and healthy. Olive oil and honey will moisturize the feet and lemon juice prevents any bacterial infections.

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon each of raw honey and extra virgin olive oil in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or white sugar).
• Stir well to make a thick paste and soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes.
• Then apply this paste on the feet and rub it gently in circular motions all over the feet till the granules melt away.
• After that, rinse your feet with warm water and dry them properly.
• Continue this scrubbing process for once a week to maintain a healthy foot.

Tip – 3: (Oil Massage)

If you have dry or sensitive skin then the wintertime will easily develop cracked or dry feet. Oil massage is one best way to beat this problem.

It penetrates deep into the skin and makes it soft. So, massage your feet with some natural oil to moisturize the skin and also to improve blood circulation.

• Wash your feet thoroughly with warm water at night before bedtime.
• Dry your feet (between toes) and apply some lukewarm oil (coconut, olive, castor or almond oil) to your feet and heels.
• Massage it gently all over the feet for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Then wear a pair of clean socks and go for a sleep.
• Do the same process regularly throughout the winter to get rid of foot problems.

Note: Or you can also use the combination of oils like castor oil and coconut oil and apply it on your feet to keep it well moisturized.

Tip – 4: (Fruit Packs)

Many fruits like ripe bananas, avocados, papayas, etc. have a moisturizing property that deals with the crack or painful feet.

• Mix the pulp (equal amounts) of an avocado and a ripe banana along with a little of coconut oil and raw honey.
  Apply it on all over the feet as a pack.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water after 10 – 15 minutes.
• Regular application of this pack for few times a week will help you to maintain healthy feet.

Tip – 5: (Glycerin)

Glycerin has moisturizing and humectant properties that keep your feet crack-free and soft along with providing warmth to your cold feet.

• Mix equal quantities of rose water and glycerin in a bowl.
• Rub this mix on your feet and heels at night before bedtime.
• Put on clean socks and leave for overnight.
• Wash your feet in the next morning with lukewarm water.
• Repeat the same process once daily or on alternate days during the winter to keep your feet soft.

Tip – 6: (Vitamin E)

Vitamin E contains antioxidant that protects your skin from the attack of harmful free radicals. It repairs and moisturizes your skin to keep your feet smooth and soft.

• Rub vitamin E oil on all over your feet daily at night before bedtime.
• Include vitamin E rich foods like green vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fortified cereals in your diet with a recommended dosage of 15 mg daily.
• Apply any topical ointments or creams that have vitamin E on your feet to moisture and prevent it from developing cracks.

Additional Tips:

1. Include vitamin c (prevent skin dryness), omega – 3 fatty acids and zinc rich foods like citric fruits, fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, cauliflower, fortified cereals, etc. in your daily diet.
2. Drink plenty of water and include water-rich fruits and vegetables along with other healthy liquids in your diet to get rid of dehydration and thereby dry skin and cracked feet.
3. Wear shoes that are properly fitted, so that your feet can breathe. Also always wear a clean pair of socks which help to warmth your feet.
4. Avoid using hot water baths, saunas, and steam baths, as they remove oils from the skin and results in skin dryness.
5. Applying a thick foot cream on your feet after bathing will help to keep your feet moisturized.
6. Always keep your feet clean and dry to prevent any fungal infections or cracks. Also, examine your feet to known about any unknown foot problem.
7. Perform some foot care hygiene like cutting your toenails regularly, wear shower shoes in locker rooms or at public pools (public areas), avoid sharing your footgear, choose breathable footwear, etc. to protect your feet.
8. Frostbite, anemia, diabetes, lupus and Reynaud’s are some of the disorders that trigger in the winter season, if not take proper care of your feet.

Avoid neglecting your feet and start taking proper care of it, by following these natural tips in wintertime. Do you know any other tips for feet care? Then share it with us in the below comments section.

Are you using ill fitted shoes or spending a long time with those tight shoes or high heels? Then you are at a risk of developing corns on your feet.

Corns occur as small circles with thick and hardened skin area that appears most commonly on the feet (on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes and soles of the feet) which makes you walk uncomfortable.

The most common cause for these corns is the skin experiencing too much pressure and friction either due to ill fitted shoes, wearing high heels, hard soles, prolonged standing with tight shoes, walking barefoot, wearing shoes without socks, manual labor, playing sports that put pressure on your feet, etc.

People who are suffering from bunions, scars, diabetes, poor blood flow, damaged sweat glands, warts or hammertoes on their feet are more prone to suffer from corns than others.

Thick and rough skin, pain while pressing, hard raised bumps, experiencing discomfort while walking or standing are some of the symptoms of corn.

Eliminating the source of pressure or friction will definitely heal your corns. There are many natural home remedies that work well in treating your corns.

Home Remedies for Corns on Feet:

Here are the best natural remedies that help you in dealing with corns on your feet. Have a look at these remedies and follow them regularly till you cleared your problem.

Remedy – 1: (White Vinegar)

The acidic levels of white vinegar will soften the hard skin and balances your pH levels. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of getting infection.

• Add 1 part of white vinegar in 3 parts of water and stir well.
• Dab this vinegar mix on the corn using a cotton ball at night before bedtime.
• Cover it with an adhesive bandage and leave it on for overnight.
• Remove the bandage in the morning and exfoliate the skin with an emery board or pumice stone.
• Dry your feet and apply some natural moisturizers (like olive oil or coconut oil).
• Continue doing the same process for once daily till the corn gets cleared from your feet.

Note:

• Or soak a slice of stale bread in apple cider vinegar. Squeeze out and place it on the corn affected part of the foot. Secure it with a tape and leave for overnight.
• Also, pour some white vinegar over white onion slices in a jar. Leave it to soak for a whole day and at night before bedtime, place those thick slices of onion on the corn and secure it with a bandage. Remove it the morning and gently rub with a pumice stone.

Remedy – 2: (Pumice Stone and Castor Oil)

Rubbing your feet with a pumice stone will help to remove dead and hardened skin, reduces the foot pain and speed up the healing process by stimulating proper blood circulation. Castor oil has amazing moisturizing, antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe your skin and relieves it from the pressure. This process can be done at night before bedtime.

• Soak your feet in a comfortable hot water for about 10 – 15 minutes to soften the hard skin.
• Rub the feet (focus on corns) gently using a pumice stone for 3 – 5 minutes and dry the feet.
• Then apply castor oil on the corn and secure it with a tape.
• Leave it on for overnight and remove the bandage in the next morning.
• Apply castor oil for several times in the day and repeat the same for few days till you get relief from the problem.

Remedy – 3: (Baking Soda)

Baking soda exfoliates the skin to remove dust and dead skin covering the corn to get relief from the problem. It also exhibits antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help to keep your skin free from infections.

• Pour 2 – 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a foot basin filled with warm water.
• Soak your feet in this water for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• Rub your affected feet with a pumice stone for few minutes to get rid of dead skin cells.
• Do the same process for once daily till you get relief from the problem.

Note: Or mix some lemon juice and few drops of water in 1 teaspoon of baking soda till it forms a fine paste. Apply it on the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Leave for overnight and wash the area with lukewarm water and exfoliate to get complete relief.

Remedy – 4: (Garlic)

Garlic has natural antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent infection and corns from your feet.

• Gently rub half of a garlic clove on the corn at night before bedtime and allow the skin to dry.
• Cover the area with a band-aid and let it sit for overnight.
• Remove the band-aid in the next morning and rinse the feet with lukewarm water.
• Regular follow – up of this process will help you to get quick relief from corns on your feet.

Note:

• Or make a paste by crushing 2 – 3 garlic cloves with a pinch of salt and spread this paste on your corn and cover it with a bandage. Leave for 3 days and then remove it.
• Also, apply a paste prepared by crushing 2 – 3 garlic cloves with a little vinegar on the corn using a cotton ball. Secure it using a tape and wait for 2 – 3 hours and then remove the tape. Clean the area and repeat it.

Remedy – 5: (Licorice)

Licorice has estrogen-like substances which help to soften the layer of the hard skin that falls off the corns into the dead skin. It also contains many medicinal and healing properties that prevent the infection and promote faster healing.

• Add enough mustard oil in 1 tablespoon of licorice powder and stir well to make it as a thick paste.
• Apply this paste on the corns affected areas at night before bedtime.
• Secure it with an adhesive bandage and leave it on for overnight.
• Remove the bandage and rinse the area with lukewarm water in the next morning.
• Repeat it on every night till the corn becomes soft and gets reduced in size.

Remedy – 6: (Turpentine Oil)

Turpentine oil has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties that reduce the risk of getting soft corns into infectious. It can be penetrated deep into the skin and thus heals your corns at a faster rate.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of turpentine oil and 2 tablespoons of camphor oil in 1/4 cup of melted virgin coconut oil and keep it aside till it forms a creamy texture.
• Then soak your feet in warm water for few minutes to get soften the hard corns.
• Dry your feet and apply this cream on the corns.
• Repeat the same process 2 – 3 times daily (once at night before bedtime) till you’re corn comes out.

Note: Or wrap some ice in a thin cloth and use it to massage the corn affected area for 2 – 4 minutes. Dry the feet and apply turpentine oil on the corn. Leave it on for overnight by securing it with a bandage.

Remedy – 7: (Papaya)

Papaya has several enzymes that help to slough off hard and dead skin from your feet. It eases your pain and discomfort caused due to corns. It also dries up and falls off your corn easily and quickly.

• Extract the juice from a freshly grated small piece of raw papaya.
• Dip a cotton ball in this juice and dab it on the corn.
• Cover it with a tape and leave it for few hours to overnight.
• After that, gently exfoliate the skin using a pumice stone.
• Continue doing the same process daily till you get satisfied results.

Note: Also, consume papaya or apply its paste on the corns to get relief from the problem.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Also, use over the counter lotions and corn caps to get relief from corns. In case, you are experiencing corns frequently or painful, then consult your doctor for proper diagnose and treatment.
2. Pineapple peel has enzymes that help to soften the corns and makes it fall easily. Place the inner part of the pineapple peel and cover it with a bandage. Leave for overnight and remove the bandage. Rinse the area and apply some coconut oil to get rid of the problem.
3. Curcumin in turmeric helps to heal corns on the skin. Just mix turmeric powder with aloe vera gel or honey and apply this paste on the corns to make it fall down easily from the skin.
4. Soaking your corn affected skin area in Epsom salt mixed warm water will give relief from the problem.
5. Always apply natural moisturizing agents like olive oil, cocoa butter, almond oil or coconut oil to your dry corns to soften them and to get quick relief from the problem.
6. Always wear comfortable and properly fitted shoes (with extra padding) or sandals. Don’t go barefoot to any place, use protective pads or coverings over the corns to reduce the pressure and friction on the skin.
7. Never ever stand too long and also trim your nails (especially toenails) to prevent pressure on the fingers.
8. Don’t cut or shave corns, as it will increase the risk of infection and the problem worse. Also, for faster relief, rinse your hands and feet with mild soap and water in every evening.

Try these remedies and share your experience with us in the comments box.

The one who is suffering from cracked heels will know how painful it is? Cracked heels or heel fissures can make you unable to neither wear stylish foot wear nor make us walk properly without pain.

The absence of oil glands under the feet area is one of the main reasons for cracks on the heel. Other reasons include some external factors (like standing for too long, improper feet care, dry skin, lack of moisture, accumulation of dead skin, dampness, extreme temperatures, environmental changes, etc.) and internal factors (nutritional deficiencies like lack of omega – 3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc, iron & vitamin E, dehydration, certain health problems, etc.) will make your skin dry, calloused and cracked.

It is accompanied by certain symptoms like itching, peeling skin, redness, swelling, and inflammation on the affected areas. It has to be treated on time or else it results in severe pain, bleeding and infections.

So, take proper care of your feet to get rid of these cracks but prefer to heal the problem with natural remedies rather than using cosmetic creams or lotions.

Before going into the home remedies, we will look at the best feet care routine to get relief of the cracked heels completely. Have a look at this routine and follow it regularly.

Foot Soak – The first and foremost step in this routine is to soak your feet to loosen the dead skin. It removes the impurities, dust and prevents any microbes thriving into the cracks. Soak your feet for 2 – 3 times a week.

Foot Scrub – Scrubbing your feet will exfoliate the dead and flaky skin that accumulated on the skin. It not only removes dead cells but also stimulate the production of new healthy cells. For best results, exfoliate for 2 – 3 times a week.

Foot Mask – Foot mask will help to hydrate and nourish your skin. Apply any natural foot mask for once or twice a week regularly to keep your feet crack – free.

Foot Moisturizers (OR) Cream – We know that skin under feet will get dry easily due to lack of oil secreting glands so, apply moisturizer to prevent it from dryness and thereby cracks. The best time to apply moisturizer or cream daily is after bathing or at night before bedtime to keep your skin soft and supple. Here you can include natural oil massage to moisture your feet.

Now, we will discuss some amazing natural remedies that are widely used in clearing cracks on your heels.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels:

Here are some best natural remedies explained which you have to follow them regularly for quick and effective relief from cracked heels and to enjoy soft and smooth heels.

Remedy – 1: (Oil Massage)

Massaging your feet with natural oils will help them to hydrate and moisturize the area effectively. Here we can use any natural oils like coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil or vegetable oil for moisturizing your feet.

The healthy fats in these oils moisturize the skin to keep it soft and smooth. The oil penetrates deep into the skin and thereby nourishes the skin.

• Wash your feet and dry them thoroughly.
• Then apply any natural oil liberally on your heels and soles at night before bedtime.
• Massage gently for few minutes till the oil absorbed by the skin.
• Wait for another few minutes and wear a pair of clean socks.
• Leave it for overnight and in the next morning after removing socks, you will notice soft heels.
• Repeat the same process daily for few days until the cracks in the heels are removed completely.

Remedy – 2: (Rice Flour Scrub)

Exfoliate the skin with rice flour to remove the dead skin from your feet and heels. Rice flour will provide all essential minerals required for the skin to make it soft and supple. For best results, add some honey or natural oil to it.

• Mix 2 – 3 tablespoons of rice flour and 1 – 2 teaspoons of raw honey and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
• Stir well to make a thick paste and keep it aside.
• Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and apply this rice flour paste on your heels.
• Start scrubbing it gently for few minutes and rinse off with water.
• Dry the feet and repeat the same scrubbing process for 2 – 4 times a week.

Note: If you have severe cracks then add 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil or olive oil to this scrub and apply it on the skin.

Remedy – 3: (Lemon)

The acidic nature of lemons will clear the rough and dry skin and thereby prevents cracks on the soles of your feet. We have to reduce the intensity of this lemon by diluting it in either rose water (or water), honey, aloe vera juice or rose water to soothe the irritated skin areas. Otherwise, it results in irritation and dryness on the skin.

Here are few ways of using lemon for clearing cracked heels.

• Lemon Soak – Pour juice of 1 lemon in foot basin filled with warm water and soak your feet in this water for about 10 – 15 minutes. Then scrub your heels with a pumice stone and wash the feet. Dry it with a towel and repeat it regularly.
• Lemon Scrub – Add 1 tablespoon of raw salt, 8 – 10 drops of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of glycerin and 1 teaspoon of rose water in your foot basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet for 15 – 20 minutes and then start scrubbing your feet using a foot scrubber.
• Lemon Mask – After scrubbing, stir 1 teaspoon each of rose water, fresh lemon juice and glycerin in a bowl. Stir and apply this mix on the cracked heels. Massage gently and wear a pair of socks. Leave it for overnight and rinse with lukewarm water in the next morning.
• Lemon Soak and Mask – Soak the feet in warm water for 15 – 20 minutes and dry it. Stir few drops of fresh lemon juice in 1 teaspoon of Vaseline and apply it over your heals and other cracked parts of the feet. Massage and wear woolen socks and leave for overnight. Rinse in the morning with lukewarm water and repeat it regularly.

Note: You can also apply rosewater and glycerin Foot Mask by stirring equal amounts of glycerin and rosewater in a bowl and use it to massage your heels and feet at night before bedtime. Leave for overnight. Repeat it regularly till you get complete relief from cracks on your heels.

Remedy – 4: (Paraffin Wax as Foot Mask)

Paraffin is a mineral wax that was derived from petroleum that doesn’t have any harsh chemicals. It acts as a natural emollient that helps to heal your cracked heels, which are caused severely with a lot of pain and swelling.

• Place 1 tablespoon of paraffin wax in a small pan and turn on the low flame heat.
• Wait till it melts completely and turns off the heat to add 2 tablespoons of mustard or coconut oil to it.
• Stir and let it cool down completely to reach room temperature.
• After that, massage this wax into heals for 5 – 7 minutes.
• Leave for 30 minutes to overnight and then rinse with warm water.
• Dry your feet and repeat it daily to get complete relief from cracked heels.

Note:

• Or simply apply this wax mix as a thin layer on the feet and wait for few minutes to reapply it. Then cover the feet with a plastic and let it sit for 30 minutes. Remove the plastic and peel off the wax from the skin.
• Never ever use this remedy if you’re suffering from poor circulation or diabetes and also when it is hot on the skin.

Remedy – 5: (Indian Lilac Foot Mask)

Indian lilac (or neem) has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and when this neem mixed with turmeric, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to get rid of cracks on your heels.

• Crush a handful of fresh Indian lilac leaves until it forms a paste.
• Then add 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder to this paste and stir well.
• Spread this paste on the cracked heels and leave it for 30 – 40 minutes.
• After that, rinse off with warm water and dry your skin with a soft towel.
• Continue doing the same process once daily to get complete relief from cracked heels.

Note: Or you can also use neem oil instead of using fresh neem leaves.

Remedy – 6: (Salt Scrub)

Salt (sea salt or Epsom salt) exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and other impurities. For cleaning or relaxing foot scrub, you can mix salt with essential oil. Essential oils clear any bacterial infection and thus relax your skin.

• Mix few drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree oil, peppermint oil or argon oil) in 1/2 cup of salt.
• Stir well and use it to scrub on the cracked feet gently for few minutes.
• Rinse with water and dry your feet gently with a soft towel.
• Continue this scrubbing process for twice a week on regular basis.

Note: Or prepare foot soak by mixing 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in your foot tub filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this water for 10 minutes and then scrub using a pumice stone. Again soak your feet for 10 minutes and dry it to apply foot cream to lock the moisture. Finally, wear socks for additional benefits.

Remedy – 7: (Vinegar Foot Soak)

The acetic acid and other acids in vinegar help to clear the impurities and prevent microbes getting into the skin. It softens the feet to remove dry and dead skin.

Here are few ways of using vinegar for cracked heels.

• Pour 1/4 cup of white vinegar (or 3 cups of ACV) in a basin filled with warm water. Soak your feet in this water for 10 minutes and start scrubbing it gently. After that, wash the feet and apply coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize the area.
• Listerine loosen the dead skin and heal heel fissures with its thymol and phytochemicals. Stir 1 cup each of white vinegar and Listerine in 2 cups of water. Stir well and soak your feet in this water for 15 – 20 minutes. Wash the feet and dry it. Do this process for 2 – 3 times a week regularly.

Note: In the same way, you can also do baking soda foot soak (3 tablespoons of baking soda in 2/3^rd of the basin), hydrogen peroxide soak (2 cups each of peroxide and lukewarm water), honey and milk exfoliating soak (1 cup of honey and 2 cups of milk) or honey soak (1 cup of honey in warm water) to get rid of cracked heels.

Remedy – 8: (Banana)

Banana exhibits moisturizing properties that help to heal the cracks on your heels and makes your feet soft and smooth.

Here are few ways of using a banana for cracked heels.

• Mash 1 ripe banana into a paste and apply it on your clean heels. Massage gently and wait for 10 – 15 minutes to allow the skin absorb its moisture. Then rinse the feet with warm water and soak your feet in cold water for about 5 – 10 minutes. Repeat this process daily to restore soft and smooth feet.
• The combination of avocado and banana mask will work well in clearing heel fissures. Blend 1 ripe banana and 1/2 part of a ripe avocado and use it to massage your cracked heels for 5 – 7 minutes. Wash the area with water after 30 minutes. Do it daily for few days to get relief from cracked heels.

Remedy – 9: (Sugar and Baby Oil Foot Scrub)

We all know that sugar is a best exfoliating agent with its texture and baby oil used in this scrub will help to moisture the area.

• Mix 1 cup of sugar in 1/2 cup of baby oil and stir well to make a scrubbing mix.
• Spread this mix on your cracked feet and scrub it gently for few minutes.
• After 15 minutes of application, you can rinse your feet with water and dry it thoroughly.
• Continue this process for 3 – 4 times a week for severe cracks and for mild cracks, follow this method for once a week regularly.

Tips and Precautions:

1. After soaking your feet in the lukewarm water and dry it to apply some natural moisturizers like aloe vera gel, petroleum jelly, shea butter or cocoa butter will heal these cracks quickly.
2. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated with soft and supple skin, as the water will nourish and moisturize each and every part of the skin and thereby prevent dry skin and cracked heels.
3. Consume healthy and well balanced diet that includes vitamin A (rejuvenate and maintain healthy skin tissue), vitamin C (maintains skin’s elasticity), vitamin E (protect skin from harmful radicals), omega – 3 fatty acids (improves blood circulation, speed up healing process and raises skin integrity) and zinc (healthy growth of skin tissue and helps in cell division).
4. If your cracks have open wounds or bleeding then avoid scrubbing vigorously and apply moisturizer regularly to get rid of the problem.
5. Prefer not to wear open shoes or sandals, which allow foot expansion.
6. Lessen your feet exposure to water or the sun or standing for long period of time. Also, make sure to moisturize your feet regularly.
7. Overweight is another factor causing cracks in your feet. So, maintain a healthy weight to prevent all these health problems.
8. Make sure to consult your doctor if you’re suffering from psoriasis, diabetes, athlete’s foot, eczema or thyroid problems for proper diagnose and treatment.

Hope you’ll give a trial to these natural remedies for treating your cracked heels. Do you know any other successful remedies for cracked heels? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Calluses and corns are a common skin condition that affects the toes, bottom of the foot and heels. Calluses are thick and hard patch of skin that form on areas that experiences repeated pressure or friction.

Calluses appear as a bump of dry and hard skin on the toes and are often accompanied by pain or tenderness.

While this skin condition can affect people of all ages, it is more common in people with poor circulation or those suffering from diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.

While, there is a wide range of over-the-counter products containing Salicylic acid that can be used to remove calluses, you can also opt for home remedies using natural ingredients that help to treat the calluses without damaging the skin surrounding the affected area.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Calluses

Castor Oil – The viscous nature of castor oil creates a protective layer on the calluses and corns and protects it from repeated friction from shoes. It also moisturizes the rough and dry skin of the calluses and softens them.

Usage:

• Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes
• Scrub your feet with a pumice stone
• Now, soak a cotton ball in castor oil and apply it to the calluses
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes

Tip – You can also soak the calluses in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and castor oil.

Onion – The strong acidic nature of onion helps to remove the calluses naturally. In addition, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of onion help to heal inflammation and pain.

Usage:

• Grate a medium-sized onion
• Apply this pulp to the calluses and secure with a tape
• Leave it overnight and then wash off with water
• Repeat this remedy once daily for a week

Apple Cider Vinegar – The potent acidic nature of apple cider vinegar acts as a natural exfoliant that removes the deposits of dry and dead skin cells and speeds of the healing process of the calluses.

Usage:

• Soak a cotton ball in raw apple cider vinegar and place it on the callus
• Secure it with a tape and leave it overnight
• Exfoliate the area with a pumice stone the next morning
• Wash off with water and moisturize the area with olive or coconut oil
• Repeat this procedure once every day till the callus is gone completely

Epsom Salt Soak – This is by far the most popular way to remove callus and corns from foot. Epsom salt and warm water soak helps to soften the dead and dry skin cells and makes it easier to exfoliate the layers of hard skin away.

Usage:

• Pour some warm water in a large tub
• Add a handful of Epsom salt to it and stir well
• Dip your feet in this warm soak and wait for 20 minutes
• Now, exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone and wash them with clean water
• Pat dry with a towel and moisturize with a cream or lotion

Baking Soda – The mild abrasive nature of baking soda makes it an excellent natural exfoliant that helps to remove the layer of hard dead skin cells and speeds up the healing process of the calluses.

Usage:

• Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water
• Apply this paste to your feet and massage thoroughly for a few minutes
• Rub your feet with a pumice stone and then wash off with water
• Apply a lotion to your feet to moisturize it

Aspirin – Aspirin helps to treat calluses and corns by softening the hardened dry and dead skin cells around the callus. It also relives pain and soreness associated with the calluses.

Usage:

• Crush 4 to 5 aspirin tablets into a fine powder
• Add 1/2 teaspoon each of lemon juice and water to it and mix well to make a paste
• Apply this paste to the calluses and corms and secure with a tape
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and then remove the tape
• Wash the area with lukewarm water
• Scrape off the dead skin cells by rubbing gently with a pumice stone

Bread and Vinegar – This is an extremely popular and widely used remedy for getting rid of calluses. While the bread is used as a means of application, it is the vinegar that helps to treat the calluses. The acidic nature of vinegar softens and exfoliates the dead and dry skin cells. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of vinegar heal inflammation.

Usage:

• Soak half a slice of bread in vinegar
• Apply it to the affected area and secure with a tape
• Wear a sock and leave it on overnight
• Remove the bandage the next morning and exfoliate the area gently using a pumice stone
• Wash off with water and then apply a moisturizing lotion

Lemon – Citric acid present in lemon works as a natural exfoliant that helps to remove layers of dry and dead skin cells from the calluses and soothes any discomfort and pain. Both lemon juice and lemon peel can be used for treating calluses and corns.

Usage:

• Soak a cotton ball in freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Apply it on the callus and secure with a bandage
• Leave it overnight and then remove the bandage
• Continue this treatment till the callus is gone completely
• You can also place a piece on lemon peel on the callus and secure it with a bandage

Chamomile Soak – Chamomile tea helps to change the pH of the skin to a healthy state and helps to dry out sweaty feet that causes repeated rubbing or friction. Anti-inflammatory properties of this tea soothe inflammation and heal pain and soreness of the calluses.

Usage:

• Brew two cups of chamomile tea and pour it in a clean tub
• Dip your feet in this tea and soak for 15 to 20 minutes
• Do it on a daily basis for a week

Papaya – The enzyme papain present in papaya has the capacity to slough off dead and dry skin and its healing properties helps to soothe and heal inflammation.

Usage:

• Mash a few pieces of ripe papaya to make a smooth paste
• Apply it to the calluses and secure with a bandage
• Leave it overnight
• Remove the bandage the next morning and wash off with water

Ways to prevent the formation of Calluses

Change the footwear – Calluses are most commonly formed as a result of using wrong footwear. Make it a point to wear properly fitting shoes. They should sit snug but should not hurt or rub on any part of your feet. If you already have a callus then you can used a padding to reduce the pressure on the callus.

Opt for Occasional Foot Soaks – Soaking your feet in Epsom salt bath helps to keep your skin soft and well-hydrated and prevents the formation of calluses.

Keep your hands and feet moisturized – Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to your hands and feet on a daily basis. Reapply it whenever you feel you feet getting dry.

Wash your feet – Use a washcloth to exfoliate your feet every day when you take a bath. This helps to remove dead skin cells and dry skin from the feet.

Avoid wearing shoes with heels or pointed toes – Wearing shoes with high heels or pointed toes keeps your feet at an uncomfortable posture that leads to repeated rubbing and leads to the development of calluses and corns.

Try out these home remedies to get rid of calluses and corns naturally and follow the above mentioned preventive measures to avoid the formation of calluses in the first place. Make it a point to see a doctor if you think that your calluses are not responding to these remedies.