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How do I Treat Callus Pain?
Calluses are hard bumps in the skin that are often found on the feet or hands, and they can be quite uncomfortable or even painful. Some relief for callus pain is often sought, and can usually be found without having to get treatment from a doctor since calluses can usually go away with home treatment. If you seek callus pain relief, you have a few options that you can try on your own, such as a cream, a file, and changing the habits that brought on the issue in the first place.
If you want to try to treat callus pain by yourself, there are some products available over-the-counter at most stores. Callus treatment cream is one major product that you can use to slowly remove it over time, as it is meant to break down the hard skin. It typically gradually removes dead skin cells, while also soothing the area by moisturizing it; some creams even include an ingredient to improve the circulation in your foot. Most creams are meant to be applied at least once daily in order for you to start feeling some relief.
You can also use a file to slough off much of the hardened skin over time. Do not use a razor or other sharp tool to get rid of the tough skin, as it can make the issue worse, or even lead to infections. Instead, use a file, often called a callus reducer or smoother. This tool usually comes with an abrasive surface that can safely soften skin, along with a long, slender handle that makes it easy to grip. It is often recommended that you apply softening cream after using a file, as it will further soothe the area and get rid of most of your callus pain.
A callus can usually be prevented, and changing your habits even after you have one can help it heal. If your callus is on your foot, make sure that you have well-padded, supportive shoes that are not too tight or too loose, along with thick and comfortable socks. You can also relieve callus pain by purchasing pads that are specially made for corns and calluses; place them in your shoe so that there is extra padding between your callus and the shoe sole. If your callus is on your hands. and developed due to overuse with rough items, such as weights or gymnastic bars, consider wearing gloves or applying chalk before performing these activities.
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![A pumice stone, which can be used to remove calluses.]()
By: dimasobkoA pumice stone, which can be used to remove calluses. -
![A foot soak can help relieve callus pain.]()
By: Jan AndersenA foot soak can help relieve callus pain. -
![Calluses on the hand can be very painful.]()
By: nebariCalluses on the hand can be very painful. -
![Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.]()
By: nakaCalluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes. -
![A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.]()
By: Quinn DombrowskiA callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction. -
![Regularly using a pumice stone can keep feet free of calluses.]()
By: AntonioguillemRegularly using a pumice stone can keep feet free of calluses.
Discussion Comments
I heard about a home remedy for calluses involving papaya. The fruit has an enzyme called papain that is known as a good exfoliator. It helps the skin get rid of older, dead cells, leaving only fresh skin behind. Green papaya contains more papain, so unripe fruit is best for this remedy.
You can use the papaya in two different ways. One method is to soak a pad of cotton in fresh papaya juice and apply it directly onto the callus. Tape the pad in place and keep it there overnight. You can do this however many nights it takes for the callus to disappear.
The second method is to apply papaya pulp directly onto the callus. Leave it on your skin for about 30 minutes. Then, gently scrub the callus to loosen the dead skin. This is the method I used, and it worked great. Always apply some form of moisturizer after you scrub.
I developed calluses by pulling grass and weeds from my garden with my bare hands. I preferred weeding without gloves because I could get a better grip on tiny new growth that way.
The calluses were quite painful, however, so I decided to start using gardening gloves. I first got a pair with a rubber grip designed for easy grasping, but I found that the rough rubber actually brought on the development of new calluses. Next, I tried cloth gloves with tiny rubber dots glued to the outside. These worked best, because the rubber did not come into contact with my skin, so the soft cloth is all that touched my hands.
If you have reoccurring calluses that cause you a lot of pain it may be your footwear that is to blame. I had to see a podiatrist about my calluses after my doctor told me that I might have some biomechanical foot problems.
After I saw the podiatrist I was fitted with special shoes that helped to control the amount of rubbing my feet were doing against the shoes surface. Once I had a properly fitting shoe the callus formation stopped and so did the pain I had been experiencing.
If you think you are doing everything right, yet are still getting callus pain, ask your doctor about visiting a podiatrist.
Though some callus pain remedies can cause possible complications, there are plenty of natural cures you can try to get rid of your calluses all together.
If you have some castor oil you can spread it over your sore feet or hands and wear gloves or socks to bed while the oil is absorbed. Many people feel this relives the pain and also make the calluses heal.
If you have a lot of swelling in your callus you can try and soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for relief. This solution can also help heal any open sores you might have though it may sting a bit.
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