How to Get Rid of Calluses - Get Soft and Smooth Skin

Calluses are areas on your body where dead skin cells have accumulated to form a protective patch. This is the body’s way of protecting the body parts that are frequently under pressure or friction. Calluses usually form on the hands and feet. Your daily activities play a huge role in callus formation. If your job requires you to move around often, you may develop calluses on your feet. If you are engaged in a weight training program, you may form calluses on your palms. Calluses are unsightly and can become painful when it becomes too thick. Fortunately, getting rid of calluses is not very difficult. To help you with your dilemma, here are ways on how to get rid of calluses.

1. Choose the right shoes.

The best way to get rid of calluses is by wearing shoes that are not too tight and not too loose. Wearing shoes that restrict the movement of your toes or put your feet in constant contact with the sole is one of the most common causes of calluses. Make sure that you wear shoes that fit just right. You can use foot padding if it will give you a more comfortable fit.

2. Wear protective pads.

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure; and an effective way to prevent calluses is by wearing pads. If you are lifting weights, you can use gloves. If you are gardening, you can use knee pads. If your shoes do not fit well, you can use foot padding. These protective pads lessen the friction between your skin and the object you are in contact with, making calluses less likely to occur.

3. Soak your feet in warm water.

Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-20 minutes a day helps soften the skin. It is also suggested to soak your feet in a solution containing Epsom salts, vinegar, salicylic acid and warm water.

4. Use a pumice stone.

After soaking your feet in warm water, use a pumice stone to scrub off the callus. A pumice stone is an effective tool to remove dry and dead skin cells. You can find one in your local supermarket or drugstore. Remember to be gentle while scrubbing your calluses. Applying too much pressure may cause lacerations. Also, if you have diabetes, getting rid of your calluses with a pumice stone may not be a good idea. You can choose to use a rough towel instead to remove the dead skin cells.

5. Use aspirin.

You can form a paste by crushing 5 tablets of aspirin then mixing it with one-half teaspoon of lemon juice and water. Apply the paste to the callus then cover it with a warm towel. After 10 minutes, remove the towel and scrub the callus with a pumice stone. Aspirin softens the callus, making it easier to remove. If you are allergic to aspirin, do not try this method.

6. Moisturize.

Using moisturizer is always recommended for people with dry skin. Remember that your calluses consist of dry and dead skin cells. Using moisturizer is an effective way to get rid of calluses. You may want to look for creams and moisturizers specially designed to treat calluses. You can also apply petroleum jelly on your calluses before going to bed then covering your feet with socks. This helps lock in the moisture, leaving your skin feeling smooth.

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