A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (2024)

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (1)

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THE FIRST rule of callus removal is that you shouldn’t actually remove calluses. These hard little nubs on your feet may look unsightly but they serve a very specific purpose. Think of a wobbly restaurant table, says medical pedicurist Marcela Correa, founder of Medi Pedi NYC in New York City. When a table wobbles, you slide a coaster or folded up piece of paper underneath to balance it out. “Calluses serve the same function for your body,” she says, in that they correct imbalances in your feet and gait.

That said, no one wants feet covered in hard, crusty skin—especially with sandal season rapidly approaching. So the question is: how do you actually treat a callus to make it look better but also not wreck your feet in the process? This is what to do and what to use.

Best Foot Care Products | Best Foot Creams | Best Insoles | How to Treat Calluses From Lifting | Why You Need a Callus Remover

Best Callus Remover Foot File

Homeve Professional Pedicure Foot File

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (8)

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (9)Double Sided
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (10)Replaceable files
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (11)Inexpensive
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (12)Refills sold separately

Correa recommends a double-sided foot file to soften calluses so you can use one side for one foot and one for the other to avoid cross contamination. “One foot could have athlete’s foot, for instance, and the other could not. You don’t want to spread it.” This one even features replaceable files to keep things extra clean.

Best Electric Foot File

Scholls Dreamwalk Express Pedi Foot Smoother

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (14)Easy to use
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (15)Gentle enough to not damage healthy skin
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (16)Fast
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (17)Not double sided
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (18)Easy to press too hard

The key to callus softening is to not press too hard, says Correa. While she favors manual files, this electric foot file can take some of the elbow grease out of the process. It’s gentle enough that it won’t damage the health skin around the callus.

Best Budget Foot File

Capspace Foot File Set

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (19)

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (20)Inexpensive
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (21)Double sided
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (22)Easy to use
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (23)Files are not replaceable

This set of four double-sided foot files boils down to $2 per file. It’s hard to beat that price. They can be reused, just make sure to clean it off thoroughly after each use.

Best Callus Remover Cream

Stratus Pharmaceuticals Inc 20% Urea Cream

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (24)

Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (25)Recommended high concentration of urea
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (26)Helps to soften calluses without filing
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (27)Scent is medicinal

Correa recommends a cream containing at least 20% urea to help gently exfoliate away dry and crusty calluses. The high concentration of urea allows the ingredient to penetrate the follicle-less skin on the foot easily and effectively.

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Best Callus Remover Foot Soak

EPSOAK Epsom Salt

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (29)Easily dissolves in warm water
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (30)High quality
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (31)No added ingredients
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (32)Large bag can be hard to store

Before attempting to soften or remove calluses, Correa recommends soaking your feet in epsom salt for at least 15 minutes. Not only does it help to soften and prep the skin, but it can also help soothe aching feet.

Best Foot Cream with Urea

Eucerin Repair Foot Cream 10% Urea

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (34)Contains recommended 10% urea
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (35)Specifically designed for feet
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (36)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (37)Expensive

After going through the callus softening process, Correa advises using a foot cream with 10% urea to protect and hydrate your feet. A specific foot cream, like this one, is essential because “body lotion can block sweat glands and cause stinky feet,” she says.

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Best Moisturizing Foot Cream

AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (39)Deeply moisturizing
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (40)Specifically designed for feet
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (41)Naturally derived ingredients
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (42)Does not contain urea

In addition or in place of urea, Correa recommends using a foot cream that contains moisturizing oils like jojoba or avocado. This deeply nourishing foot cream also includes tea tree oil and aloe vera to soothe dry foot skin.

Best Foot Exfoliating Mask

Baby Foot Exfoliating Foot Peel For Men

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (44)Does not require tools
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (45)Easy to use
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (46)”For Men” version fits larger feet
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (47)Takes about a week to work

Slide on these serum-filled booties (which fit up to a men’s size 12) for one hour and within a week the dead skin on your feet naturally peels off like a snake shedding its skin. It’s especially helpful if you have seriously crusty feet.

Read more: How to Exfoliate

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Best Pumice Stone

Pumice Valley Pure Pumice Stone

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Pros
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (49)Natural alternative to a file
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (50)Can be reused
Cons
  • A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (51)Needs to be replaced frequently

If foot files aren’t your thing, a pumice stone is a good alternative. These naturally rough stones work the same as a file—just be extra gentle and don’t press too hard.

Should You Remove a Callus?

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (52)

The short answer is no, says Correa. Remember that restaurant table analogy? Completely removing calluses can bring back imbalances that they develop to correct. “If you want to remove them, you have to first see a podiatrist to see why you have the calluses in the first place,” she advises. “Taking them off completely will change the way you walk.” Instead, focus on exfoliating and hydrating them to soften them up, help make them feel more comfortable and, of course, look better.

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How to Soften a Callus

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Follow the steps below to safely soften and exfoliate your rough calluses.

1. Never attempt to do this with dry feet. Begin the process after a shower when your feet are soft and “relaxed,” says Correa.

2. After your shower, soak your feet in Epsom salt. Fill a container (or maybe the bathtub) with enough warm water to cover your feet up to your ankle. Add in the Epsom salt so they dissolve and allow your feet to soak for 15 minutes.

3. After your soak, dry your feet with a towel and apply a Urea cream to the callus(es) you’re going to soften. Urea, or uric acid, helps to break down and exfoliate the dead skin of the callus to make it easier to remove. Correa recommends a higher strength urea cream (at least 20%) for this step because “the skin of the foot doesn’t have follicles, so you need a bit more acidity on it so it can penetrate.” Really rub it into the callus and let it soak in.

4. Using a two-sided foot file, gently scrub the callus to help remove the (now softened!) dead skin. Be careful to not use too much pressure or press too hard because “too much pressure can irritate the healthy skin [around the callus],” says Correa. File the callus down until all the dead skin is removed. Use one side for your right foot and the other side for your left foot to avoid cross contamination. Also remember to thoroughly clean the file after you’re done with it (or opt for a version with replaceable files).

A word of caution: never use a scraper or anything sharp to shave or remove calluses, says Correa, as they can cut your feet too easily and cause way more damage than a file.

5. Once you’ve adequately filed down the calluses, apply another cream over the entire foot. Correa recommends a lower strength urea cream (around 10%) or a cream with hydrating jojoba or avocado oils. Only use a little bit—about the size of a fingernail. And always use cream that is specifically designed for feet.

How Often Should You Soften Your Calluses?

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (54)

Correa recommends exfoliating your feet once a week to help keep them in shape and to remove dead skin and other buildup that can happen. “Most people don’t wash their feet in the shower,” she says, so a dedicated exfoliation session is essential to keeping them healthy. You may not need to go through the whole callus softening shebang every single week, especially if you regularly exfoliate, but at least using an exfoliating urea cream can do the trick.

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When Should You Soften Calluses?

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (55)

The best time to go through the callus softening process is at night, so your feet have ample time to soak in the hydration from the lotions and regenerate. “Don’t do it before intense exercise or running,” Correa advises, as freshly exfoliated foot skin is prone to blisters. “The friction of your shoes will cause freshly exfoliated skin to overheat faster.”

A Podiatrist Shows us the Right Way to Remove Calluses (2024)

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