Callous Care

What is a 'callous'?

A callous is a very hard, dry skin that builds up on the foot. When we are wearing shoes, we are applying more weight on one side of our foot than the other, so once you're walking in that spot over and over and over again, it's building up almost like a defence part. It's building up because you're applying all that pressure, so you need to be careful because we want to remove the callus, but we don't want to take too much off, because if you take too much off then it becomes very painful. It's there for a reason.

How should a callous be removed?

A callous should be removed very carefully, either with a foot file or a pumice stone. It should never be removed by a razor blade. If somebody pulls out a razor blade, get up and walk out. They should have over-the-counter foot creams that are medicated. If you apply them in the way that is said - once in the morning, once at night, because it is medicated - it will help reduce the build up of that callous.

Are there any risks associated with removing calluses?

There are a lot of risks when removing callouses. If you remove too much callous on your foot, it's going to be excruciatingly painful, you're not going to be able to walk on that foot. I had somebody that over-applied a product on their callous, and it almost burnt it, so you need to be very careful. Do not remove your callous - use over the counter diabetic creams that are medicated and specifily for this purpose.

What should diabetics use for calluses?

Do not remove your callous. Use over the counter diabetic creams that are medicated specifically for this purpose. It can lead into an infection or amputation. If you are diabetic, go to a paeodiatrist. Be very careful with removing those callouses.