Before we get into the details of removing calluses, it’s essential to understand what calluses are. Calluses are thick layers of skin that build up on the surface of your feet and toes (and other parts of your body) in response to constant pressure or friction. They form through keratinization, where dead cells are replaced with tough, thick layers of skin. This buildup of dead skin is what makes calluses appear dry, yellowed, and scaly. In Bakersfield, California, some centers can help get rid of calluses. What’s important is finding a reliable specialist in calluses in Bakersfield, CA.

Which are the Common Causes of Calluses?

There are many reasons why someone might have calluses.

• Poorly fitting shoes
• Repeated stress on certain parts of the feet-usually calluses develops on the balls of your feet, heels, and sides of your big toe.
• Not taking care of your foot health- for example, not properly caring for a blister or injury to the foot.
• Having a previous injury to the foot that caused you to walk in a certain way or put pressure on one part of your feet more than others
• Certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis often affect the bottom of your feet- these skin conditions can cause calluses, too, since they make your skin constantly dry and cause thicker skin layers.

If you have any of these issues or think you might have them, it’s vital to talk to a podiatrist about what treatment options are available for your condition.

How Do You Prevent Calluses?

The best way to prevent calluses is by maintaining a regular foot care regimen. Take note that your doctor may prescribe special exercises to stretch your plantar fascia and prevent the recurrence and worsening of symptoms. Some other preventive measures include keeping feet clean and dry, wearing properly fitting soft socks, avoiding walking barefoot or in flimsy shoes, and applying moisturizers on your feet after every bath.

Ways to Treat a Callus

First of all, you need to know that there are many ways to deal with calluses, and it’s not as simple as one would think. Callus treatments usually depend on the type of callus, its severity, and location. Some of them include callus removing medication, custom-made orthotics, and trimming away excess skin.

Massaging your feet can be quite therapeutic and relaxing and would help reduce any swelling and pain in your feet. This will also increase blood circulation, which reduces inflammation.

The best way to treat calluses is by using an emery board. Emery boards are a type of coarse nail file that you can purchase from a drugstore and can be used to remove dead skin. They are usually made of emery paper or metal, have a handle, and are oval-shaped for comfort.

Use the emery board to gently rub away excess dead skin on feet in circular motions. Make sure that you file only the affected area with light pressure not to irritate your foot more than it already is.

It is crucial to understand what calluses are and how they form, and their many different causes. If you have any of these issues or think you might have them, it’s paramount to talk to a podiatrist about what treatment options are available for your condition.