From the Guidelines
Treatment for calluses on the feet should prioritize addressing the source of friction and pressure, and may involve a combination of self-care measures, such as soaking and filing, and professional intervention, including debridement and off-loading, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. When treating calluses, it's essential to consider the individual's overall health, particularly if they have diabetes or circulation problems.
- Soaking the feet in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes can help soften the callused skin.
- Gently filing the area with a pumice stone, foot file, or emery board using circular or side-to-side motions can help remove thickened skin.
- Applying a moisturizer containing urea, salicylic acid, or ammonium lactate can help keep the skin soft and break down thickened areas.
- For more stubborn calluses, over-the-counter medicated patches containing 40% salicylic acid can be applied for 48-72 hours, followed by gentle filing of the softened skin.
- To prevent calluses from returning, wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning, using padded insoles or orthotics to redistribute pressure, and considering silicone or gel pads to protect high-pressure areas can be beneficial.
- Debridement, aimed at removing debris, eschar, and surrounding callus, is also a recommended treatment approach, particularly for diabetic patients with foot wounds 1.
- Off-loading, or redistributing pressure off the wound to the entire weight-bearing surface of the foot, is also crucial in treating and preventing calluses. It's essential to consult a podiatrist if calluses are painful, very thick, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, as they can provide customized treatment options and safely trim the callus.
From the FDA Drug Label
The preferable method of use is to apply Salicylic Acid 6% thoroughly to the affected area and to cover the treated area at night after washing and before retiring. The treatment for calluses on the feet is to apply Salicylic Acid 6% to the affected area, preferably at night, and cover the treated area. It is recommended to hydrate the skin for at least five minutes prior to application. The medication should be washed off in the morning, and if necessary, a bland cream or lotion may be applied to reduce drying and irritation 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Calluses on the Feet
- Relieving the cause of pressure or friction is a key component of treatment, which can be achieved by wearing properly fitting shoes and using corn/callus pads 3
- Conservative management through proper footwear, orthoses, and regular paring can help manage most lesions, with surgery rarely indicated 4
- The use of orthotic devices can correct plantar callus in people with diabetes by lowering and redistributing abnormal foot pressures, resulting in a significant reduction in callus grade 5
Comparison of Treatment Methods
- A study comparing the efficacy of three treatments for plantar callus (scalpel debridement, potassium hydroxide, and trichloroacetic acid) found that podiatry treatment showed immediate and significant changes in skin hydration, elasticity, texture, and size, as well as associated foot pain and function 6
- Over-the-counter topical salicylic acid has short-term benefits for corns and calluses, while pads and inserts that redistribute contact forces have long-term benefits 7