Calluses are painful and can sneak up on your feet. Your feet may feel normal for a week and then suddenly become dry and uncomfortable.
What are the causes of calluses and how can we prevent them? These are the five most common reasons calluses can form. We also have foot care tips to help prevent them from ever happening.
1. Your Feet are too dry, and they need moisture
To better understand the formation of calluses, let’s first describe what they are.
Harvard Health states that a “callus” is a yellowish, flat layer of dead skin. It can cause pain, difficulty grasping objects, or discomfort when walking.
Calluses are formed naturally by dead skin layers that have been exposed to pressure or friction.
Normal circumstances allow the outer layers of the skin to naturally fall. One study found that people lose between 0.03 and 0.09 grams of skin per hour.
The body’s normal mechanisms to shed skin are disrupted by a callus. The cells that form a callus are able to adapt to friction and become more compact. Because of their small size and compactness, the cells are more durable than normal friction and air. This can cause dead skin cells to build up, which can make it feel like dry leather or plastic.
Your feet can be provided with moisture, which could mean oil, lotion, or another type of water, to allow your body to shed skin cells as normal. Extra moisture can help loosen the callus’ small skin cells. This allows the friction that created the callus to be slowly removed. Exfoliating and soaking are great ways to do this. (Learn more about that later).
2. Sandals are calluses best friend
Sandals are the number one reason calluses develop. Flip flops and open-toed sandals can cause friction, which leads to skin irritation.
Sandals can also dry your feet, which is another problem with sandals. Although sweaty feet can cause problems, socks and shoes can provide enough moisture for the body to prevent calluses from normal walking. However, there are exceptions. Shoes that move too much or constrict too often can also cause calluses.
You can let your feet enjoy some sun in your favorite sandals, but it’s important to remember to care for them at the end. You can moisturize them and give them a scrub with a loofah, pumice stones, or other exfoliants.
You can also give your feet a break from sandals every now and again by putting on a pair of cotton socks, especially if they’ll be out walking or hiking all day.
3. Your shoes don’t fit right
Shoes that are too tight can cause calluses by putting pressure on your feet. If your shoes move enough to create friction, loose shoes can also do the same.
If your feet feel strained from the pressure, take a break from your heels. To give your feet the support they need, have a pair of supportive, comfortable, and supportive tennis shoes or boots.
4. Regular exfoliation not happening
Some skin may need a little extra help to exfoliate, especially those areas like the feet that are subject to a lot of wear and tear. You can help your body shed excess skin by using a loofah, scrubber, or stone in the shower. Many people have difficulty keeping these items clean. Make sure they dry completely and that you regularly clean them. They should be replaced every 1 to 2 months.
A good soak is recommended for anyone suffering from severe calluses. Warm water can be added to a basin along with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 teaspoon of any hydrating oil you prefer, such as coconut oil or avocado oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the water
.
5. Daily routine that’s taxing on the feet
Calluses can result from a variety of factors, including being required to walk too often at work or sitting in a way that places pressure on your feet. Others have to perform repetitive foot movements, such as driving for long periods of time.
Your regular care routine may cause calluses on your feet. Talk to a podiatrist about the best footwear, socks, inserts, or lotions that are available for your particular situation. These products can keep your feet hydrated and prevent calluses from forming.