Learning how to cure callused heels is all about prevention and maintenance. Callused heels can occur for a number of reasons, from lacking enough moisture to exposing footwear. Dry skin on your heels is one thing, but the severely callused skin that causes peeling, flaking, and even cracking is an entirely different thing. If you have callused feels fortunately, you don’t have to schedule a doctor’s appointment to cure them. If you are suffering from callused heels, you’re not alone. We have found tons of at-home options to show you how to cure callused heels.
The first step to cure callused heels is to determine the cause in order to prevent them from reoccurring. Taking proper precautions immediately can prevent calluses from developing as well as and cracks, bleeding, and pain associated with them. It’s important to note callused heels could be a sign of other health issues, such as thyroid issues, skin conditions, weight issues, vitamin deficiency and aging. If you are experiencing chronic callused or cracked heels, it’s important to determine if you’re at risk for other health conditions and should speak to a doctor.
There are also some different reasons that may have caused your cracked dry feet. The main factors that can cause callused heels:
Dry Skin
Dry skin usually causes callused heels. Dry skin happens when skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. This can happen to your heels by things like warmer weather in the summer months, extreme cold in the winter, rubbing in shoes, and sensitive skin. Wearing shoes such as sandals and flip-flops can contribute to dry, callused heels as well.
Constant Standing
If you stand constantly on hard floors on in heels, then this can also cause callused heels. Years of standing in one spot can destroy the sweat glands in the feet and potentially cause dry callused heels. Increased pressure on the normal fat pad causes the skin to expand sideways, causing cracks in heels and creating calluses.
Excessive Exposure To Water
Water (especially hot water) can draw out the natural oils in your skin creating dry skin and causing calluses. Showering for a long period or even just standing in water for a long period can cause the skin on your feet to dry and begin to callus. Reducing the temperature of the water when you bathe or shower can help to prevent calluses on your heels.
How to Cure Callused Heels
Soak and Exfoliate
The first step in learning how to cure callused heels is to soften the skin. The callused skin around heels is often thicker and drier than the rest of your skin. Soaking and moisturizing your feet can help soften the callus and prepare it for exfoliation. To properly begin:
Soak your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for at least 20 minutes.
Use a foot scrubber or pumice stone to gently scrub away the hard skin on the callus. Do not try to remove the entire callus as this can cause you to go to deep into the skin. When this happens you risk the chance of developing an infection or bleeding
Gently pat your feet to dry the skin but be sure to leave a little water on your heels.
Apply a heel balm or thick cream based moisturizer to the callused heel
Apply petroleum jelly over your heel to lock in moisture you’ve just created.
Put on cotton socks immediately after to avoid exposure to air and drying out your heels.
Repeat this process every other day to cure callused heels. A few things to remember on the off days and afterwards:
Moisturize
Apply a moisturizer to heels immediately after bathing or showering. Your feet are the first things on your body that loses moisture after washing. Think about it, once they hit your bath rug moisture begins to decrease. Do not allow moisture to escape after washing. Keep a pair of cotton socks and thick moisturizer near the shower so that you can lock in the moisture and prevent calluses.
Avoid Harsh Stripping Soaps
Some soaps are more drying than others, and some are even abrasive or irritating. They can strip your skin of its natural moisture and oil, leaving it dry. One of the most common causes of dry callused heels is your soap and a lack of moisturizing. If you use harsh soaps too frequently, your skin may feel dry and rough. A mild natural, moisturizing soap is recommended for healthy skin, especially during cold weather.
Other Treatments To Cure Callused Heels
Lemon Rose Water Scrub
Rosewater has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help in curing callused heels. Lemon juice has acidic properties that can help to heal callused and dry heels. Glycerin works to soften the skin by drawing water from the air into the skin’s outer layer. It also forms a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss and decrease the chance of developing calluses.
2 teaspoons rosewater
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons glycerine
1 tablespoon salt
Warm water
Pumice stone/foot scrubber
Plastic wrap
Soak feet for 15 20 minutes in warm water with salt, 9 drops of lemon juice, one tablespoon of glycerine, and one teaspoon of rosewater.
Using a pumice stone or a foot scrubber, scrub your callused heels
Then mix one teaspoon of glycerine, one teaspoon of rosewater, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on your callused heels. Leave the mixture on your feet overnight. Cover with plastic wrap and socks.
Wash off with lukewarm water in the morning.
Repeat this for a few days till you cure callused heels.
Vaseline
Vaseline is an effective way to soften callused heels. As far as moisturizing goes, think of Vaseline as creating a thick barrier between your skin and the environment. Use exfoliating gloves to scrub the dry callused heel while bathing. Apply vaseline to the callused heel immediately after bathing, then cover the area with plastic wrap overnight to seal in moisture and nix rough skin.
Get Rid of Calluses on Feet with Listerine
Listerine is designed to use in the mouth, which normally has much more sensitive skin than the feet Listerine contains thymol and alcohol, which help to fight toenail fungus, cure calluses on feet, soothe skin, and treat plantar warts. Both Listerine and the vinegar used in this method contain exfoliating ingredients like benzoic acid that help slough off dead skin. Helping to create softer skin and cure callused heels.
Mix equal parts Listerine, vinegar and water into a bowl so that it completely covers your feet.
Soak for feet for 15 – 20 minutes
Rub the pumice stone over your callused heels and wherever else feels dry.
Rinse clean and follow moisturizing routines shared earlier.
Although your skin may show signs of improvement after initial treatment, it may take several days or weeks to cure callused heels.
In many cases, callused heels aren’t cause for concern. Your footwear matters. Whenever possible, wear shoes with a sturdy, wide heel that supports and cushions your heels. If you’re prone to callused heels, only purchase shoes that fit properly and support your heels. Do not cure callused heels on your own if they’re caused by a medical condition. Special treatment from a podiatrist may be required.
Dealing with calluses on your toes? Check out how to get rid of calluses on toes.